Benares or Tamarind?

[pj26]

Would like to take my boyfriend to a top-end Indian restaurant for his birthday - was thinking either Benares or Tamarind. Anyone been recently and any preference?

[zuriga1]

There's also Amaya, although the only one I know who's eaten there was a visiting relative who liked it very much. Many people (not me) complain that the Cinnamon Club is a bit too far out to be good Indian food. I like that it's not what one gets at the usual, local restaurant. For me that's different and interesting, plus the decor is very nice.

[pj26]

I think the Cinammon Club might be what I am after - we have some great local Indians but want the different and intersting stuff - looks like more of an 'occassion' place.
Thanks for all the suggestions

[t_g]

fyi tamarind just lost its michelin star

i've read a few ppl on this board who like quilon tho (another high end indian place)

[pj26]

Thansk - I had read a couple of reviews where they thought Tamarind had got a little rough around the edges.
Am also considering Quilon and maybe the Cinammon Club. I want it to be pretty special so its the overall experience I'm after

[PhilD]

What about the revamped "Bombay Brasserie"?The BB hasn't been reviewed yet but looks really good and the open kitchen looks interesting - thanks to DollyDagger for the links:

http://blog.city-eating.com/2009/01/snap-of-the-week-bombay-brasseries-slick-new-look.html

http://www.london-eating.co.uk/menu/2...

[pj26]

That sounds great, although it might be a bit of a shlep for us - we live in East London so as much as I would like to make this special , spending a bit on dinner then another £80 or so on cabs might be pushing the limits of my love (and wallet!). Sorry for being so picky (will definitely be trying out that Sunday buffet though)