Bring an appetite for bold flavors to Laila, a modern Indian restaurant at 77 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. The lively, colorful setting lends itself to a dinner for two or a meal with friends as part of an evening exploring the city.

Start with crispy spinach chaat or masala crab cakes, then explore tandoori specialties, biryanis, and curries. Familiar favorites like chicken tikka masala share the menu with Goan shrimp curry and wild mushroom korma. Add garlic naan for dipping, and find plenty of vegetarian choices, including paneer dishes, lentils, and roasted eggplant.

Visiting earlier in the day? Laila’s lunch buffet is served seven days a week, offering another way to explore Indian flavors during a downtown outing.