Traditional Indian cuisine includes chicken kurma in a saffron-almond sauce as well as fish curry with peppered-tomato broth

Sips of signature martinis or champagne flank two dozen oysters such as Blue Point and Fanny Bay in a sleek raw bar

Bordeaux-braised short ribs dipped into gruyere fondue in an upscale dining room with plush banquettes and sumptuous paintings

Michelin-recommended eatery's tapas adorn small plates inside softly lit restaurant

Frittatas, challah french toast, and other Mediterranean brunch dishes served with caipirinhas and other cocktails

Flame-broiled kebabs and crisp falafel from authentic Israeli recipes send tendrils of steam toward a lofty ceiling and chandeliers

Hearty Japanese food turns its back on meager sushi portions with fried octopus dumplings, yam pancakes with bacon and squid, and yakisoba

Two tapas small plates accompanied by one large entree, salad, dessert, and two glasses of fruity sangria or wine

Handmade dumplings with pork and chives or mushrooms, celery, and tofu; noodle soups with roast pork or jumbo shrimp

Upscale Zagat-rated Italian steak house serves smoked-salmon carpaccio, chateaubriand, and veal parmigiana amid gold-leaf and velvet accents