Famed Indian restaurant coming to Newport Coast

Tamarind, the acclaimed London restaurant specializing in Indian cooking, has announced plans to open its first restaurant in the United States and U.S. flagship in Newport Coast.

Tamarind will open this summer in the Crystal Cove Promenade at East Coast Highway and Crystal Heights Drive, a restaurant official said.

The restaurant focuses on friendly, accessible service and cuisine that blends Indian dishes with American ingredients, such as in their seafood menu options, said Randall Hiatt, president of Fessel International, a Costa Mesa-based restaurant consulting firm hired by Tamarind for the move.

“Tamarind uses indigenous ingredients and cooking techniques, but presents them in their own style, which is what I noted in London, and they’re very excited to bring it to America,” he said.

The Newport Coast location was chosen because the promenade fits the upscale, high-profile dinning atmosphere that matches the original Tamarind, located in London’s swank Mayfair section.

The architecture and interior design of the new restaurant will reflect its Indian roots and seat up to 144 people both indoors and on the patio, according to a news release.

“For more than 15 years, Tamarind has been an exceptional restaurant in London and has helped change perceptions of Indian cuisine,” Keith Eyrich, president of Irvine Co.’s Retail Properties division, said in a prepared statement.

“Newport Beach has a proven track record for launching new and exclusive concepts to the local diner and we feel this is an ideal addition to Crystal Cove Promenade.”

Tamarind will be open daily for lunch and dinner. Valet parking will be available inside the promenade, according to the release.