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.

Tucked away and hidden in an obscure strip mall, this Middle Eastern restaurant is truly a great Los Angeles find. Marouch Restaurant has garnered much acclaim and has been repeatedly voted as the best in its category thanks to the denizens of this fare Californian metropolis. Specializing in Armenian and Lebanese dishes, Marouch bakes its own pita bread from scratch, offers combination plates and daily specials. All entrees are served with rice, pickles and pita bread, making for a filling meal. From shawarma, kabobs, and falafels, to tabbouleh, and meza appetizers, Marouch has delicious options.

Genwa is a restaurant that deserves all of the fanfare and pomp which describes its food. Diners are always amazed at the amount of banchan (Korean small bites) that arrive at the table prior to their meal. The assortment includes squid, anchovies, pickled spinach, fish cakes, and of course, kimchi. Ask your server for details, because the amount is somewhat overwhelming. Entrees include a marvelously marbled Wagyu beef, thinly sliced and delectably sweet or the 'korean hot pot', a mix of rice, egg, your choice of meat and vegetables. Genwa is the perfect place after a day of visiting museums in the Mid-Wilshire area.

The flavors of Ethiopian cuisine come alive in Los Angeles at Meals by Genet. Do try out the beef and chicken prepared with their special spices and Ethiopian butter. The restaurant also offers tofu and vegetable preparations to cater to the vegetarian and vegan palate. The meat and vegetables along with injera is a wonderful blend of sour and spicy flavors. Located on Fairfax Avenue amidst various other Ethiopian restaurants, Meals by Genet stands apart with its delicious food, elegant ambiance and amicable service.

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.