Raffi's Place

Glendale is a city that lives and dies by its neighborhood institutions, and Raffi’s is one of the very best. Saying this long-running Persian spot specializes in kabobs is like saying that Paul McCartney specializes in playing music. Our favorite skewer here is the barg (thinly-sliced filet mignon), which arrives char-gilled and perfectly seasoned, but you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu served on a bed of fluffy sumac-dusted rice with grilled tomato and Anaheim pepper. Most dishes run above the $20 mark, which seems high until you realize Raffi’s portions will feed you and your social circle for a week. The space has a French bistro-ish theme, with white tablecloths, wicker chairs, and striped awnings, and also there’s a tree in the middle of the restaurant if that’s the kind of thing that makes you excited.