Zaffron

Finally, a restaurant that solves that age-old dilemma: Italian or Persian? Schizophrenia aside, Zaffron manages to shine at both cuisines. Inside, a California-style decor: stucco walls, autumn colours and tile floors. Fresh from the wood oven, Iranian flatbread ($4) is sprinkled with sesame seeds; it proves the perfect medium for smoky eggplant purée ($6.95) with lashings of goat yogurt cheese and deep-fried mint. Fusilli Saraceno ($13.95) confirms Italian expertise, with a creamy tomato sauce teaming up with grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and onions red and green.