Flavors, Jacksonville

With an arsenal of seasonings and an artist’s touch, Flavors' chefs refute the common conception that all Indian food is spicy. Though many of their chicken, lamb, and seafood specialties hold the bite of fresh chilies and blended spices, a wide variety carry the more delicate flavors of rich cream, tangy tomato sauce, and mild curry. All their dishes have one thing in common, though: they all follow the outline of centuries-old recipes from across India while taking on contemporary flair and innovations.

Beyond the kitchen lies an elegant dining room, where knowledgeable servers refill glasses of fine wine and explain unfamiliar dishes to curious customers—detailing preparation techniques, listing ingredients, and demonstrating how to pronounce their names in Klingon. Come lunchtime, the lengthy buffet fills with freshly made platters of Indian dishes, enabling guests to sample a wide variety of tandoori meats, curries, and traditional dishes. Before taking their leave, diners linger over the last sips of mango lassi at linen-clothed tabletops and cushy green booths, surrounded by the vibrant artwork of local artist Neelima Gole.