Hafez — Restaurant in Melbourne

I recently visited Hafez with my family, hoping for an enjoyable dining experience at an Iranian restaurant. However, our visit left much to be desired. Despite the restaurant's reputation, we were disappointed by both the quality of the food, the unprofessional behavior we encountered, and the disturbingly loud music.

First and foremost, the food at Hafez did not meet our expectations. The taste and presentation were lacking, and it fell short of what one would anticipate from a restaurant of this caliber. It was disheartening to discover that the cuisine did not live up to the restaurant's reputation.

To add to our disappointment, we experienced an incident that left us quite shocked. While we were still in the middle of our meal, the owner instructed his staff to clean our table. It was incredibly rude and disrespectful, as it made us feel rushed and unwelcome. It is common courtesy for restaurants to wait until guests have finished their meal before clearing the table, but unfortunately, this basic etiquette was disregarded.

The situation escalated further when my wife politely requested that her unfinished food be packed for takeout. Instead of accommodating her simple request, the owner became visibly angry and began loudly complaining about a teenager sitting at a separate table. He demanded that the staff free the table, It was both unprofessional and disrespectful to single out and berate another guest in such a manner. This behavior only added to the negative atmosphere during our visit.

Adding to the disappointment, the restaurant played music at an excessively loud volume for a few seconds. This sudden burst of noise startled our baby and caused unnecessary distress. It was highly inappropriate for the restaurant to subject its patrons, especially young children, to such disturbingly loud music.

This incident made us question the restaurant's integrity. It appeared that Hafez falsely claims to be fully booked in order to create an illusion of popularity and exclusivity. However, our experience revealed a different reality—one of subpar food, unprofessional conduct, and a lack of consideration for the comfort and well-being of its guests.

Regrettably, I cannot recommend Hafez based on my recent visit. The underwhelming quality of the food, coupled with the disrespectful behavior from the owner and the disturbingly loud music, left a lasting negative impression. I hope that the management takes these criticisms constructively and works towards improving both the dining experience, the professionalism of their staff, and the consideration for their customers' comfort.

Thank you, and I wish you the best in your...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Hafez, an exquisite Iranian restaurant nestled in the heart of Melbourne. My culinary adventure took an extraordinary turn when I tasted their extraordinary shishlik, barg and koubideh. From the moment it graced my taste buds, I was transported to a world of tantalizing flavors, tender meat, and the warm ambiance of Iranian hospitality.

The presentation of the shishlik at Hafez was impeccable, leaving a lasting impression even before my first bite. The skewers of succulent charcoal grilled meat were perfectly arranged on a bed of aromatic saffron-infused basmati rice, accompanied by a medley of grilled tomatos. The enticing aroma alone was enough to whet my appetite and heighten my anticipation.

As I took my first bite, the tender, juicy meat melted in my mouth. The shishlik, prepared with marinated lamb, was impeccably seasoned with a blend of traditional Iranian spices, imparting a rich and complex flavor profile. The combination of spices created a harmonious symphony on my palate, leaving a lingering, delightful aftertaste.

The secret to Hafez's exceptional shishlik lies in their meticulous cooking technique. The meat was cooked to perfection, tender and succulent, while maintaining a slight char on the outside. Each skewer showcased the chef's expertise and dedication to providing an extraordinary dining experience.

The accompanying saffron-infused basmati rice was a testament to the restaurant's attention to detail. The grains were long, fluffy, and perfectly cooked, infused with the delicate aroma of saffron. The vibrant grilled tomatos, including onions added a refreshing and colorful touch to the dish, balancing the richness of the meat beautifully.

What truly sets Hafez apart is not only the exceptional quality of their food but also the warmth and authenticity of their service. The staff was knowledgeable and passionate about their cuisine, eagerly sharing insights into the origins and preparation techniques of the shishlik. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere and attentive staff created a memorable dining experience that went beyond the exceptional flavors on my plate.

In conclusion, my experience at Hafez was an absolute delight, and their shishlik left an indelible mark on my taste buds. From the tender, flavorful meat to the aromatic basmati rice and the impeccable service, every aspect of the meal was an ode to the rich culinary heritage of Iran. If you find yourself in Melbourne and yearn for an extraordinary dining experience, make sure to visit Hafez and savor their remarkable shishlik. You won't be...

Disappointing Experience at Hafez Restaurant, Unprofessional and rude owner.

Beautiful restaurant with nice decorations. The restaurant owner was incredibly rude and seemed shifty throughout our meal. We booked a set menu for 30 people on a Wednesday night to celebrate a friend's birthday and the booking made 3 weeks in advance. Upon arrival, the owner of the restaurant (Hamed) was very friendly. As enthusiasts of Persian cuisine, we anticipated classic dishes like Baghali Polo and Zereshk Polo paired with Joojeh Kebab and Koobideh Kebab. Shockingly, the owner initially forgot to serve the kebabs, a staple of Persian dining, which we had specifically looked forward to it. he conveniently "forgot" to bring out most important part of our main dish! When we brought this to his attention, he acted as if it was an innocent mistake. Initially, instead of apologizing or offering a discount, he insisted on charging us for items we didn’t receive. 50 minutes after we had finished our main course the kebabs were finally brought to the table without rice or bread, leaving us full and unable to fully enjoy them. Although the restaurant was empty on that night, we experienced poor service from staff and dirty plates didn’t remove from table before serving desert. At the end, he informed us there would be an additional charge of $2 per person to split the set menu (Just for dividing the total amount by number of people)! which was unexpected and unwelcomed. Overall, our experience at Hafez was married by poor service, forgetfulness of essential menu items, unexpected charges, and an unpleasant attitude from the owner (Hamed). For a celebration that was supposed to be enjoyable and memorable, it was nothing short of a letdown. We hope this feedback prompts improvements so that future patrons can enjoy the true essence of Persian hospitality...