Tamarind, Avtar Walia’s hit Indian restaurant in the Flatiron district, has just opened a capacious and elegantly understated location in Tribeca, designed by Wid Chapman. As you can see here, the two-level, 175-seat space is flooded with natural light, thanks to almost 100 feet of windows throughout the restaurant. We really like the look of this place—all the Brazilian teak ("sustainable"!) and sunshine makes us want to wander in barefoot off the beach and order a giant mango lassi. (We'll have to settle for strolling in off the Hudson River park.) In case you're wondering, the lovely flowers you see on every table are Vanda orchids from Thailand.

The menu features contemporary dishes inspired by cuisine from across India's diverse regions. These include Suflani Machli, Sea bass with hung yogurt, dill, lime zest, and coated with mixed peppercorns ($26); Lobster Masala, lobster with mustard seeds, tamarind, coconut milk and Madras curry powder ($32); and an appetizer of Bataki Kosha, Duck with mustard, onion, garlic, ginger and garam masala, hand rolled in a rice crepe with black salt and tangerine chutney ($10.50.) Lunch is served daily, with a three course "Executive Lunch" in the $20 range. (Check out the menus here.)

At the entrance there's a bar and cocktail lounge with a marble and onyx bar, and a communal wine table framed by a wall of Brazilian teak, lit by an illuminated wine display. The wine list is greatly expanded beyond the Flatiron Tamarind's selection, and there are, naturally, a variety of specialty cocktails. These include the Tamarind Margarita (Jose Cuervo Tequila, Grand Marnier, Orange and Cranberry Juice, Tamarind, $11) which maybe we'll order instead of the lassi.

Tamarind // 99 Hudson Street // (212) 775-9000