Azafrán (CLOSED)

A dramatic portrait of a matador marks the entrance of this popular tapas spot. Israeli-born chef and co-owner Dan Lerner is drawn to eclectic Spanish cuisine. Hence you’ll find dishes like brik (a Tunisian import of seasonal mushroom-stuffed pastry) and pintxos morunos de pollo (a chicken kebab). Azafrán is Spanish for “saffron”—if you crave it, budget an extra 20 minutes for the paella. Better yet, pair your meal with one of several Spanish wines by the bottle. Every other Wednesday night, live flamenco music and a $45 three-course prix-fixe dinner (that includes a glass of sangria) are a couple more reasons to visit.