Mela

Peppered with paper lanterns and serene Eastern artwork, Mela Indian Cuisine offers an extensive menu of modern-minded Indian cuisine. Behind the bistro's striking pink and gold windows lurk chef specialties such as the subz panchmael, with a trifecta of bell peppers, artichokes, and bean sprouts drenched in panch-phoran-flavored tomato and green cardamom sauce ($15), or the beef coconut curry flecked with mustard seeds ($13), offsetting sweetness with spice, not unlike a gingerbread cookie in a bikini. Hot-stone entrees are seared by diners at the table on a sizzling oiled stone slab, with delicious DIY options such as prime lamb chops ($21) and scallops and salmon ($24). Mela Indian Cuisine also harbors abundant vegetarian options including fresh dishes such as Gobhi Charchi, cauliflower cooked up with ginger, garlic, potatoes, and Indian spices ($13), and subcontinental classics such as charcoal-fired tandoori, fiery meat, fish, and vegetable curries, and creamy masala. Raging inner fires can be quenched with a cool pistachio shake ($4), not to be confused with the official dance move of the Nut Farmers’ Annual Ball.