The location at 780 N. Jefferson St. would seem to be a prime spot, but it has proven difficult for restaurants. In recent years it has been home to Singha II, Los Mitos and Ed Debevic's—all part of restaurant history. But never give up on a promising site, especially with the new contender, Zaafaran...

Bombay Sweets has two unlikely locations, one in a Brookfield strip mall (19555 W. Bluemound Road) and the original at 3401 S. 13th St. As the name suggests, the cooking is East Indian, but in this case everything is vegetarian. The setting is modest—you order at the counter and help yourself to plastic flatware...