Ravagh Persian Grill

Walk past the Ravagh Persian Grill, and there’s a good chance you’ll see a relatively empty restaurant. Don’t be deterred. This Upper East Side spot makes some of the best Persian food in the city, like tender kebabs with just enough char, crispy whole fish with saffron rice, and herby meat stews. 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 a meal with your parents. The portions are large, but you could also stop by solo for a lunch of lamb chops, with plenty of leftovers to take home. Because it stays pretty quiet, Ravagh is a great place to treat like an extension of your living room. They also have a Midtown location on Madison Ave.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Alex Staniloff

Bronzini Dinner

The crispy, seasoned skin on this fish is reason enough to order it. It’s also a bit of a lunker, with large chunks of meltingly tender flesh on the bone, and a big pile of saffron rice on the side. Give it a lemon squeeze on top and inside.

photo credit: Alex Staniloff

Lamb Chops Kabob

These lamb chops are distinctively rich and meaty, with hints of lemon, garlic, and saffron in the marinade. And we appreciate the bit of fat at the end, as a treat.