DINING DEALS : UNLOCK THE TAN DOOR.

Byline: Larry Lipson

Khara Indian Oven, 22864 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills, [phone]. The Indian lunch buffet is a doozie here for $4.95. And you eat it in a roomy, comfortable, split-level dining room with an adjoining bar and lounge.

Mountains of pasta

Balducci's Trattoria, 15300 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, [phone]. (Also in Beverly Hills.) Overflowing platters of modern-style Italian food served family style allow groups to eat hearty for well under $10 per person. ... And then take some home. Balducci's is never having to say you're hungry.

One ton, low price

Studio Wok, 11269 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, [phone]. Six good-size Chinese dumplings go for under $5, satisfying lunches for under $5 and most entree platters under $7. And the food's classily cooked.

Rainforest rah rah

Amazon Bar & Grill, 14649 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, [phone]. You get good chicken plates here for $9.95 each 'neath a shooting-star ceiling in a cavelike dining room complete with waterfall and junglelike decor. Everything's under $12, and a percentage of the profits go to rainforest charities.

Chicken coup de garlic

Versailles, 17410 Ventura Blvd., Encino, [phone]. (Also in West L.A., Culver City and Manhattan Beach) This homey Cuban foodspot with plenty of zest and minimum tabs is riding a wave of popularity. Lots of under-$10 entrees at this extra-garlicky chicken coup.

Your pet wok

City Wok, 17132 Ventura Blvd., Encino, [phone]. (Also in North Hollywood and Palm Springs area.) Well-executed, quick and clean, Chinese-style cooking with full-size entree platters under $10 and half-size ones under $5.

Chain champ

Daily Grill, 16101 Ventura Blvd., Encino, [phone]. (Also in Studio City and elsewhere.) Retro grill-sans frill fare that's simple, moderately priced and a smash hit with all ages. Pass on the more expensive meat and fish items and two can eat well here for $25 to $30.