A polished Mayfair destination for contemporary Indian cooking, especially strong at lunch and on grills, but expensive, occasionally inconsistent, and a poor fit for families with children under 10.
Tamarind delivers solid food quality with praised layered flavours and presentation, yet inconsistent dish execution across visits prevents a stronger grade. Service and elegant Mayfair setting impress most diners, though value perception divides sharply between lunch and dinner pricing, keeping it from approaching grade A territory.
Tamarind is a polished Mayfair dining room where the room, terrace, and attentive table service set an unmistakably special-occasion tone. Reviews repeatedly describe elegant decor and warm hospitality, with one diner summing up the experience as food that “naturally holds your attention.” The terrace is the room to request when available, although occasional reports mention noise, uncomfortable seating, or a less welcoming arrival. The cooking is contemporary Indian rather than straightforward curry-house comfort food: regional references meet refined presentation, seafood, grills, chutneys, roe, and carefully layered spice. Churi chaat, coconut-chilli seabass, grilled aubergine, kebabs, and desserts are frequent bright spots, while lamb chops, biryanis, lobster, and rich curries show more variation. The £29 two-course and £34 three-course lunches are the clearest value; dinner can easily feel like a serious splurge once drinks and supplements enter the picture. Families need to read the policy carefully. The menu has vegetarian dishes, rice, roti, paneer, potatoes, ice cream, and familiar chicken preparations, but this is not an easygoing children’s restaurant: several reviews report that children under 10 are not admitted for dinner, and a dairy-allergy visit ended badly despite advance notice. Confirm age rules and allergies directly before travelling.
Area vibe: Upscale, residential-commercial district known for boutique shopping and refined dining.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit streets with steady evening footfall and good public transport links.
What's nearby: Near Oxford Street/Marylebone High Street, close to Bond Street tube and boutique shopping, hotels and restaurants.
Build a meal around the Churi Chaat, Coconut & Chilli Seabass, and one of Tamarind’s refined grills, with several £11 desserts to finish.
Expect a refined but expensive dinner with adventurous flavours, plus important age and allergy checks before you travel.
The setting is elegant and occasion-worthy, especially on the terrace, though comfort and service can be uneven.