A perennial favorite for Persian flavors, Shalizaar is friendly, charming and authentic. Lunchtime draws a large business crowd, while dinners cater to couples on dates. The upscale space features chandeliers, linen-topped tables, Persian carpets and walls of framed windows that flood everything with light.

Meals here are always a pleasure, thanks to the high quality of every ingredient. Try the signature koobideh, smoky ground beef and chicken kebabs served with char-broiled whole tomatoes and rice. Or, tuck into baghali polo, fork-tender lamb shank over bright green rice studded with dill and young fava beans. For dessert, take the friendly servers’ advice and order the zoolbia bamieh, sticky-crisp squiggles of fried cake soaked in rosewater syrup.