An acclaimed Indian restaurant in downtown Dallas is expanding northward: Shivas Bar and Grill, which has been wowing Dallas diners with its expertly made Indian dishes since 2014, is spinning off a second location at Watters Creek Village in Allen, at 968 Village Green Dr.

According to chef Praveen Prasannan, who owns Shivas with his brother Prinu Prasannan, they're aiming to open in early February.

Expanding to Allen was in response to customer demand, Praveen says.

"Our customers include people who drive an hour from Allen, Frisco, and McKinney to come to our restaurant downtown," he says. "We want to bring our food to them."

Shivas originally opened on Greenville Avenue via a husband-and-wife team who ended up moving to India. The Prasannan brothers took over, and relocated to the corner of Ross Avenue and Griffin Street.

Praveen’s background is in cruise ships and hotels back home in India, where he was chef for many decades. Prinu has worked as manager in restaurants for more than 20 years.

With Shivas, their goal was to feature traditional Indian food from all parts of India, including Mumbai, where they are from, and the Southwestern coastal area, and with a nicer environment than what they'd seen at other Indian restaurants in the area.

"We wanted to share authentic recipes, but also in a more fine-dining atmosphere," Prinu says.

The new space will duplicate the menu from their downtown location, as well as the same service-oriented fine-dining ambience.

One plus is that their prices are not outrageous with entrees such as tandoori chicken ranging from $20-$24, and chicken kababs for $15.

Their priciest item is the $75 Royal Dinner for Two, but it's a big spread with chicken tikka masala, tikka masala, lamb korma, tandoori chicken, shrimp vindaloo, plus onion pakora appetizer, yellow lentil soup, garlic naan, raita, rice, and dessert. More like Dinner for Four.

As is common at Indian restaurants, they offer an extensive vegetarian selection, such as Gobi Manchurian - battered cauliflower with pepper and onion. They do occasional fusion dishes such as lobster bisque with black truffle and sherry, and a kicky vegetable soup with tamarind, cilantro, and garlic. And there are 10 kinds of naan bread: from plain to garlic to Peshwari, a sweet naan studded with sultanas, almonds, coconut, and butter.

The Allen location they're going into has seen a revolving door of concepts come and go, from Terra Mediterranean to Savour Tasting Room to The Cellar Craft & Kitchen to the most recent tenant Sugarbacon, who left behind a gift they will gladly make use of: a spacious patio in front. Perhaps patio plus Shivas' food can break the spell.