Masala Spices of India   

It's refreshing to see an Indian restaurant veer from the trappings of Hindu god statuettes and British colonial ornamentation. Masala's gorgeous interior could easily work for a trendy fusion eatery or new-wave steak house. Glittering burgundy mosaic glass columns rise across the room, amplifying candlelight in the romantically lit space to put samosa-sharing couples in amorous moods. The owner also runs nearby Monsoon, and Bombay in Hillcrest, two of San Diego's finest spots for Indian fare. With Masala, the cuisine favors a little more modern, international edge, with appetizers like aloo (potatoes) getting an almost Latin essence. Tandoori and curry dishes are, of course, offered, as well as a favorable amount of vegetarian dishes made with tofu or paneer. The downtown crowd will be happy to find an ample wine list and numerous specialty martinis, notably the Banditini, with vodka, Chambord and lime juice. Even though the kitchen closes down for a couple hours between lunch and dinner, happy hour drink specials make the bar a cozy stop.