Darya, West Los Angeles

From the gold-painted faux pillars along the walls to the white tablecloths and chandeliers, Darya Restaurant carries itself as an upscale outlier along Santa Monica Boulevard. The Persian cuisine found inside is much homier than the ambiance would suggest, offering a fine mix of kabobs, polo – a rice dish similar to pilaf – and the ever-present saffron-buttered rice that comes with most entrées. Lamb and fish dishes are highlights, but Darya also offers a number of vegetarian options for the meatless eater, making them a viable destination for mixed groups of picky eaters. Thanks to its high-end interior and large parking lot, a luxury in this busy West L.A. neighborhood, the restaurant also regularly hosts and caters banquets and receptions.