Harden's survey result
Summary
“Tamarind never disappoints”, with the “consistently fabulous food” that made it one of the earliest of the new wave of modern upscale Indians in London when it opened 30 years ago (and the first to bag a star from the French tyre men six years later). It remains “a real find for quality Indian food among its plutocratic competitors in Mayfair” – with “an innovative and wide selection of wonderful dishes, always getting the balance between spice and flavour just right”. Top Tip – “very reasonably priced lunch set menu”.
Summary
Famous more than 20 years ago as the first Indian restaurant in London to bag a Michelin star, this Mayfair stalwart still wins fans with “brilliantly cooked and presented” cuisine that plays second fiddle to few places in the capital. “A table upstairs is the more pleasant choice” than in the basement. Top Menu Tips – “signature char-grilled lamb chops with crispy pistachio nut crumb – so tender and flavourful – and the Hyderabadi Lamb Biryani served in a pot with pastry crust… definitely melt-in-the-mouth”.
Summary
The world’s first Indian restaurant to bag a Michelin star (in 2001) – this “sophisticated and glamorous” Mayfair linchpin has neither lost its way, nor remained pre-eminent: it just continues to plough its own distinctive path. The kitchen “always finds a neat twist to traditional favourites” and succeeds in delivering “stunning presentation and wonderful flavours”. And “despite its top quality food and location, the bill isn’t bad either”. Top Tips – “the vegetarian fare is particularly delicious”; and “the lunchtime menu is great value”.
Summary
“An absolutely fabulous place”, this pioneer of upscale Indian food for almost 30 years (and the first in the world to bag a Michelin star) is flying high again after a major refurb doubled the size of its Mayfair premises a couple of years ago. “Despite newcomers” taking curry to new levels, fans say “this remains the best Indian food” – “the brilliant taster menu is exceptional and demonstrates the skill and versatility of the kitchen” (now run by Karunesh Khanna, formerly head chef of Amaya).
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Tamarind?
20 Queen St, London, W1J 5PR
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £29.00 | £34.00 |  |
|
 |
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 85.00 | Always available |
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £5.00 | £28.00 | £8.00 | £0.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £28.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £6.00 |
| Service | 15.00% |
20 Queen St, London, W1J 5PR
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:15 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:15 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:15 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:15 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:15 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:15 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:15 pm |
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