Red Lentil is an unusual place. Chef and owner Pankaj Pradhan was raised in New Delhi and is a vegetarian; all the grains and many ingredients are organic. The most popular appetizer on the menu is gobi Manchurian ($8.50) — deep-fried cauliflower tossed with sweet and hot peppers in an Indian tomato sauce spiced with ginger, cumin, and paprika. — Sheryl Julian
RED LENTIL 600 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, 617-972-9188, theredlentil.com