With innovative offerings like crispy tamarind glazed pork belly and chicken tikka poutine, this downtown gastropub will change the way you look at Indian food. Soaring ceilings and a wall covered in colorful horizontal stripes greets patrons in the dining room. Contemporary light fixtures punctuate the entire space. Kitschy Bollywood posters adorning the walls complete the decor; a refreshing change from the done-to-death exotic themes prevalent in most Indian restaurants. The menu offers a mix of traditional and quirky creations. Street food favorites like papri chaat and samosas start off the proceedings. Traditional favorites include the butter chicken, smoked eggplant mash and chicken tikka masala. The spiced lamb burger has received accolades and should not me missed. The drinks list offers a choice of wines, beers as well as Indian cola imports like ThumsUp and Limca.

Touted to be one of the best places to savor Indian food, the Samosa House is a must-visit for lovers of Indian cuisine. Relish the delicious Indian delights like Samosas, Pakoras, curries, and tasty drinks like Lassi, Chai, or Ginger Beer. Patrons will be delighted with the selection and helpful hands at the superb shop attached near the restaurant. The shops shelves are packed with jars of chutneys, sauces, spices, and a selection of flours, including gram and chickpeas, and everything you'll ever need to make a curry from scratch. Don't leave without sampling the homemade pickles or baked goods.

The gracious couple who owns this traditional and dependable Indian restaurant makes it one of L.A.'s best. Superb renditions of standards like the 'Chicken Tikka' are a pleasure to eat and as authentic as anything you'd find in New Delhi. Unusual offerings, like the 'Dai Papri' (fried lentil wafer chips tossed with potatoes, onion, cilantro, and yogurt) are excellent and worth returning for again and again. The prices are gentle on your wallet too, which makes the experience all the more enjoyable.

India's Oven a favorite among locals continues to keep patrons happy with excellent food at very fair prices. It's not the most elegant choice in town, but does Wolfgang Puck offer a sizzling Chicken Tikka like this place does? The menu is not especially adventurous, but when you want your chicken, lamb or beef tender and covered in a great curry sauce, this is the place to enjoy it. Try the Tandoori Chicken—the spicy, red-tinged meat literally falls off the bone. Paneer Tikka, Malai Kofta and Navaratan Korma are some of the delicacies veggies might want to try. Ask the chef to to go easy on the spices if you can't handle red hot Indian food. There's a decent wine list and, oh yes, also on the menu are those wonderful Indian beers.

This one-room establishment serves good food at very affordable prices. Weekday lunch specials begin at very cheap price for a large plate with freshly baked naan. You won't find a better bargain. Combination dinner specials are offered at low prices and are enough for even the hungriest eater. The decor is traditional Indian and the service is fast and friendly. If you are nearby, stop in for a bite at the Taste of India.