When two people of different cultures meet, they’ll always find a way to create food that satisfies them both, though it can be a tricky path. Indian and Mexican cooking apparently found common ground as far back as the 17th century, when the enslaved Indian noblewoman for whom this restaurant is named was brought to Mexico. During my initial visits, it seemed like a fun wedding but a troublesome marriage (warm spices don’t really like raw heat and acid), and some unforced cooking errors didn’t help. But since then, Zubair Mohajir and Rishi Kumar’s kitchen has smoothed out, and the menu has lots of aha moments. Nopales and curry leaf happily cohabitate in a hamachi aguachile with a buttermilk base, while crispy sev noodles against creamy avocado elevate a Little Gem salad in pepita-lime dressing. With David Mor’s excellent cocktails and some worthy Mexican wines, you’ll need to take a couple of laps around the fascinating drinks menu.

Price: $$$
Address: 1954 W. Armitage Ave.
Website: mirrachicago.com