OM

Why is it that successful businessmen tend to crown their empire with a hot and sexy restaurant? Vik Uppal, the young-gun real estate developer behind OM, appears at first to be a guy craving a swank clubhouse for his pack. But here there’s a difference—Uppal actually thought about the food. By hiring cookbook author and Indian food authority Raghavan Iyer to create the menu, Uppal assured that the fare wouldn’t be an afterthought . Indeed, the dark interior invokes an exotic playground. And the upscale Indian cuisine is ambitious, but remains inviting and familiar to local palates. Small plates reveal focused regional flavors of India while bigger, more complex plates blend various influences. There is also a “simply grilled” selection of proteins that includes walleye. If you’ve never felt comfortable among those who can confidently speak about roghan josh and palak paneer, the staff is knowledgeable and nonjudgmental when it comes to answering questions and offering suggestions. A pre-dinner spice-laden cocktail might also put you at ease.

401 First Ave. N., Mpls., 612-338-1510, omminneapolis.com