Badmaash

DTLA's modern Indian restaurant is a family affair, with a father and sons team comprised of chef Pawan, Arjun and Nakul Mahendro. White tiles and black chalkboard walls meet color block banquettes and a central art piece, while vintage Bollywood posters and aluminum tumblers straight from the motherland add authentic flair. Sit at the bar, upstairs or along the sidewalk and take in the Bollywood movies projected on the wall as small plates arrive at the table. Start with street cart classics such as addictive Punjabi Fish Fry; crunchy papri chaat chips served with masala-flavored potato and chickpeas, yogurt and tamarind and mint chutneys; or fried samosas—choose between traditional or butter chicken. Meat eaters can fill up on the lamb burger or spiced mango pork belly, while old schoolers can opt for butter chicken, good ol' saag paneer and tandoori oven faves like naan and Badass Chicken Tikka. Thirsty? New World wines by the glass and bottle and a limited, yet impressive, selection of CA-local beers by the bottle and can. There are also bottle selections that would make any Indian proud—Limca and ThumsUp, India's version of Coke, and ice-cold Kingfisher lager to quell the heat. If that's not enough, cool down your palate with housemade yogurt lassi in cardamom or mango.