The Helmand is Boston's first Afghan restaurant. It has a wonderful atmosphere with yellow walls, hand-woven rugs, a wood-burning stove and tables set with linen and fresh flowers. Dishes here are seasoned with spices like turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon and cilantro. One specialty is the "naan" bread, which you dip it into the chile-tomato, cilantro-vinegar and yogurt-mint sauces. The pumpkin appetizer with yogurt and ground beef is also popular. Menu items include Lamb with Grapes, marinated tenderloin and Leek-Stuffed Ravioli. The restaurant has an excellent selection of wine.
• Hours: 5p-10p Sun-Thu; 5p-11p Fri-Sat