Columbia

Columbia is the Baltimore area's strongest cluster for vegetarian Indian dining. Royal Taj delivers fine-dining service with an extensive vegetarian menu, the fully vegetarian Mango Grove turns out dosas, chaat, and curries that can nearly all be made vegan, and Ananda — a short drive south in Fulton's Maple Lawn — sets a refined table with eight fireplaces and stained-glass windows. All are worth the drive from Baltimore for a special occasion.