ARTESIA. Diners from all over LA flock to Ashoka for tandoori dishes, naan, and fish kebabs. In the Little India neighborhood of Artesia, this restaurant is the best-known of local Indian places and is much loved for its authentic clay oven cooking. For a sampling of many fantastic dishes, come to the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet on Saturday and Sunday.

IRVINE. A calming space detailed with draped fabrics, subtle colors, and traditional artwork sets the scene for an updated taste of the subcontinent. The cuisine is an amalgam of past and present, defined by earthy spices and spot-on preparation. Masala-roasted halibut, tandoori-cooked lamb chops, and seared, spiced scallops hint at the menu's richness, along with curries and classics like chicken tikka masala. An outdoor patio is available, and a lounge offers exotic cocktails favored by UC Irvine students and local professionals. Great Sunday brunch buffet too.

SANTA ANA. A favorite with Santa Ana's Indian contingency, Royal Khyber offers traditional Moghali and Tandoori fare in a contemporary, elegant setting. In fact, the restaurant has garnered many local and regional honors, including earning the Gold Award from the Southern California Restaurant Writers and being the first Indian restaurant in North America to receive a major newspaper's "Restaurant of the Year" award. House specialties include lobster masala with ajwain pepper, spicy chicken madras with black pepper curry, and mushroom matar khorma with ghee in Moghlai khorma sauce. Sunday brunch and Friday's buffet are popular events.

ARTESIA. An airy room, complete with tabletop orchids and brocade-covered chairs, sets the stage for this smart, casual restaurant in Artesia's Little India area. Dosai (crepes), idlis (steamed cakes), and curries are only a few of the vegetarian delights served. Most diners order a selection of items and then graciously raid each other's plates ­ it's an accepted practice here!

ANAHEIM. For the best rotisserie chicken and shawarma on the run, Zankou Chicken can't be beat! With a huge delivery and take-out business, this place hops! Although you can dine in the eatery, most folks take their food and eat elsewhere. The bakery has sinfully delicious goodies ­ be sure to get an extra baklava to munch in the car. Fast, tasty food that's inexpensive is the name of the game.