Mirra

Indian and Mexican flavors collide at this Bucktown restaurant from chefs Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir. The ambitious menu may sound unconventional, but the two cuisines come together in ways that feel surprisingly natural, from lamb barbacoa biryani to roti tacos.

The vibe: The space is warm and intimate, featuring exposed brick and counter seats that look directly into the open kitchen.

The food: The crispy tacos, filled with Hudson Bay scallops and Mexican green curry, deserve a spot on your table. The quesadillas are another highlight, pairing griddled flatbread with melty cheese and roasted mushrooms, then finished with Chettinad masala. The biryani is a crowd pleaser, arriving beneath a crisp roti shell that you crack open and mix into the fragrant rice. Save room for the tres leches, which gets an Indian-inspired twist through saffron-cardamom-infused milk.

The drinks: The wine list presents plenty of bottles from Mexico, while the cocktail menu leans into agave-forward creations like the Boomerang, a blend of coriander mezcal, aperitivo, sweet vermouth, tamarind and orange liqueur.

Time Out tip: For a full experience, opt for the seven-course tasting menu at the chef's counter.