"Set between a few bungalows in The Heights, the Mediterranean restaurant Herand’s Kitchen is instantly comforting. This casual neighborhood spot is where you can show up daily and eventually get on a first-name basis with the owner. You can grab a quick plate of tender beef koubideh for a solo meal or wrangle six folks for a long lunch over light plates like a tart refreshing ikra. There’s also a small patio where you can slowly sip a bowl of rose-and-lime-spiked faloodeh for dessert while staring at oak trees." - gianni greene, chelsea thomas