I used to co-own one of Canada’s highest rated Persian restaurants so I’d like to leave a review from that point of view:
The atmosphere is very lovely. The staff were quick to greet us and have us seated right away. They were very professional and overly accommodating to my non-Persian co-worker that was out with me.
As for starters, we tried the must-o-khiar, must-o-mosir, kashke bademjan, mirza ghassemi, the tabouleh, the fattoush, and the bread. The starters were well above average but like most times, there is room for improvement there. The Mirza ghassemi was the best one for sure. It tasted very close to the Mirza Ghassemis of Shomal. The bread was phenomenal - likely the best I’ve had at a persian restaurant (outside of Iran and the LA area).
We had the “platter for four” meal - which included minced lamb Kabab, Barg, chicken breast, baby chicken, and lamb shanks. The kababs were fantastic. Super tender, real ingredients, and most importantly, they were properly cooked. Many persian restaurants over/undercook kababs; this one does not - the chef is on point here.
As for rice, we had the baghali polo and the zereshk polo. Both were fantastic. They made these using real saffron rice and cooked the rice properly - not over-cooked like many places. We tried it with butter on some and without on the other, and it was great either way. While it is common for Persian restaurants to leave butter on the side of rice, many cook it with too much butter/oil to begin with - they did not.
The staff are really easy going and friendly. The interior of the restaurant gave me goosebumps. The artwork in this restaurant belongs to a person who appreciates real Persian history and art. It is incredible and reassuring to see this wonderful taste of decor in a truly Persian restaurant.
Normally, I’d review the prices as well, however, I’m not from the area and this isn’t really a fair assessment; however, as a western Canadian, the prices were far below what we would pay for these meals at home. I’ll be a regular to this place when I’m...
Read moreAbsolutely delicious food. It is served quickly and the service is really friendly. The portions are generous, and you can't help but keep trying to squeeze more food in despite being full!
It's worth noting that they don't serve alcohol here, but you can bring your own (I didn't notice if you pay a corkage or not).
I'd recommend the grill platter for 2 if you can't decide between what to have as it has a few different meats on. It wasn't our first visit, so we knew not to fill up on starters as the mains are filling enough. There is a kids menu with the usual beige offerings if you have picky children. We just ordered a selection of things to share rather than order from that, and the kids were happy to enjoy the same as we had.
I recommend this place to anyone asking for somewhere to eat in Middlesbrough. It's not a fancy restaurant, but it is an extremely good and...
Read moreDining at this Persian restaurant was an unforgettable experience. The charming and authentic decor, featuring beautiful carpets, intricate tiles, and traditional lanterns, created a warm and inviting ambiance that transported me straight to Iran.
The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making me feel like a cherished guest. They eagerly explained the dishes and offered recommendations, enhancing the overall delightful experience.
The food was the true highlight. Every dish burst with flavor and authenticity, from succulent kebabs to aromatic rice dishes and flavorful stews. The saffron-infused chicken with barberry rice was particularly memorable, and the traditional Persian sweets provided a perfect ending to a fantastic meal. This place is a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine Persian...
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