Top-notch Southern Indian cuisine lures professional couples and curious types to this stylish Coolidge Corner eatery.

The Scene
With soft lighting and handsome wooden floors and tables, Rani presents an exceptionally attractive environment for an Indian restaurant. Diners near the front of the room enjoy floor-to-ceiling views of busy Beacon Street, a welcome distraction from the high noise levels when the room is packed. If there's a wait for a table, melt into the reception area's comfy couch and select a glass from the affordable wine list.

The Food
Rani's extensive menu includes the familiar (warming curries, crunchy samosas) and the foreign (hard-to-find specialties from the Southern city of Hyderabad). Among the latter, try the kairi murg--chicken curry made with tangy green mangoes--or the chutney gosht (pulled lamb tossed with spices). Courteous servers are pleased to discuss the heat quotient of lethal currie like mirchi ka salan; beware the extraordinarily hot green peppers. For dessert, cool off with an order of creamy kheer (rice pudding).