Orissa in Dobbs Ferry: First Look
Orissa is the sleek, new contemporary Indian bistro that opened over the winter in a former insurance office in downtown Dobbs Ferry. The food isn’t the typical heavily sauced stews you’re used to in many Indian restaurants. For example, check out these Fennel Infused Lamb Chops that our photographer Mark Vergari shot recently:
Owners Niall Cain and Cynthia Caracta (he’s an architect; she’s a pharmaceutical researcher) —
— have completely renovated the space with minimalist décor, There are bamboo walls, luxurious fabric on the banquettes and thoughtful details like good lighting and nice flowers. Bottles of wine are displayed in lighted shadow boxes built into the walls.
The menu has both traditional Indian dishes and classic Western dishes flavored by Indian influences. A steak is rubbed with Indian spices, lamb is infused with fennel and served with tomato chutney, and there’s a bison burger on the lunch menu. There’s also paella, tamarind shrimp, and familiar dishes such as chicken tikka masala.
Here’s the Tamarind Shrimp appetizer:
Clockwise from front: Tamarind Shrimp appetizer; Chicken Tikka Masala and Fennel Infused Lamb Chops:
The wine list has 35 to 40 wines from around the world, including India, and 8 to 10 of them are served by the glass.
There’s also a boutique within the restaurant. Small decorative, food-related items such as cork stoppers, napkin holders and trays imported from India are for sale.
Orissa is lovely, and the food is terrific.
The pumpkin soup, pureed eggplant, chicken tikka masala and sag paneer are to die for! And the nan! The servers are almost comical in their eagerness to please, which only adds to the charm of this restaurant.
Neither my daughter nor I care much for kebabs, but we crave Orissa’s chicken kebabs!
If I had to list cons, I would say that I wish there was a sampler dish, more small side dishes, or something that allows you to experience more than the one flavor of your entree. Also, the raita is not my thing, and I usually love it.
This is a comfortable, pretty and welcoming place. The wines are delicious. The prices are comparable to anywhere else, though the $12 lunch is a bargain.