Elevated Indian: Dosa

Dosa is a popular higher-end Indian restaurant with two locations in San Francisco. We visited the eatery on Valencia.

The place was completely packed before and during our meal and still buzzing when we left around 11 p.m. You definitely need a reservation.

South Indian Monsoon -- muddled citrus, mint, ginger, pomegranate, mango, soda ($6).
Natural mango lassi ($4.50).

Yummy beverages.

Complimentary papadum.

Mr. Monkey loooooooooves papadum.

We opted for the three-course seasonal tasting menu ($35).

First Course #1: Spicy Sweet Day Boat scallops sauteed with mustard, chiles, maple syrup, cilantro, roasted red pepper coulis.

Enjoyed this. Lovely sear. Nice kick.

First Course #2: Cochin calamari sauteed with mildly spiced coconut milk served with organic mixed greens and mini uttapam.

Even better than the scallops. Packed with a pleasant punch.

All dosas are served with fresh coconut and tomato chutneys and sambar.

Second Course #1: Paneer and peas dosa filled with spiced grilled farmer's cheese, peas, and cilantro.

Like an Indian grilled cheese!

Second Course #2: White truffle masala dosa with truffle oil from Alba, Italy.

Not a fan. Failed fusion. I decided that dosas just shouldn't have truffle oil in them.

Third Course #1: Tamil lamb curry -- free-range and natural lamb, fennel, tomatoes, poppy seeds, caramelized onions, spices, lemon rice, and raita.

Rich and flavorful.

Third Course #2: Chile and garlic chicken with spicy sauce of roasted garlic and chiles with lemon rice and raita.

Excellent and superior to the lamb. Creamy with pizzazz!

Our meal at Dosa was very good. My only complaint is that it was expensive for what it was. I'm glad we tried Dosa, but I'm not sure I'd return when I could get comparable Indian food elsewhere for less.