"We love Sofreh and Eyval for dates and special occasions, but if you just want big platters of delicious meat and rice, go old-school. Open since 1998, Ravagh on the Upper East Side is the oldest Persian spot on this list. Their kitchen favors substance over style, but it isn’t exactly casual. The tranquil room, outfitted with polished leather chairs and gauzy white curtains, is just formal enough to host a low-key celebratory dinner or share some crispy branzino and charred lamb chop kebabs with parents. Get a rice pilaf mixed with dill, sour cherries, or saffron to share, and some creamy kashke bademjan as an appetizer. They have another Midtown location on Madison Avenue." - neha talreja
Alex Staniloff
