Ash'Kara

At this brightly hospitable neighborhood spot, Chef Reggie Dotson offers up an exploration of contemporary Israeli cuisine, pulling in influences from the Mediterranean, North Africa and Middle East. The menu leads with mezze, featuring top-notch versions of familiar staples like hummus, babaganoush and falafel, paired with excellent wood-fired whole-grain pita made from heritage wheat. Dinner offers more substantial fare, as in savory tagines with eggplant or lamb tenderloin. The cooking is vegetable-forward, and takes pains to accommodate all dietary restrictions (there's even a gluten-free pita option), but there are no gimmicks here, just thoughtful, full-flavored dishes made with high quality ingredients and a bit of extra style.