Ambrosia's India Bistro in Monterey, California

Meat-lover or vegetarian, the lunch buffet at Ambrosia's India Bistro in Monterey, California will really surprise you. The food changes daily, is always fresh and well-prepared, and features wonderfully complex, well-balanced sauces and rubs for each dish. The first half of the buffet is vegetarian, with at least four vegetable dishes and a nice spring mix salad. The second half rotates between chicken, lamb, and occasionally goat dishes, including a mandatory tandoori with plenty of spice but not too much heat. Fresh naan is served as part of the meal, though if you want to request the wheat tandoori roti, they'll accommodate your request.

Service is very good to excellent, depending more upon the temperament of your server than business; they always monitor your table well and check on your reaction to the meal. I also strongly recommend Ambrosia's for dinner, but the lunch buffet -- outstanding quality for a remarkably low price -- may be the best lunch buffet in Monterey. Seating is indoors or out, and the decor is simple but lovely, with an inviting indoor waterfall and trees planted amongst the tables for the outdoor patio. If you like Indian food at all, you must try this restaurant; you won't be disappointed.