I can’t say enough good things about Diyar! The first time I visited, I was a little hesitant because the space is quite small — but from the moment I walked in, the owner’s warmth completely changed that feeling. Even though the restaurant was about to close for a private event, he still welcomed us in with a smile, let us order, and made sure we had time to enjoy our meal without feeling rushed. That level of hospitality is rare these days, and it immediately made me want to return.
The food itself was outstanding. Every dish we’ve tried has been bursting with flavor, perfectly seasoned, and cooked with so much care. The chicken kebab in particular is absolutely to die for... so juicy and tender that it completely changed my mind about chicken breast. The portions are very generous as well, which I love because it means I can take home leftovers and enjoy the experience all over again.
I came back the following week with my mom, who is a very picky eater, and she couldn’t stop raving about it — which speaks volumes. On my third visit with a friend, I learned that Diyar is a true family-run restaurant, operated by the husband, wife, and their daughter. That personal touch really shines through in everything they do. They not only remembered me, but treated us like old friends. They went above and beyond, offering complimentary warm bread at the start, and finishing our meal with a beautifully fragrant Persian tea. These gestures, paired with their genuine hospitality, make the dining experience feel less like going to a restaurant and more like being welcomed into someone’s home.
The hosts here are some of the kindest, most attentive people I’ve ever met in a restaurant setting. They check in often, make sure you’re comfortable, and add thoughtful touches that turn a simple meal into a memorable outing. It’s clear they care deeply about both their food and their guests.
If you’re looking for incredible Middle Eastern food served with warmth, kindness, and heart...away from the crowded, noisy restaurants on Lonsdale...Diyar is the hidden gem you need to try. Supporting a small family business that puts so much love into every detail feels as good as the food tastes. Highly, highly...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of celebrating my mother-in-law's birthday at Diyar Persian restaurant, and I must say, they exceeded our expectations in every way! We had a large group, and the staff went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly.
The food was truly exceptional, from the freshly baked bread to the delicious dips and the mouth-watering meals. Being married to a Persian man, we’ve ate many kebabs over the years and I can confidently say that their kebabs are among the best I've ever had! The flavors were rich, the meat was tender, and the presentation was beautiful.
One of the highlights was their tea service, which came with lovely fresh flowers floating inside, such a lovely touch!
The service was attentive, friendly, and accommodating. They played music and we got to dance and the kids could twirl around. This family-owned restaurant's warm and welcoming atmosphere made our celebration even more special and relaxed. It’s often hard to have a large group in a restaurant but this was not the case.
I highly recommend Diyar to anyone looking for authentic, delicious food and exceptional service. We'll definitely be back and we plan to have them cater an event for our family...
Read moreI recently visited this restaurant with my family for a holiday dinner, and it was an interesting experience. As the first Persian open buffet restaurant I’ve been to, I was excited to try a variety of dishes. The customer service was good – the staff were attentive and polite, which definitely added to the positive aspects of the evening.
The ambiance, however, was a bit of a mixed bag. The space felt cramped, and the noise level was higher than expected, making it hard to have a quiet conversation.
As for the food, it was decent, though not particularly remarkable. We tried a range of dishes, including Mahiche, Kabab, Joojeh Kabab, Geyme, Gorme Sabzi, as well as Kahoo salad, Kalam salad, yogurt, and drinks. The flavors were generally in line with what you’d expect from Persian cuisine, but none of the dishes stood out as particularly exceptional. The food was neither bad nor particularly flavorful – it was simply "okay."
Overall, while the experience was enjoyable in some aspects, the food didn’t leave a lasting impression. It’s a good spot if you're looking for a variety of dishes, but not necessarily for a memorable,...
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