Indika

Over centuries, Indian food evolved into an art form as chefs were challenged to create the most original and exotic delicacies for their rajahs. Carrying forth this tradition is Anita Jaisinghani, the India-born chef and co-owner of Indika, whose nouvelle-Indian approach combines contemporary flare with ancient recipes. For an appetizer, try the duck almond kofta in a spiced tomato curry. The entrees include grilled spiced lamb chops with a kashmiri lamb curry and black cumin pilaf or the subtly spiced salmon that is delicately grilled and served with coconut chutney and a green masala sauce. The walls of the restaurant’s Miami-hip interior are bathed in saffron with gauzy aqua curtains and a distressed concrete floor. For a complete experience, start out by sipping one of Indika’s sensuous cocktails on the flower-bedecked patio—we suggest the “Anarkali,” a ruby blend of rum, pomegranate, lime and grated ginger. While there’ll be no turbaned houseboy fanning you or the extravagant sight of the Taj Mahal in the distance, Indika remains a decadent experience that is worth every rupee it will cost you.

Feeling adventurous? Try the goat brains masala.