Afghan Kebab House, New York

A visit to Afghan Kebab House is different from a visit to most restaurants; for one thing, you need a reservation outside the hours of 2-5 p.m. However, the food at this Hell's Kitchen mainstay is well worth the phone call. In addition to lamb tikka, which Serious Eats called "nearly perfect", favorites include traditional lamb stew, tandoori chicken cooked in a charcoal oven, and the combo kebabs, often served atop beds of pistachio-laced brown rice. Another thing that sets them apart? Afghan Kebab House has their food prepared by the royal chefs of Afghan.