It seems like the interiors of most Indian restaurants in Washington are either pink or orange, and Aditi is no exception: a pleasing pale pink adorns the walls in this popular two-story Georgetown eatery. When you enter, you'll likely be ushered up the spiral staircase to the airy upper level and presented with a menu filled with Indian delicacies. Curries, tandoori and vegetarian dishes dominate the options.

Start with a traditional Indian appetizer (or two!). The vegetable samosas, turnovers stuffed with spiced potatoes and green peas ($1.29), are divine. Same with the bhajia, crushed vegetables dipped in flour paste and deep fried ($1.99). For something lighter, start with the chicken chat, a nicely spiced mix of diced chicken, tomatoes and greens ($3.99).

Aditi shines when it comes to curries, offering seemingly endless variations on vegetables, seafood, chicken, lamb and beef. Plus, you can choose the level of spiciness to suit your own tastes. Vegetarians will find nirvana in the vegetarian thali -- three different curries served with basmati rice, lentil salad and the aforementioned bhajia ($11.99). On a recent visit, ours consisted of the vegetable curry, fresh mixed veggies with mild spices; saag paneer, consisting of spinach and cheese; and bengan bharta, eggplant baked in the tandoor and cooked with tomatoes, onions and spices. Add to that the freshly baked puti (puffed bread) that accompanies the meal and you will surely walk away satisfied.

If grilled meats are more your style, Aditi's excellent tandoori dishes should satisfy. The chicken tikka, skewered, spiced boneless chicken, was perfectly grilled so that it stayed tender on the inside. ($10.99). We were also impressd with the tandoori prawns, spiced jumbo shrimp ($12.99); the seekh kabab, minced, spiced beef ($9.99;) and the lamb sheesh kebab ($11.59).

Aditi is definitely a favorite among Indian food junkies, and it's a distinction well-earned. The wait staff seems knowledgeable about the origins of each dish and the atmosphere is friendly and welcoming.

--Michele Hatty