One of Baltimore magazine’s Top 41 Restaurants of 2008, acclaimed Afghan restaurant The Helmand is named for both the longest river in Afghanistan and the owners’ first-born son. The casual upscale eatery offers a plethora of meatless options alongside traditional lamb and chicken kebabs and stews, satisfying vegetarians and carnivores alike. Specialties include chopendez (marinated tenderloin of beef) and ginger-infused sea bass. And with reasonable entrée prices, you can afford to sample one of the intriguing desserts. Voted Best Middle Eastern Restaurant in 2007 City Paper readers poll. Full bar. Serving dinner nightly.