"The gold mirrors, flowers, and plants at this Mediterranean and Persian restaurant are so stunning, they might seem to be competing to steal your attention. But don't be too distracted, or you'll miss out on Yalda’s delicious, savory eggplant dish that pairs perfectly with warm, soft naan bread, or other items like the tender ground chicken koobideh or juicy brisket kabab. While the food is great and the place is pretty, the energy here is relaxed and down-to-earth, and it's easy to feel at home. Come with friends to sip cocktails at the bar before heading to the club or take a date to cozy up in a corner booth with matching purple, yogurt-washed gin cocktails." - jacinta howard, juli horsford, nina reeder