Everyone is talking about the new wave of Indian restaurants in New York right now. Down in Tribeca, Tamarind has been doing South Asian fine dining for a quarter century, and Eater’s latest Dining Report says it is still somehow flying under the radar.
Owner Avtar Singh Walia opened Tamarind in Flatiron in 2001. He expanded into Tribeca in 2010, then shuttered the original location in 2013. This year the restaurant turned 25, a milestone in a city where plenty of well-reviewed spots don’t make it past year three.
The room is the first thing Eater points to. It runs two floors and 11,000 square feet, making it a sprawling, elegant space by any Manhattan standard. The reviewer’s seating tip: ask for one of the luxe booths, which feel like a private nook. If a booth isn’t your thing, there’s also seating at the bar and at free-standing tables, both small and long, so the place can handle a date night or a bigger group.
Eater also notes that Kelis, the New York-born-and-raised singer-songwriter, is a huge fan of the cooking here. It’s a nice bit of celebrity color, but the review’s real argument is longevity: Tamarind has held down the South Asian fine dining fort for years while the city’s Indian dining conversation has been dominated by newer arrivals.
If you’re looking for the easiest way in, Eater recommends lunch. The daytime prix fixe features a different regional Indian cuisine every month and costs $43. There’s also an a la carte option for anyone who wants to build their own meal. The monthly regional rotation means a return visit can mean an entirely different part of the Indian subcontinent on the plate.
The reviewer also had a small service note worth passing along. The team wrapped the leftovers in plastic wrap to prevent any potential leakage and spills, a detail anyone who has carried takeout containers home on the 1 train will appreciate.
The Dining Report is part of Eater’s series of firsthand restaurant visits, covering the vibe and the must-order dishes. For Tamarind, the takeaway is simple: a 25-year-old Tribeca institution with a big room, a $43 weekday lunch and a quiet track record, still waiting for the crowd to catch up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the weekday lunch prix fixe cost at Tamarind in Tribeca?
The daytime prix fixe lunch at Tamarind costs $43 and features a different regional Indian cuisine each month. An a la carte option is also available.
When did Tamarind open and where?
Tamarind opened in Flatiron in 2001, expanded to Tribeca in 2010, and closed the original location in 2013. The restaurant turned 25 this year.
Who owns Tamarind restaurant in New York?
Tamarind is owned and run by Avtar Singh Walia. The restaurant spans two floors and 11,000 square feet.
Is Kelis a fan of Tamarind’s food?
Yes, Eater notes that Kelis, the New York-born singer-songwriter, is a huge fan of the cooking at Tamarind.
What is the seating like at Tamarind in Tribeca?
Tamarind has luxe booths that feel like private nooks, plus seating at the bar and free-standing tables of various sizes. This makes it suitable for date nights and larger groups.
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