Benares Indian Restaurant - NYC
Indian · Tribeca · $
Indian · Tribeca, New York, NY · $$
Restaurateur Avtar walia passion about Indian cuisine created Tamarind. Seats at heart of Tribeca a history district. That’s been around for more than a decade. Opened the first location in flatiron district in 2001. The restaurant has been recalibrating the perception of Indian food and fine dining with its team of highly skilled chefs and wait staff who represent the cultural and culinary diversity of India with the sensibility and sophistication that contemporary times demand.
“After being here several times, I am embarrassed that I never left a review of this incredible restaurant. Our most recent visit was during Mother’s Day 2026. On this day guests were given the opportunity to order from the regular menu or the Mother’s Day menu. As per usual, the employees at Tamarind were highly professional , organized, and attentive. The food was simply amazing. After a quick review, our party of four unanimously ordered from the Mother’s Day menu. I have never been so impressed by a singular holiday menu. It offered an array of specialties, and it truly delivered. Reservations are highly recommended, as is the establishment. We look forward to our next visit.”
“My wife and I stopped in for a Valentine’s Day lunch on a very cold February afternoon, and some warm Indian spices and rich curry felt like the perfect choice for the day. Tamarind Tribeca presents itself as an upscale Indian dining destination, and the moment you walk in, that impression holds true. The expansive bar area is elegant, the seating is thoughtfully arranged, and the décor strikes a nice balance between sophistication and comfort. The ambiance feels refined without being overwhelming. The service was another highlight. The waitstaff were courteous, attentive, and paced the meal well, making us feel welcomed throughout our visit. The menu is expansive and appears to change frequently, which makes it ideal for repeat visits. I was initially hoping to try their executive lunch menu so we could sample a wider variety of dishes, but it wasn’t available that day. Instead, we ordered from the main menu and began with the appetizers. The Bataki Kosha – minced duck hand-rolled in a rice crepe – was beautifully prepared and full of flavor. The Tellicherry Pepper Murgh, pan-seared chicken bites finished with bold Tellicherry pepper and curry leaves, was equally impressive. Both starters were absolutely delicious and set high expectations for the rest of the meal. For the mains, we ordered the Vegetable Pulao, Garlic Naan, and Chicken Shahi Korma. The pulao unfortunately was a disappointment, as it had an overpowering amount of turmeric that threw off the balance of the dish. However, the Chicken Shahi Korma was rich, creamy, and well executed, pairing nicely with the fresh and flavorful garlic naan. To drink, we had a Mango Lassi and a Pomegranate & Ginger mocktail, both of which were refreshing and well made. Tamarind Tribeca is definitely on the pricier side for Indian cuisine, but given the upscale setting, quality of service, and overall dining experience, it’s not unexpected. Despite the miss with the pulao and the unavailable lunch menu, we truly enjoyed our meal and the atmosphere. We would definitely revisit when we’re in the area.”
“Stopped in for lunch in January 2026. It was a cold day so some Indian spice and curry was the perfect for lunch. It was also restaurant week so the lunch menu was nicely put together in 3 courses which was jus perfect. The place is upscale Indian with an expansive bar area. The sitting are is also nicely put together. The decor was appropriate and the ambiance balanced. The wait staff was good and courteous and served well. They were attentive. The dining options are expansive and changes frequently. I was very happy with my choices. Will definitely revisit here when in the area. It is comparatively expensive for Indian cuisine, but this is upscale so not unexpected. Will revisit again.”
“MLK lunch. Nice special allowing variety. We tried most in Executive Lunch menu (both appetizer, all entree except lamb both dessert) plus chicken and extra nan. Was with Indian food novice so good treat. Starter nice. Shrimp (Tawa Jhinga) appetizer very good. For entree, chicken fish very easy picking. Rice and vegetables add flavors. Smoked mashed eggplant (Baingan Bharta) also nice. Fish and chicken breast tasty, easy for those whose prefererence less spicy. Dessert both not so sweet, subtle. Glass enclosed open kitchen to see tandoori at work. High ceiling, good bench tables, bar as well spacious. Good bright decor with silhouette curtains. Service excellent. Moving table to make way. Initial metal plate then clean bright china plates. Water filled frequently. Checking up making sure. Also language very polite. Overall pleasant dining experience. Will recommend others.”
“I came all the way from Toronto having heard so much about Tamarind, and honestly, I left feeling let down. The malai kofta was the one standout dish, and I wish I could say the same for everything else. The dal makhani was genuinely bad, which is hard to pull off at a restaurant with this reputation. The malai chicken was tough and overcooked, nowhere close to what you’d expect at a fine dining price point. The truffle naan, which I was looking forward to, was just average. The service made it worse. The staff seemed like they were in a rush to clear us out. My starter plate was taken away before my main course had even arrived. For a restaurant that positions itself as fine dining, that kind of attentiveness is the bare minimum, and they couldn’t manage it. I genuinely wanted to love this place, and I had built up the visit. But between the inconsistent food and the indifferent service, it did not live up to the reputation or the price tag. I won’t be coming back, and if you do go, I’d steer clear of the dal makhani and the malai chicken.”
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