Da Gama

Stepping though Da Gama's ornate wooden door reveals a plant-filled, dimly lit dining room and colorful murals, all of which hint to what could be a lovely, and maybe even romantic, experience. Things start off strong—the blend of Portuguese and Indian food at this restaurant in the Heights sounds interesting, so does the spice-packed cocktail list. But just after the first sip of a cocktail, the entire experience begins to backslide.

While Da Gama "sends food to your table as it's ready," everything shows up at once, cramming the tiny tables. And after a few bites, each dish resembles a slog through heavy pools of oil and ghee. There are some standouts: the masala hummus is flavorful (although the crudité on the side looks to have been prepared by a beaver). The aloo gobi bravas soaked in aioli, curry, and chutney are a tasty snack. But little else on the menu measures up. Dinner here could set costs about $150 for four, so we suggest trying another restaurant for date night or a casual weeknight dinner instead.

photo credit: Liz Silva