Darbari Persian Grill — Restaurant in Costa Mesa

My wife and I stumbled upon Darbari Persian Grill on our way back home from the beach, and we decided to give it a try. We were immediately drawn to its location on the side of the street and were hopeful for a great dining experience.

We were greeted by the friendly and courteous staff. They promptly seated us and since we wanted to enjoy the beautiful weather, they graciously prepared a table outside for us. The hospitality and attentiveness of the staff set a positive tone for our meal.

When we checked the menu, we noticed Beef Koobideh, but we were hesitant to order it due to a previous disappointing experience with this dish in other restaurants. However, since they didn't have Lamb Koobideh available, we decided to take a chance. To our surprise, the Beef Koobideh turned out to be incredibly tender, juicy and delicious. The saffron rice served alongside it was perfectly cooked. We replaced a portion of the rice with a Greek salad, which was equally delightful.

After a long day spent at the beach and playing tennis, we were famished, and the food at Darbari Persian Grill truly hit the spot. The flavors were satisfying, and the portion sizes were generous. It was evident that the kitchen took great care in preparing the dishes to ensure they were both tasty and fulfilling.

Based on our experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Darbari Persian Grill. The combination of friendly staff, a pleasant outdoor dining area, and delicious food made for an enjoyable meal. We look forward to returning and exploring other items...

This restaurant has a special place in my heart ♡. My mother & I were out spending time together & finally realized we need to eat lunch at 3pm. We passed by Darbari & thought exotic Persian food...yum. We were recieved & served by Afsar who made us feel right at home, we picked the front table at the patio & sat snugling side by side. We created a multi course menu starting with Tah-Dig, a crispy rice with 3 types of stews & it was delish. Followed by Darbari salad & the dressing had all these beautiful flavors, followed by the main course; Fesenjon which is a sauce mix of Walnuts & Pomegranates served with chicken breast & eaten with rice, we also wanted to try their ground meat Koobideh. We tried the Fesanjon in other Persian restaurants, but this one had the perfect balance of ingredients & was absolutely delish, & the Koobideh was moist with delicate spices.

They say you can have a magical experience when sharing a meal, this truly was a magical experience with my mother & what cradled that experience was Afsar's presence & her sweet & Zen energy, I can say that because I know it would not be the same if it was someone else! We were stuffed but did not want to end this experience, Afsar suggested some tea & desert... When we were leaving, my mother was so pleased she gave Afsar a hug!

A month later my mother passed away, suddenly, & this magical experience will be a forever precious memory.

Now I visit the restaurant regularly, sit at that table, in my mother's seat & hope that...

Darbari Persian Grill isn't just a restaurant; it's a portal to an aromatic, flavorful world I stumbled upon years ago. Every visit, no matter how far I travel from, is a testament to its incredible food and service.

I've devoured my way through their menu over the years, and not a single dish has disappointed. From the crispy, crackling tah-dig to the smoky, succulent kebabs, each bite is a symphony of aromas and spices. My personal crown jewel? The chicken shish kabob plate, nestled on fragrant baghali polo with a melt-in-your-mouth lamb shank. Portions are generous, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

If you have room for something sweet, the baklava and bastani are irresistible finales. Layers of honey-laced filo pastry and the creamy pistachio ice cream are a great way to wrap up the meal.

My most recent visit was with a sizable group that practically filled the restaurant. Despite the bustling atmosphere, Mehdi and the staff welcomed us with open arms. Their patience and attentiveness were truly remarkable, accommodating all our requests with a smile. And of course, the food arrived swiftly and fresh, leaving our entire group singing Darbari's praises.

If you're seeking an authentic taste of Persian hospitality and culinary mastery, look no further than Darbari Persian Grill. It's an experience you won't...