Darbar in Palo Alto, CA

I love Darbar. Quick, cheap, and good Indian food in the upscale downtown Palo Alto area is hard to find, but this place fits the bill. The lunch buffet is plentiful, with standards like aloo gobhi, chana masala, butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, and chicken tikka masala all well-prepared. They also have a ground lamb and chickpea dish called Kheema Chole that MH loves. Lots of little dishes (like pakoras), and the usual accompaniments (like sliced cukes, tomatoes, and chutneys) round out the buffet. Fresh, hot naan is brought to your table while you're getting your food.

You can be in and out in 20 minutes if you wolf down your food. Which you won't want to because it tastes so good. Everything is decently spiced, but not overly so. The vindaloo is genuinely hot, though.

Dinner is quieter, but the food is still great. Check in the Palo Alto Weekly or in the Stanford Daily for 2-for-1 coupons and deals.

Parking can be tight. I like to park on High Street or in the back, residential area behind the restaurant. Don't park in the tiny parking lot next to the restaurant. It belongs to a private gym, and they'll tow you.