Hamsa

The food at Hamsa, an Israeli restaurant in Rice Village, is intended to be shared and lingered over. An appetizer salatim spread of little dips and marinated vegetables served with warm pita takes time to enjoy, as do the grilled kebab skewers that get served tableside. Even the sweet chocolate halvah dessert, alongside some Turkish coffees or espresso martinis, are invitations to take your time. As are the low-slung plush booths, where, despite how crowded it gets, you are an island to yourselves. Reservations are recommended, but the sultry navy bar is pretty dreamy, too.