When Amber opened in 1995, it was no doubt the best Indian restaurant in the Bay Area. However, during late 1999 and early 2000, service and food quality declined. Happily, it seems that Amber has now turned the corner, paid attention to food quality and to the many details which combined makes for a great restaurant visit.
On the good side: Kebabs, tandoor dishes and most buttery sauces. Meat and vegetable quality is up to top-standard again. The breads are good but not always warm. The decor is beautiful and well maintained. The prices are very reasonable - almost too reasonable given the level of ambiance and ambition.
The dessert kulfi is back to being a true experience. For a while this dish, too, had declined.
The small lobby is filled with people who wait - but during my last two visits reservations were honored, and we were promptly ushered through the crowds to the waiting table. On the downside, the wait after being seated was long at our last visit. 10 minutes for the menu to show, 10 minutes more for the waiter to show, and additionally 35 minutes for the food to show. Don't go if you are starved.
While the service now is reasonably efficient - you may still wait for water or for food - it is impersonal. You do not leave with the feeling that anybody cared that you were there or what you ordered.
Since they look to turn the tables as fast as possible, the check is presented with the dessert.

Recommended: Yes

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