The scent of cumin emanating from the doors of The Indian Garden is just a prelude to the sensory overload that occurs as soon as you step foot in the front door. Accompanying the smell are walls covered with shattered tiles and earthy tones and food that overwhelms your taste buds.

The Indian Garden's menu is largely influenced by Northern Indian cuisine. With close to 150 options at your disposal, you won't be hard-pressed to find almost anything you're craving. Try the murg makhani, pieces of chicken roasted in a clay oven and folded into a creamy tomato sauce with ginger, green chili, garlic, cumin and red chili. Or scan down the hearty menu and feast on the vegetarian chana masala, chickpeas cooked in an exotic blend of North Indian spices including ginger, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander, cloves, cinnamon and cardamom.

Like many Indian restaurants, The Indian Garden offers a vegetarian-friendly lunch buffet seven days a week. The $8.95 buffet features standard native Indian and Pakistani fare and includes a steaming dish of bright red tandoori chicken that's brought to your table.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Laura Brown