Tabla or Tamarind

[mieliepap32]

Which of these is better in terms of decor, ambiance, indian flavor, etc.

[rrems]

I absolutely love Tabla, but it is IMO more an interpretation of Indian than authentic. I have not been to Tamarind, but the menu appears to be more authentic, or at least more traditional. It is also less expensive. You might want to check out this thread, which includes comments about both:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/351049

[RGR]

The entire restaurant is now Tabla (the Bread Bar has been elminated), and the menu is the same downstairs and upstairs. There is a mix of authentic and Indian-inspired dishes. The food is delicious. Prices are more moderate, much as they were at the less expensive Bread Bar as opposed to the upscale formal diningroom.

Photos of our most recent dinner at Tabla can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11863391@N03/sets/72157622905725130/

http://www.tablanyc.com

The last time we at Tamarind, the food was mediocre. However, that was many years ago, so perhaps it has improved?

[Pookipichu]

I've been to both Tabla and Tamarind, although admittedly I haven't been to Tabla since the Bread Bar reconfiguration... but I would suggest neither. I think that Nirvana is much better than both of them.

The quality of the ingredients at Nirvana is superb, the preparation and spicing are as authentic as you can get outside of Queens. Their desserts are excellent. Nirvana has hands down the best rasmalai in NYC and I've been to every noteworthy Indian restaurant and rajbhog. Ask for it with a little rose water and it is divine.

I would also ask for a light hand with the salt as sometimes the chef is overzealous. But otherwise, everything I've had at Nirvana has been impeccable. The quality is just better than the rest.

Lastly, Nirvana is more reasonably priced. I think that Tamarind and Bread Bar offer inferior food and you will be paying more for it. Not an optimal combination.

[RGR]

As I pointed out in my post above, the Bread Bar has been eliminated. The entire restaurant is now Tabla but with prices closer to those of the Bread Bar.

I've never been to Nirvana. But I, for one, would not describe food that is over-salted as "impeccable."

[Pookipichu]

I know that Bread Bar has been eliminated, I was not talking about the prices of Tabla circa-French fusion. I have been to both Tabla and Bread Bar pre-reconfiguration and based on the food then, it was overpriced and mediocre.

As for Nirvana, I am sensitive to salt so I like a light hand, per my post, "otherwise, everything I've had at Nirvana has been impeccable".

Seems like some people on this board don't read and enjoy being snippy, whatever floats your boat....

[dietndesire]

Have not been to either in quite awhile but Tabla is superior to Tamarind in every way except for the fact that the latter's dishes are closer to traditional Indian dishes, I guess.
To RGR, I doubt Tamarind has gotten better because it had gone quite a ways down hill since it opened.

[UES Mayor]

Both are wondeful BUT I never think of Tabla as Indian since there is so little authentic Indian flavors to make you think you are having Indian fare. However, the food nonetheless is quite wonderful but if its Indian you are craving hit the others recommended on other threads. My faves for Indian in no particular order are Dawat, Devi, Tamarind, Dakshin, and Bay Leaf.

[gutsofsteel]

I'm crazy about the food at Devi, but it is very important to make sure that Chef Hemant Mathur is in the kitchen when you go. When he has a night off, the food suffers noticeably.

[comiendosiempre]

The food at both is good. You will have a wider selection of traditional curries and such at Tamarind. Tamarind is also a more comfortable, luxe venue. We had an excellent meal there a couple of months ago, with good service and a gracious host. Good crowd. Have fun.

[sugartoof]

Skip both options, and go with some of the other suggestions you're getting instead.
Tamarind is a contemporary room, serving flavorless, bland versions of Indian. Basic dishes such as the tandoori chicken are underspiced. Tabla would have been the better choice when Bread Bar is open, but Tabla itself was silly. It's still the better choice for decor, and ambiance.