When their food arrives, diners here sit and stare at their plates, which are colorful, architectural, and beautiful. Nirvana delight (pictured), grilled tofu marinated in tandoori spices, comes as two thick triangles leaning on a pedestal of quinoa salad with lush spinach, beet relish, and a cucumber-yogurt sauce. Red Lentil is an unusual place. Chef and owner Pankaj Pradhan was raised in New Delhi and is vegetarian; he’s added vegan and gluten-free choices to the menu. All the grains and many ingredients are organic. In the 2 1/2 months since Pradhan opened this bright storefront, many of the 36 seats are taken most nights. The wait staff is welcoming and efficient.
Read the full Globe review (Sheryl Julian, Globe Staff)
600 Mount Auburn St., Watertown. 617-972-9188. www.theredlentil.com All major cards, fully accessible.
