Rasa is one of Burlingame Avenue's best restaurants — a modern Indian place that moves beyond the buffet format into more composed, regional Indian cooking. The menu draws on cuisines from across the subcontinent: coastal Kerala fish preparations sit alongside Punjabi dishes and more unusual items from the northeast. The presentation is considered without being fussy.
The restaurant has won recognition for its approach, which emphasizes spice blending and fresh ingredients rather than the cream-heavy shortcuts common in American Indian restaurants. The cocktail list is thoughtful and pairs well with the food. Reservations are advisable on weekends.
Rasa is a convenient option for a meal before or after using SFO — Burlingame is five minutes from the airport by car or about 25 minutes by public transit.