Persepolis

This Upper East Side traditional Persian eatery named after Persia's ancient capital may be humble by New York standards — there is nary a Persia-tini or leather swathed banquette in sight—but it gets the important things right.

Fine hospitality sweetens the deal — waiters are gracious, and the owner can be found cracking jokes with customers or pulling out a chair for a lady (an appreciated gesture that nowadays takes place only in high-end restaurants or nursing homes).