Gourmet India Near Horton Plaza in Downtown San Diego, California (Gaslamp Quarter)

Downtown San Diego, specifically the Gaslamp Quarter, is far from lacking in fine Indian restaurants. There are three of them within two blocks of each other along 4th Avenue by Horton Plaza (between E and G Sts). Gourmet India is the only one on the west side of the street, though, right beside the entrance to Horton Plaza's parking structure (park free for three hours with validation).

Like most other restaurants in this area of town, Gourmet India is on the upscale side and a single entree dinner without any fancy drink will cost you $19-25 (tips included). The dining facility is spacious enough to accommodate a small - medium size party and there is patio dining where you can people watch. The whole place is clean and tastefully decorated. The giant flat screen tv monitor inside is always showing a Bollywood film (with English subtitle), which can be quite fascinating to watch. There is also a small bar just inside the door.

Service is quite fast and very pleasant all the times I've been there. There is a friendly greeter out front who also seats you and brings you water and this delicate thin Indian cracker with tomato-based sauce to munch on for free while you wait for your order. I've never had to wait more than 15 minutes or so for my dinner there even when the place is busy. Those who like patio dining might find the outside seating here a bit tight with the sidewalk, though, especially during the busy evening hours (and there are always a few homeless folks nearby that you'll just have to get used to).

Being on a tight budget, I usually just order a plain Naan bread ($3... or you can upgrade to the awesomely divine garlic naan for $5) with chicken soup ($6) to go. Though once in a while I spoil myself to bits with either their tenderly delicious lamb curry ($16) or the chicken tikka masala ($16). Not being very well versed in Indian food, I really don't know how authentic the dishes here are. To my taste buds, though, the Naan bread is wonderful: soft, chewy and just perfectly baked. The chicken tikka masala, though quite well spiced (and smells absolutely fantastic) is quite mild and the sauce is thicker and isn't as watery as you'd find at Taste of India on Market St. You get a lot of chicken (in biggish chunks that are neither too tough or too fragile - just perfect for eating with Naan). Both come in large enough portion that 2 can share an entree and both walk away bloated with food. Entrees are served with steamed basmati rice (I confess to not liking these flavorless long grain variety much).

The menu (click here for a sneak peek) offers a lot of savory choices for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. You have to give it to the Indians for making eating a lot of vegetable during a meal a very pleasant experience A big meat-eater that I am, I wouldn't mind becoming a vegan if I could be served their palak paneer for dinner everyday. The place offers lunch buffet for $12 on weekdays and if you arrive with a date, be sure to check out the combo dinners for some really good deals, too. This week they're offering daily special dinner for two for only $35.

The small bar at the front corner of the restaurant offers a good selection of imported wines. The place is really very clean cut and relax. If you are ever in downtown San Diego and want to take your date out to wine and dine while enjoying a good conversation (they don't play loud music at this joint), give Gourmet India on 4th Avenue between E and F Sts a go!

PS: Catering and delivery service are available with orders of $20 or more (delivery fee is $2). You can also order online at their website.

Gourmet India (Gaslamp Quarter):810 4th Ave. (between E & F Sts), San Diego, CA 92101. Tel. (619) 702-7967. Hours: 11AM-10PM daily. Major credit cards accepted.
Website: http://GourmetIndiaSD.com