Hafez Restaurant, Sacramento

At Hafez Restaurant, executive chef Ramin Azar serves up tantalizing homemade Persian favorites. For lunch, it’s kabobs lined with charred cubes of chicken, filet mignon, sirloin, and vegetables, whereas for dinner, it’s braised beef stews that are seasoned with a medley of herbs and saffron. To accompany feasts, the chef Ramin also plates stuffed grapes leaves, grilled tomatoes, and sides of basmati rice.