Tantric India Bistro

Tantric India Bistro's vibrant décor of lustrous wood furnishings, striking Indian-inspired artwork, soothingly soft lighting, and an elephant that doubles as an ATM machine gets patrons in the mood to soak up authentic regional fare like a gulab jamun soaking up rose water. Tantric's diverse menu features delectable dakshin dishes from southern India such as the sada dosa, a thin rice-and-lentil crêpe served with a coconut chutney ($7). Vegetarians, for once, can enjoy a full page of menu options such as the bhindi do piaza with fresh okra, tomato-onion reduction, and caramelized onions ($14.95) and the heart-healthy aloo gobi masallam ($13.95). Meat-munchers, meanwhile, can savor tandoori chicken with saffron and garam masala cooked in a clay oven ($15.95) or Kashmiri-style rogan josh (lamb in peppercorn-tomato sauce, $17.95). Vegan and gluten-free options are plentiful as well. Close your meal with a well-choreographed finale of mango cheesecake ($5.95) and creamy, cardamom-infused ras malai ($5.95).