A well-appointed cave in the canyons of the Financial District, Zare is the kingdom of chef-owner Hoss Zare, a hulking, personable man sporting beard and ponytail. The low, copper-plated ceiling makes for an obnoxiously loud dining experience, but other than that there's much to like at this power luncheteria. Chef Zare infuses dishes such as foie gras with smoked salmon and lentils with a baroque energy. There's a riot of flavors and textures in each of his creation, and many lead the diner to wholly unexpected places: try smoke pheasant and port- marinated fig salad and you'll encounter minute silvers of bell pepper, tiny chunks of goat cheese, and pomegranate seeds scattered throughout. Nor does the chef skimp on dessert: chocolate souffle with a dab of mascarpone is a guaranteed head-turner. A thoughtful wine list and gracious service only sweeten the pot.

Open 7 days a week

Sunday - Thursday:
4 PM to 9:30 PM

Friday and Saturday:
4 PM to 10 PM