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Tamarind
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Tamarind
8.6
A grand, white-tablecloth Tribeca dining room built for refined, region-spanning Indian cooking with a polished tandoor-and-curry playbook. It’s at its best when you go classic and let the kitchen’s restraint show through smoky grilled seafood, deep gravies, and sharp breads.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster masala, Tandoori prawns, Malai naan
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A scale-tested, Michelin-recognized Tribeca institution for refined Indian classics.
Who should go: Celebrations, expense-account lunches, and big-night Indian cravings
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner for smoother pacing
What to order: Lobster masala, tandoori prawns, malai naan
Insider tip: Keep the order focused: one tandoor item, one rich curry, one bread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Tribeca; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option. Valet is sometimes offered for dinner service, but availability varies.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy. Jeans are fine if styled well, but most guests opt for polished evening or business attire.
Noise level: Moderate-low. Spacious dining room allows for comfortable conversation without feeling hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or minimal wait, especially before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — extensive vegetarian options across appetizers, curries, and breads.
Vegan options: Yes — several vegetable-based dishes can be prepared vegan; confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many curries, grilled items, and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free; naan and breads are the main exceptions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want a refined, impressive setting. The elegant room and attentive service create a confident, polished first-date atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at lunch or early dinner, but weekend evenings are risky. Walk-ins may be seated at off-peak times, but reservations are the safer play.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids who can handle longer meals and richer flavors. Not a casual or high-energy spot for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Formal Indian dining, business meals, and special-occasion nights with consistent execution and a classic, upscale feel.
Skip if: You want casual, street-food-style Indian, quick service, or a budget-friendly meal — there are more relaxed, modern options nearby.
Tamarind
8.4
A grand, polished dining room that makes Indian dinner feel like an occasion, with a menu that rewards a shared, multi-dish order. It’s strongest for romantic nights when you want elegant atmosphere, confident service, and spice-driven comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rack of Lamb (Taj-e-Tamarind), Tandoori Selection, Malai Naan
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A glamorous Tribeca room for refined, region-spanning Indian cooking.
Who should go: Couples who love spice and wine
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother pacing
What to order: Lamb, tandoori, malai naan
Insider tip: Order family-style and share two mains plus a bread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; nearby paid garages in Tribeca are the most reliable option for dinner.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — nice jeans are fine, but this room rewards polished outfits.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but controlled, conversation is easy without feeling hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak Friday and Saturday hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute pause.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — extensive vegetarian options across curries, starters, and breads.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — several vegetable dishes can be prepared vegan if you confirm with the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many curries and grilled items are naturally gluten-free; naan and breads are the main limitation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the elegant room, attentive service, and shared-plate format create easy conversation and a sense of occasion without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekend dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — better for teens who enjoy Indian flavors; the formal atmosphere isn’t geared toward young children.
Best For
Better for: Elegant Indian dining with a romantic, upscale feel and a menu built for sharing multiple dishes.
Skip if: You want ultra-casual Indian food, fast meals, or a budget-friendly neighborhood spot.
Tamarind
8.3
A grand, white-tablecloth Indian dining room that feels built for occasions—high ceilings, polished service, and a menu that rewards a multi-dish order. It’s strongest when you lean into tandoor and rich curries, balance them with breads and lighter sides, and let the room carry the celebratory tone.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tandoori lamb chops, Lobster masala, Malai naan
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A palatial Tribeca dining room for refined, region-spanning Indian cooking.
Who should go: Client dinners, anniversaries, and spice-forward fine dining fans
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother pacing
What to order: Lamb chops, lobster masala, malai naan
Insider tip: Order family-style—two mains plus a bread hits the sweet spot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking in Tribeca; garages nearby. Valet service is typically available in the evenings, but street parking is difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to business-dressy — jeans are fine if polished, but many diners lean upscale.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation-friendly, though the room carries energy during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; longer during holidays or special occasions.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a brief 5–10 minute pause.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — extensive vegetarian offerings with multiple paneer, vegetable, and lentil dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — several dishes can be adapted; flag dairy preferences when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many curries and tandoori items are naturally gluten-free; breads are the main limitation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something elegant and memorable — the room feels impressive without being awkwardly formal, and shared dishes help break the ice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekend dinners and business-heavy time slots.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for well-behaved older kids, but the atmosphere and pacing skew adult; this is better for special occasions than casual family meals.
Best For
Better for: Polished Indian fine dining with a celebratory feel — ideal for business meals, anniversaries, and group dinners where atmosphere matters.
Skip if: You want a casual, quick Indian meal or a budget-friendly night out — smaller neighborhood spots or modern Indian bistros will feel more relaxed and affordable.
Tamarind
8.4
A grand, polished dining room that makes Indian dinner feel like an occasion—high ceilings, crisp service, and a menu that shines when you order in waves. The best move is to anchor with tandoor and a rich curry, then balance with breads and lighter sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Palak chaat, Tandoori lamb chops, Malai halibut (or signature seafood)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A glamorous Tribeca room that elevates Indian dinner into an event.
Who should go: Date nights, family celebrations, client dinners
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother pacing and quieter energy
What to order: Palak chaat, tandoori lamb, one rich curry with naan
Insider tip: Order family-style—two mains, one veg, and breads lands best.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Tribeca, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate—lively enough to feel celebratory, but you can still hold a comfortable conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation is common.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong vegetarian selection with multiple vegetable-focused mains and starters.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—several dishes can be prepared vegan on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many naturally gluten-free curries and tandoor dishes; staff can guide you.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something elevated but not stiff—the room feels impressive without being intimidating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or at lunch, but weekend dinners are tough without planning ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids who enjoy full meals; the setting is more polished than playful.
Best For
Better for: Formal-feeling Indian dining with a glamorous room and polished service, ideal for celebrations or business meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for a casual, quick Indian meal or a budget-friendly neighborhood spot.
Tamarind
8.3
A polished, modern dining room that makes Indian dinner feel like a night out—strong lighting, steady service, and a menu that shines when you build a balanced spread. Best results come from mixing tandoor heat with one rich curry, then letting breads and lighter sides keep it moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Palak chaat, Tandoori lamb chops, Malai naan
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A sleek Tribeca room delivering upscale, crowd-pleasing Indian classics.
Who should go: Client dinners, groups, and date nights that want polish
When to visit: Weeknights for calmer energy and smoother timing
What to order: Palak chaat, tandoor starter, one curry with naan
Insider tip: Order in waves—start with chaat, then land mains together.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Tribeca; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jeans are fine, but polished shoes and a put-together look fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate — lively dining room but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; longer during peak dinner hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait most days, especially before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong vegetarian options across chaat, curries, and sides.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable curries and lentil dishes can be made vegan if you ask.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many naturally gluten-free curries and rice dishes; staff is knowledgeable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished room, shareable menu, and steady pacing make it easy to relax without feeling too formal or chaotic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended for dinner and weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids — flavors skew bold and the room feels adult-focused rather than family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: A refined, modern Indian dining experience that works equally well for business meals and date nights.
Skip if: You want ultra-casual Indian food, deep regional specialization, or a quick, budget-friendly meal.
Tamarind
8.3
A polished Tribeca dining room where classic Indian dishes land with fine-dining control—precise sauces, careful heat, and a steady, professional rhythm. It’s strongest for client dinners and celebrations when you want a high-comfort menu that still feels elevated, with a private room option for tighter gatherings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster masala, Chingri malai, Bamboo aloo chop
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A refined Indian menu built for polished group dining with a true private room.
Who should go: Client dinners, celebrations, and upscale group nights
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or weekday lunch for smooth pacing
What to order: Lobster masala, chingri malai, bamboo aloo chop
Insider tip: Ask about the Private Dining Room and Lotus Room options.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; several paid garages within 1–2 blocks. Weeknights are manageable, weekends tighter.
Dress code: Smart casual to business formal. Jeans are fine, but most guests lean polished.
Noise level: Moderate-low — conversation-friendly even for business dinners.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; private rooms require advance booking.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short 5–10 minute hold.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — extensive vegetarian menu with full-flavor, non-afterthought dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — several vegetable dishes can be prepared vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many naturally gluten-free options; staff is knowledgeable and accommodating.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want a polished, low-risk setting. It’s refined and calm rather than trendy or playful.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible at weekday lunch or early weeknight dinner, but reservations are strongly recommended for evenings and groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults. Older kids who enjoy Indian food will be comfortable, but it’s not geared toward young children.
Best For
Better for: Client dinners, polished group meals, and private dining where consistency and comfort matter.
Skip if: You’re looking for fiery regional Indian, casual energy, or a buzzy late-night scene.
Tamarind
8.3
A polished, boardroom-friendly Indian dining room where the service stays professional and the menu reads as celebration-worthy without becoming fussy. It’s strongest for client lunches and milestone meetings when you want a confident, upscale rhythm and dishes that share cleanly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Masala, Paalak Chaat, Chingri Malai Curry
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: An upscale Indian menu with steady pacing for high-stakes lunches.
Who should go: Client lunches and celebratory meetings
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the calmest service
What to order: Paalak chaat, lobster masala, a tandoori item
Insider tip: Order family-style so dishes land in a clean, shareable cadence.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited; nearby paid garages within a few blocks are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Business casual to dressy—suits fit right in, jeans are fine if paired with a polished top or blazer.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy conversation even during busy lunches.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait with reservations readily available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong vegetarian selection across appetizers and mains.
Vegan options: Yes—several naturally vegan dishes and others that can be adjusted on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many curries and tandoori dishes are naturally gluten-free; staff is knowledgeable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for established dates or professional chemistry—polished and comfortable, but more refined than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? At lunch, often yes if you arrive early; dinner is tougher—reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older, well-behaved kids—this is a calm, upscale room without kid-focused amenities.
Best For
Better for: High-stakes business lunches where refined service, shareable dishes, and a composed atmosphere matter.
Skip if: You want a casual, spicy, or high-energy Indian experience—there are livelier, more informal options nearby.