"When you’re in Midtown and want to gather with some people after work one day, summon everyone to Bukhara Grill. This is an Indian restaurant that takes up an entire townhouse on East 49th Street. Even if three people show up late and another two don’t ever show because “they got stuck at a networking event,” the staff here will make it work and continue to encourage you to order lots of excellent stews and Indian beers (just go with it). We especially like the dal bukhara, claypot meats, and the naan - which comes in the shape of an actual saddle." - hannah albertine, nikko duren