BBest Indian restaurant
In the restaurant biz, "prime location" is a vexing notion. After all, for many a serious foodie, the ideal place is barely detectable, let alone accessible - and the average Newbury Street establishment is made primarily for meeting, not eating. But Kashmir isn't average. Prettily upscale in white and shades of brown, gold, and red, and dotted with textiles and etched glass, it offers a familiar repertoire that's seasoned in every sense of the word. With its decade in business comes a mellowness and depth of flavor that shows especially in the flaky breads and samosas, lamb-based dishes, and rich sauces such as korma and masala. Besides, speaking of depth, at least Kashmir is below street level. Meanwhile, business managers and chowhounds alike might agree it's the up-and-coming neighborhoods that serve up the most savory real estate. Take Davis Square, which has oh-so-slowly-but-surely evolved into a hoppin' 'hood, with Diva in the foreground - or, shall we say, at center stage? The restaurant is a younger sibling of Kashmir; both its menu and its strengths are comparable. Diva departs from its elder, however, not in substance but in style: its debut basically sparked the now-obvious trend in Indian eateries toward upscale, contemporary, even sexy décor. And with an adjacent lounge in the works, Diva's still belting out the high notes.

Kashmir, 279 Newbury Street, Boston, (617) 536-1695, www.kashmirindianrestaurant.com; Diva Indian Bistro, 246 Elm Street, Somerville, (617) 629-4963, www.divabistro.com.