This fragrant and hospitable chophouse devoted to Afghan cuisine is the true definition of a family business. Sofia Masroor and her husband, Omar, run the place, and four of their five children work here, too. (The youngest, at age 11, is a bit too young to be on the payroll.) All of the recipes at their three restaurants—the other two are in D.C. and Springfield— were passed down by the owners’ mothers. “Our guests are treated like family,” Sofia says. Begin a meal with warm flatbread and a trio of dips, then move on to dishes like pumpkin dumplings with garlic yogurt and mint, or a stew of slow-cooked lamb shank simmered for three hours. For a taste of everything, order the mezze-style sampler, and be sure to save room for pistachio ricotta cake for dessert. The menu is a carnivore’s paradise but has just as many tempting options for vegetarians. –Adele Chapin
Other top vote-getters:
Amoo’s Restaurant, J. Gilbert’s, McLean Family Restaurant, Tachibana, Wren