Nirvana   

Wedged between two concrete columns on K Street, this Indian eatery offers an entirely vegetarian menu in a peaceful teal-tinted interior. The long L-shaped space offers tables for one, two or more, along with cozy banquettes and a wood-trimmed bar. Nirvana relies on powerful flavors to fuel familiar Indian dishes, including foot-long dosas filled with potato-vegetable curries and tamarind biryani, rice mixed with crunchy nuts and chewy raisins served with side of yogurt. Even the salads pack a spicy sting. The house salad Nirvana -- cabbage, carrots, tomatoes and cilantro -- arrives coated in a dressing spiced with cumin, black salt and mango powder. Downtowners and bargain hunters love the $10 lunch buffet where menu choices change daily to reflect regional foods of India. Relax over dinner, drop by for takeout or stop by the bar to sip a smooth somra, an Indian drink made with milk, mixed nuts and rum.