House of India

While service at this veteran Indian spot (open since 1975) can be spotty - sometimes accommodating, sometimes inattentive - its renowned lunchtime buffet, available every day of the week, is very large and extremely affordable. Choices change daily, but carnivores will find several meat or poultry curries, and vegetarians will enjoy tasty dishes like chana masala (spiced chickpeas), eggplant bharta, buttery tarka dal (yellow lentil), and creamy-rich ghobi makhani (cauliflower). Standard snacks like samosas and pakoras are supplemented here by more exotic treats, notably potato/onion-stuffed masala dosa crêpes -- famous South Indian street fare but rare in South Florida. There's also an unusually generous assortment of chutney, salad, and starch accompaniments. Though food generally lacks the complex spicing and finesse found at Miami's top newer Indian eateries, there are reliably fine specials on the regular menu too, like lux Maharaja Patiala korma (a rich nut-studded chicken dish) and dense, tangy mango and pistacio kulfi ice cream.