Ambiance in Ethnic Restaurants

The other day my husband remarked that he would LOVE to go to an Indian/Ethiopian restaurant that had an interior similar to the Along Came Polly scene, where a group of friends could go sit in a laid back, cultural setting and share a meal.

Several new spots have opened that we haven't had a chance to visit yet, but do any of them fit this mold?

I am not 100% sure if this is open yet or if it even meets your criteria of "an interior similar to the Along Came Polly scene" as I haven't seen Along Came Polly... But when Queen of Sheba first opened in the old Mazonni's location the owner told me he planned to convert the back area (which Mazonni's used for carryout) into a traditional Ethiopian dining area which would allow small to midsized parties to enjoy a traditional Ethiopian dinning experience.

I hope that helps?

[Robin Garr]

The folks at the recently reviewed and much-praised DakShin Indian out Bardstown Road have put a lot of effort into creating an authentic Chennai (South India) environment, although interestingly, it came out looking a bit like the kind of hunting lodge scene where you might expect to run into Todd Palin or someone.

The folks at the recently reviewed and much-praised DakShin Indian out Bardstown Road have put a lot of effort into creating an authentic Chennai (South India) environment, although interestingly, it came out looking a bit like the kind of hunting lodge scene where you might expect to run into Todd Palin or someone.

I thought BBQ the first time I went inside.

I think we may try DakShin tonight. I know Red Pepper has that private room also. I'd like to find some place with pillows, where I can sit on the floor and lounge, but that isn't going to happen. Thanks guys. I'll just have to go back to NYC to get my ambiance fix.

Judging by some of the chairs I've sat on in some restaurants I'd say most establishments don't want anyone to linger longer than it takes to consume a meal. Which I think is foolish given that desserts and after dinner drinks can really up the ante on a check.

Hik-O-Man, the Japanese restaurant on Herr Lane (Westport Plaza), has a nice traditional private dining room...

Caviar Sushi, downtown on Muhammad Ali between 4th and 5th, has a private dining room in traditional Japanese style (one table, seats maybe 10-12).