Yalda Sihlcity

"It's easy to write off Yalda as just another pretty restaurant, but you'd be wrong. The charming Mediterranean and Persian restaurant has a number of great family-style plates that make it one of the best places to dine in West Midtown. Everything in the restaurant is attractive: from the macrame chandeliers that have more crystals than a healing spa to the mirrors that are so fancy, you half expect them to tell you “who’s the fairest of them all.” So don’t feel awkward if you feel the uncharacteristic urge to pose with your eye-catching, purple, yogurt-washed gin cocktail. And if you're here with a group, request a table in the airy light-filled sunroom where potted plants, cushioned benches, and throw pillows create a mood so relaxed that conversations easily linger long after the tab is paid. photo credit: Amy Sinclair photo credit: Amy Sinclair photo credit: Amy Sinclair For dinner, start with the kashk bademjoon, a delicious, savory eggplant dish that pairs perfectly with warm, soft naan bread. And you'll want to bring a friend, so you can try a couple of entrees. Since items like the tender ground chicken koobideh or juicy brisket kabab run under $20, there's not much here to break the bank or start an awkward tab-splitting argument. Unlike most of the city's restaurants that also look like they could be tears of an interior design magazine, Yalda is buzzy while being unpretentious—a place where friends can sip cocktails at the bar before heading to the club or couples in matching Dunks can stroll in for a date night. Food Rundown photo credit: Amy Sinclair Naan The bread is served warm and very soft, but it’s still sturdy enough to scoop and wrap with. Chicken Koobideh Wrap The delicious spice-rich ground chicken koobideh wrap is huge, and comes split in two. It comes with tomato, greens, pickled onions, cucumber, and harissa aioli, which adds a savory kick. It's also served with a side of well-seasoned fries. And at $15, it's a far better value than some of these sandwich shops combos. Kashk Bademjoon The eggplant spread has a smoky flavor with a touch of bitterness that we like. It comes with cucumbers, olives, and mint and tarragon leaves, and soft, warm naan. And it’s so generously portioned, you could barter some off to other tables. photo credit: Amy Sinclair Octopus The octopus, served on a bed of parsnip puree, isn't always consistent. Sometimes it's spot on. And sometimes it tastes like it's both undercooked and overcooked. And in those cases, it’s chewy, gooey, and the least appealing option among many good ones. Mitra’s Habibi The gorgeous, purple, yogurt-washed gin drink with lemon, sumac syrup, and honey is velvety and sweet, with a sugary rim. It’ll make you a gin convert if you don’t normally like gin drinks." - Jacinta Howard