Persian Garden is an Afghani restaurant found in an unsuspecting strip mall on the busy thoroughfare of Howe Avenue. Its warm atmosphere unfolds, as you are welcomed into the upscale dining room that is swathed in hues of pastel blushes and splashes of red. The staff is friendly and eager to talk about Afghani food and how it is different from other cuisines in the greater Middle East. Start your dining experience with manto (dumplings stuffed with beef) or burany badenjan (cooked eggplant) and then move on to the dizzying amounts of kabob offerings (seafood, lamb, chicken, pork shoulders and tenderloin). If you want to try an authentic dish from the motherland, try the qabuli palaw (basmati rice blended with sweet raisins, shredded carrots and topped with incredibly tender meat) or the kofta challaw (white rice with meatballs). Don’t overlook its savory house stews that unite subtle seasoning with meats and vegetables, such as fsenjon (walnut puree in pomegranate sauce, served with chicken and saffron rice) or the vegetarian stew made with fresh okra, onion and fresh tomatoes. Cindy Arora

Reservations: Recommended for groups

Insider tip: Don’t skip dessert. Try the ferni—Afghan custard made with milk, sugar, slices of almonds and pistachio.

Payment methods: Amex, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Alcohol: Wine and beer

Corkage fee: $7

Hours: Monday–Sunday: 11 a.m.–8:30 p.m.