This bi-level beauty isn't afraid of making a splash—envision brightly painted walls hung with Indian-themed art, as well as colorful cushions that add a dose of serotonin. The cooking oscillates between classic and contemporary, but this kitchen truly shines at night when the chef shares favorites from his Indian hometown. Start things off right with samosa chaat tossing those potato-and-pea crispy delights with curried chickpeas, a sweet tamarind sauce and spicy cilantro-chili chutney. Cooked in a tandoor, chicken tikka makhani is then bathed in a tomato- and caramelized-onion gravy, scented with fenugreek and spiced up with ginger. Paneer pasanda is beloved by vegetarians, but for an old-meets-new triumph, go for the cauliflower-pecorino kulchas. - MICHELIN guide inspectors