Raffi's Place — Restaurant in Glendale

For my first visit to Raffi's Place Persian Cuisine, I was there to celebrate a birthday, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. We had heard that parking could be tricky, so we opted for the valet service for $10, which was convenient since the entrance was just a few steps away.

When we arrived around 7:00 PM, the place was buzzing with energy, filled with lively conversations and the aroma of delicious food. We let them know we were celebrating a birthday and were told there would be a 15-minute wait. The anticipation only added to the excitement.

Once seated, our waiter swiftly took our drink orders while we browsed the appetizers. We decided on a Pomegranate Martini, Raffi’s Champagne Rassmatazz, Raffi’s Cosmo, and an Iced Tea. The drinks were all delightful, but the Iced Tea stood out as especially refreshing. To start, we were served complimentary lavash bread alongside a vibrant mix of raw greens, radish, and onions, perfect for pairing with the meal.

For appetizers, we chose Tadig, a crispy rice crust that was crunchy and satisfying; Mast-o-Khiar, a creamy yogurt with cucumber and herbs that was cool and refreshing; Hummus, rich and smooth with a perfect balance of tahini and lemon; and a Greek Salad, a zesty blend of feta, olives, tomatoes, and crisp cucumber, all topped with a tangy house dressing. Each dish was a burst of flavor, setting the stage for what was to come.

When it came time to order our entrées, the waiter suggested we mix things up with both fluffy basmati rice and specialty Persian rice. We couldn’t resist. We shared the Chicken Barg Kabob, tender and juicy with a subtle char, paired with Albaloo Polo, a vibrant rice dish mixed with tart black cherries. The Chicken Koobideh Kabob was equally delicious, seasoned perfectly, and served with Zereshk Polo, a delightful rice mixed with barberries. The Fresh Scottish Salmon, marinated and charbroiled to perfection, was complemented by Baghali Polo, an aromatic rice with dill and lima beans.

Each bite was a revelation. The chicken was so tender that it practically melted in my mouth. I couldn’t resist creating a little sandwich with the lavash bread, spreading some Mast-o-Khiar, adding the raw greens, and topping it with a slice of chicken. The flavors combined in a way that was so delicious it nearly brought me to tears—a true chef’s kiss.

Dessert was the perfect ending to our meal. We shared the Trio Spumoni Gelato, a luscious combination of pistachio, chocolate, and strawberry sorbet, garnished with raspberry syrup; the Coconut Sorbet, refreshing and served in a natural coconut shell; and Vanilla Gelato, rich and creamy with a drizzle of caramel syrup. Each dessert was heavenly, leaving us all satisfied yet wanting more.

And then came the surprise—an enthusiastic rendition of “Happy Birthday” from the staff, complete with a plate of rich, sweet Baklava topped with a lit candle. It was a fun and memorable moment that made the celebration even more special.

While I’ve heard mixed reviews about the service, our waiter did a solid job of taking our orders and delivering the food, though there was little follow-up in between courses. That said, this was just a minor note in an otherwise incredible dining experience.

Raffi's Place is a must-try, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit. The food, the atmosphere, and the overall experience make it a standout spot for...

After a series of disappointing Persian restaurants in Northern California and the Bay Area, I decided to give Raffi’s Place another try. My first visit two years ago had left me unimpressed, but I figured it may deserve a second chance. Typically, I don’t write reviews—I just don’t have the time, and a mediocre dining experience isn’t something I dwell on. However, this situation feels different.

I won’t bother dissecting Raffi’s food because it feels like a waste of time to critique such a waste of food ingredients. The food isn’t terrible—it’s simply average. But when you pair that with the restaurant’s hyped reputation in a city known for its vibrant Iranian community, the result is overwhelmingly disappointing.

What truly baffles me is why my fellow Iranians in Los Angeles put up with this level of mediocrity, enduring over an hour-long wait, no reservation system, unimpressive interior design, a deafeningly noisy atmosphere, subpar restrooms, and no proper seating while waiting. Is it that we’ve forgotten what good Persian food and respectful dining experiences feel like? I doubt it. So why tolerate this? Why feed into a system that prioritizes profit over quality, from the ingredients to the cooking to the overall dining environment?

If you’re not Iranian and think this is as good as it gets, believe me—it’s not. This food barely qualifies as average. And that’s without delving into the service and attitude, which left me feeling embarrassed. It’s disheartening to think this could shape someone’s perception of Iranian hospitality.

In contrast, I’ve had far more satisfying meals at humble Afghan restaurants serving perfectly cooked, flavorful lamb or at average Turkish spots where the passion for cooking is evident. These experiences, though simple, leave a lasting impression—something Raffi’s Place utterly failed to do.

A final word for the chef and owner (and perhaps other Persian restaurant owners in California): Take some time to watch YouTube videos of Iranian restaurants in Iran. You might rediscover the joy of cooking and serving people, something all that profit seems to have...

Raffi's Place is EPIC and serves the best kabob in SoCal! If you love Persian food and have not yet tried it, then I suggest you go there immediately.

Atmosphere/Location: Raffi’s Place is a unique dining experience, combining authentic Persian and Middle Eastern cuisine with a beautiful indoor/outdoor setting, reminiscent of a Mediterranean courtyard. Located just a few blocks from the Americana at Brand, Raffi’s Place has become a landmark in Glendale, attracting patrons from the Greater Los Angeles Area and as far as the east coast. Raffi’s Place uses quality ingredients and provides outstanding service in an unforgettable atmosphere.

Service/Order: On my most recent visit, there was about a 30 minute wait when I got there at 2 pm on a Friday afternoon. I ordered the Soltani Kabob, house doogh, mast moosir, and topped it off with Persian Ice Cream to share. This meal was cooked to perfection. The kabob was made with quality ingredients and tasted as juicy as it looked. Unfortunately, I was so excited to eat that I actually forgot to take a picture of my plate before eating, which is I only have a partial picture of my kabob.

Gohar is a lovely, talented and respectful business owner/manager who ensured that we were seated as soon as possible. Susie was personable, considerate and did everything she could to make sure that we were comfortable. Henry, our waiter, quickly took our order after we were seated and provided excellent service during the meal. Finally, Oscar, who actually brought our food to the table, did so elegantly and professionally.

Parking: Valet, $10, cash only. There is a public parking garage across the street at a dead end which may be half that price. I recommend using the valet.

I highly recommend Raffi's Place and the Team for authentic and mouthwateringly delicious Persian food! Thank you so much, Rafik and Gohar, for all you have done to serve the diverse communities of Glendale and greater LA...