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The vibe at Nirvana is mellow, reinforced by the first floor’s mod bar and lounge. The upstairs dining room’s walls are painted pale yellow and edged with a geometric frieze of red, black and gold. Tea lights on the beige tablecloth-clad tables set a romantic mood and an antique bronze bust of the Buddha himself imparts a meditative element. The extensive menu has all the familiar classics, from spicy vindaloos to tandoori entrées, as well as slow-cooked vegetable dishes. That said, there are notable offerings that fuse regional cooking styles and add their own creative twist. Crab shish kebab is one that works very well. The lump crab meat is formed around skewers and grilled in Northern fashion, while its seasoning (garlic, cumin seeds and garam masala) hails from the South. House specialties are original and well executed. The ridiculously named Nirvana Rabbit Fiesta offers wonderfully tender chunks of rabbit in a rich, coconut-based curry sauce replete with chilies. — Michael Anstendig

Crab shish kebab, $24; Nirvana rabbit fiesta, $29