Nirmal's

Located inside one of those brick Pioneer Square buildings that survived the Great Seattle Fire, Nirmal’s is a Seattle institution. With ambient lighting that casts a pleasant glow and sleek wood tables, it’s one of just a few great Indian restaurants in Seattle proper that makes you feel like changing out of Crocs, and it has a menu that rotates frequently. The owner usually walks around making sure that your extra-sweet paneer makhan masala and chunky yellow dal are cooked just right (and they are). Order the tandoori chicken—it’s served with such a thick layer of yogurt and spices, you won’t need any chutney. This place is perfect for a date night, a corporate card-funded lunch, or a big group dinner involving lots of buttery roti.