Persian Palace Restaurant — Restaurant in Seoul

Nestled in a hidden corner of one of the historical neighborhoods of Seoul, I stumbled upon the Persian Palace Restaurant, an Iranian gem that transported me back to the enchanting city of Shiraz. From the moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere, which felt more like a museum filled with historical objects and cultural treasures.

The owner, Shapour, a hospitable Shirazian, welcomed us with open arms. His passion and dedication to recreating a slice of Iran in the heart of Seoul were evident in every detail of the restaurant. The décor was stunning, beautiful lanterns, and fascinating artifacts adorning the walls, creating an ambiance that was both charming and nostalgic.

I was particularly eager to try the kebab, and it did not disappoint. The flavors were rich and authentic, The meat was tender, perfectly seasoned, and cooked to perfection.

To top off an already wonderful experience, Shapour treated us to a special dessert: Shirazi ice cream. This generous gesture was the perfect end to an exceptional meal. The ice cream was deliciously creamy and fragrant, with the distinctive flavors that are unique to Shiraz.

The Persian Palace Restaurant is a hidden treasure in Seoul, offering not just a meal but a cultural journey. Whether you're an Iranian longing for a taste of home or simply a food enthusiast eager to explore new flavors, this restaurant is a must-visit. The combination of Shapour's warm hospitality, the beautiful setting, and the outstanding food make it a truly unforgettable experience. I can't recommend it...

Location wise, it’s quite hidden in the small high street it is on. Persian Palace is located up North of Seoul and far away from the heart of the city.

The menu is quite limited, with a few selections of Koobideh and other dishes that are rich in Curry. The prices range from 20,000 to 23,000 South Korean won, which is about 14-15.00 GBP. Although the price falls within the standard cost of Koobideh around the world, it’s pretty expensive for local Seoul price for just one plate or dish.

The owner of the Persian Palace is very welcoming. He also followed up throughout the visit on my feedback and if I needed anything else. On that note, the orders arrived very quickly. Portion-wise, it seems very filling, as there were lots of things going on the plate. The Koobideh itself, however, was rather small compared to an average size. There were only a few small pieces of chicken as well.

The food surrounding the Koobideh were great. On the downside, the Koobideh was rather small and dry. It’s obvious that it wasn’t cooked and grilled today, as it didn’t taste very fresh.

If you’re in Seoul and get the urge to have some Iranian food, there aren’t very many choices of restaurants to go to. Persian Palace is there on the map, and you can go for it if you’d like. However, the quality of the food was standard, so don’t expect to be blown away.

Total Stars: 3...

Lovely, lovely middle eastern food. We had 3 of the lamb with rice and 2 of the chicken kebab with cheese naan, and of course the hummus. All came to 140,000 won. The food was so, so good. The kids and I really enjoyed everything.

The place is not that hard to find if you follow the directions from Naver Map. We took the green line bus Jongno8 near Gwangjang market side, we stopped at a corner across Paris Baguette, walked a straight line and once we saw Boine Glasses shop (we actually missed it for a bit as the place is in an alleyway), it's right through the alley.

Bonus: if you're only in Korea for a short trip and need a place to do laundry, there is a 24-hour coin laundry place on the way there, so you could do a...