From the tantalizing food to the dramatic high ceilings, rich color scheme, intimate tables and the late-night lounge, Mantra beckons to diners with unusual panache.
Located in downtown Palo Alto, Mantra was conceived from owners Ashwani Dhawan and Krishan Miglani's passion for Indian food and the California lifestyle. Dhawan's background is in technology, while Miglani is an experienced restaurant manager and owner. Their collaboration is truly a match made in Silicon Valley.
Carrying out the restaurant's mission, Chef Sachin Chopra has made an inspired segue from traditional Indian cuisine by endowing it with the lightness of contemporary Californian dining. He combines fresh local produce, seafood and meat with curries, cumin, and other Indian spices for bites that are as flavorful as they are colorful.
With a well-stocked bar, Mantra's large, chic Daru Lounge is situated in the front of the restaurant, separated from the dining room. It offers a menu that far surpasses standard bar fare—even the chips receive Chef Chopra's special touch; he combines wheat crisps with potatoes, chickpeas, spiced rum and mint water and date and tamarind chutney. Indian favorites like samosas, kebab and naan bread round out the small plates.
Mantra's intimate dining room creates just the right space for savoring their unique appetizers and entrees. From the crisp white tablecloths to the pale yellow high-back chairs, the subtle décor enhances the dining experience.
The wine list is exceptional, and the suggested pairings next to each menu item aid those who might be unfamiliar with unusual selections such as the Prince Poniatowski Vouvray Moelleux, or the Salomon Gruner Veltliner Hochterrassen.
To round out the evening, indulge in one of Mantra's one-of-a-kind desserts.
MENU HIGHLIGHTS:
Appetizers:
Large Day Boat Scallops
Golden Cumin Cauliflower Soup
Entrees:
Kashmiri Sea Bass
Rosemary Ponzu-Mustard Lamb Chops
Peppermint and Mango Dover Sole
Desserts:
Candied Ginger Crème Brulee with Fennel Pollen and Almond Laced Cookies
Passion Fruit Soup with a Milk Chocolate “Bombe” Honey and Pistachio Nougat
Hours:
Lunch:Tues-Fri, 11:30-2:30.
Dinner: Sun-Wed, 5-10; Thurs-Sat, 5-11.
Lounge: Sun-Thurs, 4:30-11; Fri-Sat, 4:30-12am
Location:
632 Emerson St., Palo Alto
More Info:
650/322-3500
www.mantrapaloalto.com
