Tucked away at the tail end of a nondescript strip near DeVargas Mall, Jinja's bland façade belies the delights within. From the parking lot, the brown brick building and neon lights don't exactly scream "sexy," but the high-backed booths and mood lighting make this a great date-night destination. Both food and décor display a subtle mixture of Pacific/Asian flavors, not focusing on any one country, so it's also the perfect place to bring a bickering group who can't decide between sushi and noodles. Many of the dishes come in meaty and veggie versions, with tender beef, juicy chicken and pork, and crispy tofu, so mixed parties of carnivores and vegetarians can also eat in peace. Wok bowls make the perfect lunch and are too big for one sitting, which means delicious leftovers for midnight snacking. The Ten Tigers is one of the best shrimp dishes around; not quite filling enough for a full meal, it provides an excuse to try one of the seven yummy appetizers. Whatever combination of dishes your table orders, don't forget to save some room for desserts like a duo of jasmine and ginger crème brûlées or chocolate silk cake that melts in the spoon on the way to your lips.
501 N. Guadalupe St., Ste. P, 982-4321,
. Lunch and dinner daily. $$
