Mars draws you in, sits you down and starts its relaxation technique. The deep-red interior, flecked with black and gold paint, hushes the harried spirit. Cozy banquettes line the windows and additional tables create romantic seating nooks throughout the interior. The space, though harmonious, is nearly always packed with first-daters, trendy scenesters and old timers reflecting about how the restaurant (and Austin) used to be.

The chef draws from Indian, Thai, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines, sometimes merging several into a single dish. Vegetarians are not forgotten, with at least 10 meatless items offered. The scallops and gyoza appetizer has buttery scallops that make you want to eat them in small bites. The tender rack of lamb has a mint demi glace and the tandoori mixed grill is the perfect way to sample the chicken, steak, pork and duck on a single plate.