Akbar Cuisine of India Santa Monica, Santa Monica

At Kochi South Indian Cuisine, the tandoors are always busy, whether they're puffing up naan and paratha breads or baking the spices into traditionally prepared lamb and chicken, as well as unusual house specialties. The grilled Chilean sea bass, one of the restaurant's most popular dishes, scintillates taste buds with herb-marinated slivers of fish. The unconventional twists on traditional flavors last through dessert, which can include mango cheesecake.

Chef and owner Avinash Kapoor pickles fresh chutneys each day. His staff also gives the pepper-lamb curry a hint of saffron and the prawns an unfounded rumor of coconut. The menu also features coco lamb, chicken tikka masala, and saag paneer. The made-to-order curries, in particular, make ideal diving pools for freshly baked roti.