Shiraz. An Iranian city, my favourite alcoholic beverage and as it turns out, a restaurant on the Gold Coast.

We were looking to celebrate a 40th birthday and after some deliberation all three of us arrived at the same conclusion "we've never had Persian food before". Booking online was effortlessly accomplished the night before. Parking available at the Bridge Club next door.

We didn't know what to expect. In our group, we're all familiar with Turkish food, I'm also familiar with Iraqi and Pakistani cuisine due to my quirk as a foodie rambler. Well, isn't Persian food just this little gem that's unique in itself.

Considering that many Persian people don't drink alcohol due to religious/cultural reasons, the cocktail menu was stunning - and well executed. My wife and her cousin chose the Persian Love, I had the Persian Paradise. Later drinks included the Virgin Dragon's Delight and I couldn't personally pass up an opportunity to have a glass of Shiraz at Shiraz.

The entree was delivered swiftly, and served on a formidable platter as a Mezze. A big olive fan, my wife's eyes rolled back in her head after sampling the Zeytoon Parvadeh - definitely a favourite of ours. She normally doesn't eat Hummus but made an exception here - it was fantastic! We also purchased a garden salad that was as large as my head but was incredibly tasty - especially the fetta and Enoki.

Food from this part of the world often contains lamb or mutton - so all of us went that way. Mahiche, Shishlik (extra Saffron Joojeh skewer) and Gardan were our choices. Wow - this kitchen knows how to cook lamb.

Portions were anticipated to be small by the menu price but quite the opposite - they were massive. So much that we couldn't eat all the rice, but we were allowed to take the surplus away - that made a formidable fried rice the next day. The barberries are amazing!

Desserts were a lime and pistachio cheesecake - my wife remarked that this was light and not overly sweet (a big compliment) - whilst the others were the Bastani Sonati. Saffron in Ice Cream needs to be a more widely accepted concept.

The atmosphere is beautifully lit, occasionally interrupted by tram and motor vehicle traffic. Teal is also my favourite colour - that Shiraz feature prominently. Service attentive and polite.

An amazing experience that punches above its weight. Thank you!