Arth Bar & Kitchen

Flavorful contemporary dishes make this newer restaurant in Culver stand out within L.A.'s South Asian dining scene, from chicken wings drenched in an Old Monk marinade (India's iconic dark rum) to a lobster moilee, a rich coconut milk curry from the southern state of Kerala traditionally made with shrimp. Modestly priced classics like pav bhaji—vegetable curry sliders—and chicken tikka kebab come loaded with spices, and everything pairs well with Arth's playful desi-inspired cocktails. We particularly enjoyed the jal-jeera mojito, which pairs the popular cumin-based north Indian drink with chili-infused white rum and a touch of peach liqueur. At the bar, a robust weekday happy hour (3–5pm) offers $7 well drinks and shaves $2 off cocktails and small plates like "sexier" curry fries and a crunchy, refreshing masala papad chaat.