London is home to a thriving Iranian and Persian food scene, with dozens of restaurants across the city offering classic dishes like kebab koobideh. Camden Town and Kilburn boast bustling food scenes with highly-rated hidden gems, so I set out to review two acclaimed Iranian restaurants in the area and experience firsthand their tasty offerings and cozy spaces.
I landed on Kish Persian Restaurant, an Iranian restaurant located in the Kilburn neighborhood of London, having 4.2 stars reviews from 2,137 diners. Intrigued by the promise of delicious Persian cuisine, I decided to give it a try.
Location Review Kish Persian Restaurant is conveniently located near two Kilburn subway stations, making it accessible for those in the Westminster borough. Positioned on the edge of Central London, it sits in a sweet spot that caters well to visitors from the west and north. However, those traveling from the south or east may find it a bit less convenient.
Half star
Service Review The service at Kish Persian Restaurant left me with mixed feelings. While the staff speak Farsi and were friendly and accommodating when taking my order, there were instances of confusion regarding seating arrangements. The restaurant comprises multiple adjacent spaces, and the insistence on seating us in a less desirable area, despite our preferences, was a bit frustrating. Additionally, miscommunication about complimentary items and a surprise charge for bread and tea were notable drawbacks.
Half star
Portion Review The star of the show, the koobideh, presented a generous portion that was both lengthy and substantial. However, the rice portion fell short, leaving me to rely on bread to complete the meal- always a bad sign as an Iranian! I just ordered the main dish with no sides included. A more ample serving of rice would have been appreciated.
Half star
Price Review Priced at £15 for the koobideh, Kish Persian Restaurant falls slightly above the average range for similar dishes in London. While this is still reasonable, additional charges for bread and tea should be considered. The total cost falling within the average range, so I would give it an average rating. .
Half star
Quality Review On the plus side, the rice was impeccably fluffy and buttery, while the koobideh had a delicious, well-balanced flavor. The starters, including the bread, shirazi, and olivia, all showcased excellent quality. Even the tea at the end was a delightful experience. This restaurant triumphs in delivering a memorable culinary experience.
Full star
Summary We've settled on a three-star rating for Kish Restaurant in Kilburn, London. While sharing my personal experience, I recognize that others might have had diverse experience—some better, some worse. I encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments, fostering a more comprehensive understanding for potential diners. My hope is that these insights can serve as constructive feedback for Kish, help them in improving their offerings for an enhanced dining experience. If you're a fan of Iranian cuisine, this may be a spot worth exploring, with the hope that your experience is even more enjoyable.
Thank you for accompanying me on this culinary exploration. Expect more koobideh reviews not only in London but also from various corners of the globe and also explore my other reviews.
Total Stars: 3 stars out of 5
Watch my full review for Kish Persian, London on Youtube at youtu....
Read moreKish Persian Restaurant, located in London, is a gem for those seeking authentic Persian cuisine. This restaurant offers a delightful blend of traditional Persian flavors, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and exceptional service, making it a standout dining destination.
The moment you step into Kish, you are greeted by a beautifully decorated interior that reflects Persian culture. The elegant setting features traditional Persian artwork, intricate rugs, and comfortable seating, creating a cozy and welcoming environment. The ambiance is perfect for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings, providing a sense of warmth and hospitality.
The menu at Kish Persian Restaurant is a culinary journey through Iran’s rich and diverse cuisine. It features a wide array of dishes, from succulent kebabs to flavorful stews and fragrant rice dishes. The appetizers, such as the Kashk-e Bademjan (aubergine dip) and Mirza Ghasemi (smoked eggplant), are a great way to start your meal, offering a taste of authentic Persian flavors.
One of the highlights of the menu is the selection of kebabs. The Chelo Kebab Koobideh, made with minced lamb, and the Joojeh Kebab, marinated chicken, are both cooked to perfection, juicy, and packed with flavor. The accompanying saffron rice and grilled tomatoes complement the kebabs beautifully. The stews, such as Ghormeh Sabzi (herb stew with lamb and beans) and Fesenjan (chicken in a pomegranate and walnut sauce), are equally impressive, offering a rich and satisfying taste of Persian home cooking.
Vegetarian options are also well-represented on the menu, ensuring that there is something for everyone. The Persian Salad and Dolmeh (stuffed grape leaves) are fresh and flavorful, providing excellent choices for those preferring plant-based dishes.
The service at Kish is another aspect that enhances the dining experience. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and eager to help you navigate the menu. They are more than happy to offer recommendations and ensure that your dining experience is enjoyable from start to finish.
An interesting fact about Kish Persian Restaurant is its commitment to authenticity. The restaurant sources its ingredients carefully to ensure that the flavors are as close to traditional Persian cuisine as possible. This dedication to quality is evident in every dish served.
In conclusion, Kish Persian Restaurant offers a superb dining experience with its authentic Persian cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service. Whether you are new to Persian food or a longtime fan, Kish is a must-visit destination for a...
Read moreSo, I read a lot of the reviews on here and decided to take a chance on Kish.
Like many others, it’s right across the street from our hotel, the Marriott. There’s a lot of 5 ⭐️ reviews for the food, and I agree that the food is definitely 5 stars. I didn’t find it to be too expensive, but being from the USA, I’ve found most things to be cheaper in the UK. I ordered the hummus with a basket of naan. There was A LOT of naan! Like 12 pieces! When I order naan in the US, I get 4 pieces. My husband ordered the chicken soup. It was very good. We both got a glass of wine. They are generous with their portions. For dinner I ordered the chicken kabobs. My husband ordered the chicken and lamb kabobs. They came with saffron jasmine rice and a small salad. It’s a lot of rice! I couldn’t even eat half of it. Everything was very tasty. The only issue we had was that after the meal we never saw the waiter again. He never came back. We were never offered water, another glass of wine, dessert, coffee, the check, a to-go box, NOTHING. Eventually I asked another waitress if we could please get the check. I saw her go over to our waiter who was by the front, point to us and tell him. Neither he, nor her, nor anyone else ever brought us the check?!? I don’t know what is going on with this place. I told my husband, “Maybe we will get his attention if we start to leave!” So we got up and went to the front. Still, nothing. So we had to ask the gentleman at the front if we could pay. He finally obliged us. Honestly, if you’re going to purposefully ignore your customers for so long I would not be shocked if some people were to walk out on you. Not saying it’s ok but you don’t exactly act like getting paid is important to you. It seemed like a huge inconvenience for us to pay! We must’ve waited at least 20-25 minutes to pay the bill. For this reason alone I give service 3 stars. But before this everything seemed fine. Very strange. Altogether our bill was £58 including their 12.5% gratuity. I would recommend ordering to go so you don’t have to deal with the staff since others have also complained about the...
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