If you consider kababs then Samarkand is anytime better than Sufi. Even knowing that Sufi serves Arabian foods when Samarkand offers northern Frontier food I would go for Samarkand. I have never had softer lamb kabab anywhere else than Samarkand. Lamb kababs in Sufi is not at all soft and tasty. Sufi has a typical natural ambience which goes well with Arabian theme but the interior of Samarkand is so well designed that it is one of the best in Bangalore. End of the day I would recommend anyone to visit Samarkand over Sufi.
One has to have real good inclination towards Arabian food to like all the dishes in Sufi while Samarkand is made for indian taste buds. I have not found a single item yet in Samarkand which I do not want to have second time. Rather whatever new dish I explore for the first time I find it so good that I repent for not having it yet.