Naz

With this 40-cover eatery and take-away, co-owner Faruk Ali brings a slice of city chic to seaside Teignmouth, challenging the stereotypical view of Indian dining. Situated amidst mostly traditional Cafés and pubs, the glass-fronted venue makes a bold statement with brown leather high-back seating, minimalist decor and a funky bar inset with blue lights - this Indian restaurant is decidedly 'Less Bollywood, more Hollywood'.
But this is not a case of style over substance; the Naz menu lists a respectable array of Indian cuisine, such as baltis, biryanis, Persian dishes (lentil-based dansaks and hot patia curries), and house and chef's specials - sensational tastes and no designer prices.

Tempting appetisers include mushroom tikka (mushrooms marinated in a cream and cheese sauce, grilled in a clay oven) and king prawn tamburra (prawns wrapped in spinach leaves coated in butter) alongside the better-known onion bhaji and aloo chatt.

Choosing a main course is a wonderful task, as you just can't go wrong. The ubiquitous chicken tikka masala (£6.65) is creamy but spicy; the joypuri gost (£7.45) full of tender lamb with a kick; brinjal prawn bhuna (£8.95) a tangy sauce of aubergines, lemon, and ginger; and duck nawabi (£9.85) a south Indian dish using spices, herbs and black rum.

Numerous rice dishes, soft nan breads and a multitude of vegetarian options add the final touches to an excellent lunch or dinner. An extensive drinks menu lists familiar beers and soft drinks, and predominantly New World wines - including organic ones - reflect Naz's modern, adventurous style of cooking.

Eating at Naz is an upbeat affair: the friendly staff attend to guests' needs without being intrusive, enabling friends and families to enjoy a little 'va-va-voom' with their vindaloo.