Aubergine Persian Restaurant — Restaurant in Prague

I KNOW THEY WILL RESPOND TO THIS REVIEW LIKE THEY DO WITH OTHERS—WITH THE USUAL “OH, WE CAN’T MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY” OR “YOU WERE JUST UNLUCKY.” BUT THE TRUTH NEEDS TO BE SAID.

This was my third visit to this restaurant, and I’m honestly shocked at how it keeps getting worse every time. I don’t even know where to begin, but I’m writing this review for non-Iranians who are curious about Persian cuisine and for the owners to understand that being the only Persian restaurant in town doesn’t mean they can serve whatever they want without people noticing. Just because we miss Iranian food doesn’t mean we have to settle for this.

Let’s start with the most fundamental part of Persian cuisine: the rice. Persian rice is supposed to be one of its biggest highlights, yet what we were served was undercooked, hard to chew, and completely flavorless. It’s unacceptable to mess up something so basic.

We ordered Kabab Barg, and I truly don’t understand how they managed to get it so wrong. It had no taste whatsoever, and there was an odd texture in the meat, as if something extra had been mixed in. They even ask how you’d like it cooked—medium or well-done—yet somehow, it arrives super dry and completely overcooked regardless of your choice.

The Baghali Polo had the same issue as the plain rice—undercooked, with hard beans. As for the lamb, it was served in its own juice with caramelized onions, but instead of enhancing the flavor, the onions were completely burnt, making the entire dish bitter.

Then came the final disappointments: the mint tea and Faloodeh. The tea smelled like lamb broth—yes, you read that right. When we asked for a replacement, the waitress got visibly annoyed, took the glass to the back of the bar, and then returned with the exact same cup, claiming she had changed it.

Throughout our entire visit, the waitstaff acted as if they were being forced to work there. No effort to be welcoming, no follow-ups to ask if we needed anything else—just an overall attitude of annoyance.

Honestly, I have no idea how this place has the ratings and positive reviews it does, but I can say with certainty that they do not reflect reality. And for the prices they charge—comparable to restaurants in Germany or Austria—the quality should at least match.

To anyone interested in experiencing real Persian cuisine, do yourself a favor: try it in another country. This place is not a true representation of...

Hands down the best Persian food we’ve tried in Prague. This place truly delivers authentic Persian cuisine. We ordered Baghali Polo ba Mahiche (dill and fava bean rice with lamb shank), Kabab Barg (tenderloin kebab), Faloodeh Bastani (traditional Persian vermicelli dessert with saffron ice cream), and Persian tea.

The lamb shank was brought out glistening, and its deep color and aroma immediately promised a delicious dish—it was fall-off-the-bone tender and richly flavored. The Kabab Barg was soft, juicy, and perfectly grilled. Both types of rice were cooked to perfection: fluffy and fragrant, with a delicate saffron layer on top.

The saffron ice cream was creamy and full of flavor, and although the faloodeh had some larger ice crystals, it didn’t take away from its refreshing sweetness and delicate rosewater taste.

The Persian tea was a lovely highlight, served with a side of dried rose petals for an extra aromatic touch. While some may prefer the iconic Estekan (traditional Persian tea glass), as avid tea drinkers, we appreciated being served in full-sized cups—it let us truly linger over the tea.

Another thoughtful detail was how the proteins were served separately from the rice. This not only kept flavors distinct but also allowed us to share and taste a variety of dishes without anything blending together.

Portions were very generous, so we decided to take the leftovers. What really impressed us was the way everything was packed: neatly sealed in compartmentalized trays, with proteins and rice kept separate. It was practical, hygienic, and far more thoughtful than the standard takeaway boxes you usually see.

The décor was warm and inviting, with traditional Persian musical instruments beautifully displayed. The staff were friendly, and the overall atmosphere was laid-back and relaxing.

Strongly recommend—and we’ll definitely be back the next time...

As a native Iranian, I can confidently say this restaurant delivers an genuinely authentic Persian dining experience. From the moment you walk in, you're welcomed by incredibly friendly staff and the warm atmosphere is enhanced by traditional Persian music playing softly in the background. The comfortable seating and thoughtful table arrangements create an inviting space that feels both elegant and relaxed.The presentation and aroma of the dishes immediately caught my attention – everything looked and smelled wonderfully authentic. What impressed me most was the rice preparation, which any Persian food lover knows can make or break a meal. Achieving the perfect texture is notoriously difficult, but this kitchen has mastered it completely. The rice had that ideal consistency – neither too soft nor too firm – and ranks among the best Persian rice I've encountered anywhere in Europe.The kebabs were equally outstanding, featuring tender, perfectly cooked meat with rich, authentic flavors that transported me back to the best Persian kitchens. Every bite demonstrated the chef's skill and attention to traditional cooking methods.This restaurant successfully combines genuine Persian hospitality with expertly prepared traditional cuisine, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of...