"Open for: Lunch and dinner Price range: $$ Lila is a joyful collaboration between two of the city’s most important chef-owners, good friends Meeru Dhalwala (Vij’s) and Shira Blustein (the Acorn), known for their long-time championing of sustainability, community building, and mentorship and support of women in hospitality. Located on the “Michelin Mile” strip of Main Street and boasting one of the city’s best hidden patio gardens, Lila brings Dhalwala’s modern Indian cuisine and Blustein’s plant-based sensibility together for truly plate-licking results in a slender charcoal-grey and sage-green room festooned with leafy plants. The menu prioritizes plants, plus some dairy and sustainable seafood, and it begs to be shared, so don’t be shy in ordering one or two extra dishes — you haven’t lived till you’ve devoured cold garam masala-marinated jackfruit for breakfast. Whatever you do, always make room for the potato and cauliflower pakoras with bright mango-and-mint chutney. Best for: Vegetarian or vegan tasting menu dining." - Nikki Bayley
