A refreshingly stylish departure from Curry Hill's in-and-out tandoori mills.

The Scene
Poised to save the neighborhood from Sixth Street stereotyping, this fashionable Indian restaurant adds a splash of style to the area. Young subcontinentals and hip locals populate the chic bi-level space, with candlelit earth-toned mellowness reigning on the lower level and fresh greenery and palm-print wallpaper setting a tropical buzz upstairs. Clubby music kicks in when sitar players break.

The Food
Eye-pleasing dishes blend northern and southern styles with careful seasoning marking each dish. Chunks of chicken ''sixty five'' reap the succulent, aromatic benefits of an overnight marinade of ginger, garlic and shallots; while vegetable samosas, bursting with potato and chickpeas, are baked to spare diners the grease. Tandoori lobster emerges a tad dry and chewy, but bright spicing overshadows its flaws. Timid palates will take to the soothing malai kofta, ricotta cheese balls in a saffron cream sauce. Homemade desserts like the light, not-too-sweet mango mousse further break the mold.

Editorial Review

Contemporary Indian restaurant and lounge offers spiced dishes paired with designer house cocktails.