The very opposite of the nearby dives, where not-that-good Indian and Pakistani food is served in scruffy dining rooms, Darbar is a pretty spot with floor-to-ceiling murals and an owner who is a seasoned hotel professional and the perfect host. But it’s the quality ingredients here—producing bright flavors and relatively greaseless dishes—that make Darbar the perfect spot to wow your friends. Sizzling tandoori platters are the showstoppers, filling the dining room with spicy aromas, but don’t miss the unusual dishes that you aren’t likely to find elsewhere. Nihari, a tender beef dish cooked in a sauce of cloves and cardamom is popular in Pakistan but hails from central India. Punjabi dishes like the tingly sarson ka saag -- fresh mustard greens and plenty of sweet sautéed onions -- are heavenly with the fresh and fluffy finger-burning bread. You won’t find pork on the menu at this halal restaurant, but goat? You bet. And you might become an instant convert.

Seekh kabab
Onion nan kulcha
Karahi chicken
Nihari (beef shanks)
Sarson ka saag (mustard greens)
view full menu here

If you can, snag the table for two outside – it’s set back from the sidewalk yet offers a view of the street. Inside, the tables towards the front are a bit more intimate than the ones in the back.

Spicy food might make you wish there was beer on the menu. Since there isn’t, order some raita made from cucumber and yogurt to cool you off. The raita is not listed alone on the menu, but is always available upon request.

lunch: 11:30 AM–3 PM daily
dinner: 5 PM–10 PM daily

$3 (beef kebab) to $16.50 (Tandoori mixed grill)