Amber Dhara

Amber Dhara Restaurant Review:

Most Amber restaurants in the Bay area serve traditional Indian cuisine, but Amber Dhara in Palo Alto strives to update the classics. Illuminated stone tables and dual big screen TVs dominate the bar where patrons can order oversize signature cocktails such as a liquor-rich basil peach tea. The dining room offers high ceilings, big windows and an easy atmosphere. Venison with cranberry chutney makes for a pleasant start. Naan is available in flavors that rise a bit above the norm, including a manchego-stuffed version. Hyderabadi chicken biryani --- chicken on the bone with basmati rice and garam masala --- is baked in a ceramic dish sealed with naan and presented tableside: a flavorful attention-getter. Desserts favor familiar Indian preparations, such as kala jamun.