Orkeed Restaurant, St. Louis

A large door opens to a vast lounge with vibrant red curtains and ornate pillow-topped seats. According to the Riverfront Times blog, Orkeed owner Taif Jassim drew inspiration for his eatery's decor from a historical Iraqi palace and sought the culinary expertise of chef Wael Khudair to develop a menu of dishes hailing from Baghdad, Afghanistan, Jordon, and Iraq. Hookah smoke wafts through the air, mixing with the aromas of marinated lamb and chicken, pan-fried fish with raisins, and eggplant topped with sweet pomegranate sauce. Their desserts include apricot and coconut toast, and the walls are ornamented with plates and jewel-encrusted smoke detectors.