INNER WEST. The All India Restaurant offers casual ambiance and delicious food. House specialties include a stellar duck and pumpkin curry and a changing variety of fresh seafood specialities. The menu also features entrees such as spinach leaves in lentil batter and South Indian Masala dosas. The decor at All India is modern, featuring terra cotta-tiled floors and an open kitchen. Dress is casual and reservations are suggested. BUS: 431/443 George Street City to Glebe Point Road.

INNER CITY / SURRY HILLS. Gothic arches, dim lighting, and the ambiance of an old church add to the character of this popular eatery. Clove's decor features bentwood bistro chairs and decorative flower arrangements. The cuisine showcases classics like green banana curry with lentils and "hot as Hades" duck vindaloo ­ ouch! TRAIN: to Museum. BUS: Castlereagh up Oxford Street.

INNER CITY. Extremely popular with Indian nationals residing in Sydney, Dakhni provides a homey ambiance and extraordinary cuisine. Diners can enjoy favorites like chicken korma or Meenupped (fresh barramundi fillets simmered in a tangy sauce). The menu also features madras fish curry, the house specialty. Although the decor is clichéd, the service is good and the food, delicious. BUS: 431/443 George Street down Glebe Point Road.

EASTERN SUBURBS. With a signature dish like Beef Kerala (medium hot beef and potato curry with chilli, curry leaves and garlic), this Sydney restaurant attracts quite a following. The Flavour of India Edgecliff is a culinary find. Additional menu choices range from spinach in mushroom curry to marinated baby snapper roasted in the tandoor. The decor features sand-colored walls, dark wood accents, and traditional Indian artifacts.

INNER CITY. The buffet at this restaurant is full of vegetarian options, like curries, pastas, soups, and lentil-based dishes. One of the most unique features of the restaurant is the cinema upstairs, where you can sit or lie on cushions while watching a flick. You can also enjoy the buffet in the balcony dining area and then head to a movie afterwards. Dinner only is AUD16.90. Movie only is AUD10.90. Dinner and a movie is AUD24.80. TRAIN: Kings Cross, BUS: 200 along William Street.