You're bound to over-order at this busy South Indian restaurant in Center City. That's just what happens at a place that smells this good and has a menu the size of a children's picture book. There are typically specials like mutton curry with spicy onion and tomato gravy, a creamy paneer butter masala, and stacks of warm parotta—all of which are great.

This is one comeback that makes me especially happy, because the flavors of Center City’s recent South Indian boom were conspicuously absent. Amma’s, despite a strong existing takeout business, decided to close early in the lockdown. One month later, co-owner Sathish Varadhan and his partners have mastered the protocols, added their own delivery service (call direct) to delivery app collaborations, and are back cooking the kind of bold South Indian specialties that made Amma’s one of my Top 25 restaurants in 2019.

Northern India’s curries, tandoori dishes and bread abound in Philadelphia, but South Indian cuisine is harder to find — and just as delish. Enter Amma’s, a heartfelt tribute to South Indian home cooking from chefs and co-owners Sathish Varadhan and Balakrishnan “Bala” Duraisamy. Taking inspiration from the chefs’ family recipes, the menus at Amma’s (which means mom in Tamil) include traditional South Indian entrees like idli, dosas and dum biryanis and read like books.

Amma’s South Indian Cuisine is a popular Indian restaurant that locals regularly cite as being one of their favorite Indian restaurants in the city. While we have never had Indian food in Philadelphia that really blew us away, we would agree Amma’s is one of the better spots we have been to in the city. They do serve some bread products and sides that contain gluten, but they have a labeled gluten free menu and all of their entrees and curries are naturally gluten free.

People go to Amma’s with high expectations and the restaurant always exceeds those expectations. The dining room is warm and inviting, the staff is friendly, and the paneer masala dosa alone will keep you coming back for more. For a spur-of-the-moment date night, head here and order the Couple’s Combo: You get mutton and chicken biryani, chicken kurma, parotta, raitha and dessert.

Unlike North Indian cuisine, South Indian cuisine is a whole different thing. If you haven't experienced it, start with the Masala Dosa, a huge gluten-free, crispy crepe filled with spiced (but not spicy) potatoes. The sambar soup that comes with the Masala Dosa can be a little spicy, but they also serve it with a cooling coconut chutney.

With it’s original location over the river in Jersey, Amma’s has finally graced us with a Center City location!. Amma’s grants foodies all the flavor, but not too edgy of a spice (don’t worry, it still kicks!). The always bustling restaurant has great options for first timers and OGs.

Amma’s South Indian Cuisine restaurant specializes in Southern Indian cuisine. It’s noted for using fresh, premium ingredients in the healthy and authentic dishes served. The establishment offers meals that are vegan, nut-free, and dairy-free for those with specialized diets.

The Indomitable Flavors of Amma’s South Indian Cuisine: For those seeking a taste of South India, Amma’s offers a variety of traditional dishes made just as ‘amma’ would prepare them. Highlights include kurma masala and Chettinad, showcasing the depth of Indian flavors.

As the name suggests, this restaurant is known for serving delectable South Indian delights. They have a calming environment that allows you to enjoy your meal with your friends and family. The best dishes from Amma’s are mutton curry, parotta, idlis, and dosas.

Amma’s South Indian is one of my favorite places to eat in Philadelphia. They offer some south Indian style of food. This place was hopping even at 9pm.

1518 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102Phone: (215) 563-2917 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Foobooz (@foobooz)

From masala dosas to biryani, there's something for everyone. Plus, they offer a lunch buffet with a variety of dishes to choose from.