There are a lot of reasons to love Gandhi Mahal: the handmade, quilted tablecloths; the sitar player in the corner; the authentic, thoughtful decor; and the quietly courteous staff. But most of all it's the food. Gandhi Mahal's northern Indian cuisine hits all the right notes: expertly fried samosas (the tamarind dipping sauce is a favorite), a pitch-perfect chicken tikka masala, delicious fresh-made lassis, and a wide selection for vegetarians, all served with an understated grace. Best yet, the portions are beyond generous, so it's hardly a challenge to stretch one meal into three (and really, what's better than the smell of garlic naan reheating in the oven?). With prices comparable to other local Indian establishments of much lesser quality—and a liquor license on the way—this Lake and Minnehaha treat is a no-brainer.