Diba Restaurant — Restaurant in Vancouver

As someone originally from Iran, living in Canada for over 20 years (and nearly 13 years in Vancouver), I have a deep connection to Persian cuisine—and a genuine interest in supporting good Iranian restaurants when they deserve it. Dining out is a passion of mine, and I always try a restaurant alone first before recommending it to guests, especially when it comes to Persian food, where quality can vary widely.

Unfortunately, Vancouver has very few Persian restaurants that consistently deliver high-quality food and service. Unlike Toronto, where strong Persian cuisine is more accessible, the bar here is surprisingly low. That’s why when I saw Diba’s high rating (4.9), I was curious but cautious. I usually check the negative reviews first, and in this case, many of them made valid points—suggesting patterns that couldn’t be ignored.

Today, while heading toward West Vancouver from Brentwood, heavy traffic redirected me downtown, and I decided to finally give Diba a try. Parking was difficult. Inside, the lone server was busy speaking to the kitchen and seemed to be handling all the tables herself. Given that the restaurant was more than half full, I can’t fault the service too much—she was doing her best.

I ordered the lamb kabob with rice—a simple but solid benchmark for any Persian restaurant. Unfortunately, it was a major letdown:

The rice tasted stale and lacked aroma.

The meat was of noticeably low quality—tough and with a faintly unpleasant taste that made me question its freshness.

To be clear: running a restaurant is a professional job. Cooking for paying guests isn’t the same as making kebabs at home twice a year. Customers pay for quality, not mediocrity. You can't just charge top dollar and serve substandard food.

Diba, sadly, falls into the same trap as many newer Persian places—attractive branding, nice décor, but no substance behind the menu. It’s a shame, because the name “Diba” carries a rich cultural meaning, one that this restaurant, at least in my experience, fails to honor.

I sincerely hope they take feedback seriously and raise their standards. For now, I cannot...

An Unforgettable Culinary Experience at Diba Restaurant

From the moment I stepped into Diba Restaurant, I knew I was in for something special—but it still managed to exceed every single expectation. The experience was simply outstanding from start to finish.

Let’s start with the ambiance: warm, inviting, and beautifully designed. The environment strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Whether you’re there for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a casual evening out, it feels just right.

Now the customer service—WOW. The staff were not just friendly—they were incredibly kind, welcoming, and attentive without being overbearing. It felt like we were being cared for by people who truly love what they do. Every request was met with a smile, and every detail was handled with genuine hospitality.

The food? Absolutely divine. Every dish we tried was bursting with flavor, made with high-quality ingredients, and presented beautifully. You can tell that the chefs here take real pride in their craft. From the appetizers to the main course and desserts, each plate was a work of art both visually and taste-wise. The spices, the textures, the aroma—it was all perfect. And the best part? The service was super fast, yet everything was fresh and perfectly cooked.

What really stood out to me is that everything felt thoughtful—from the carefully curated menu to the polished service and serene atmosphere. It’s rare to find a place where everything is done right, and Diba Restaurant truly delivers on every level.

I would recommend this restaurant not just 100%, but 1000%. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and visit Diba. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience you’ll want to relive...

My wife and I always crave a good kebab when we’re downtown, and over the years we’ve seen many Persian restaurants in Vancouver come and go. The common problem was the same when they first opened, the food quality, customer service, and friendly atmosphere were great, but over time those things faded until the restaurant eventually shut down. Diba Restaurant has been a refreshing change. Since they opened, they’ve consistently delivered great quality food and service. On our visit, Maryem was our server, and she was outstanding very friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about the menu. She really helped us choose the best dishes for what we were craving. We each tried the chicken and ground beef kebabs, skewer of boneless chicken and skewer of Loghmeh ground beef. The chicken was full of rich marinade flavor, and the ground beef had just the right spicy kick. We also ordered Persian doogh, which is usually made with yogurt, water, salt, and herbs like mint. This version had a garlic taste, which was unexpected, but still refreshing. My personal favorite kebab is Barg, which I haven’t tried here yet but I’ll definitely be ordering it on our next visit! Overall, if you’re looking for a Persian restaurant downtown that keeps up its quality and service over time, Diba is the...