We were on a short visit to the US and craving authentic Persian food. After reading strong recommendations, we made a detour to Zaffron Bloom before heading into Manhattan—and it turned out to be an excellent choice.
We started with kashke bademjan, a warm eggplant dip topped with caramelized onions, dried mint, and tangy kashk. The silky eggplant had a deep roasted flavor, perfectly balanced by the bright, slightly sour whey sauce and the gentle crunch of fried onions. It paired beautifully with the soft, warm pita bread.
The tahdig with ghormeh sabzi was a standout—a golden, crispy rice crust layered with the rich, herb-packed Persian stew of slow-cooked beef, kidney beans, parsley, cilantro, fenugreek, and dried lime. The contrast of textures—the crunch of tahdig against the tender meat and greens—was pure comfort food.
For a refreshing counterpoint, the mast-o-khiar brought thick, creamy yogurt with diced cucumber and dried mint. Its cool, tangy profile made it the perfect palate cleanser between richer bites.
The salad olivieh—a Persian chicken and potato salad with peas, carrots, pickles, and a mayonnaise-based dressing—was hearty yet bright, with the pickles adding a welcome tang to cut through the creaminess.
For mains, we enjoyed two classics. The chicken kebab platter featured juicy saffron-marinated chicken cubes with fluffy basmati rice streaked in vibrant saffron, plus a smoky charred tomato. The koobideh kebab platter delivered a perfectly seasoned ground beef skewer—tender, flavorful, and just smoky enough—served with the same saffron rice and grilled tomato. Both came with a garden sumac salad, a crisp mix of lettuce, tomato, and onion tossed with tangy sumac for freshness and balance.
We sat outside in perfect summer weather, which made the experience even more memorable. Every dish was flavorful, portions were generous, and service was warm. This was a detour we were very glad we made—Zaffron Bloom truly delivers authentic...
Read moreA Truly Delightful Experience From the moment we walked into the Restaurant, it was clear that this family-owned gem offers much more than just delicious food – it offers a warm, welcoming experience that makes you feel right at home. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a blend of traditional Persian charm and a modern, relaxed vibe that’s perfect for families, friends, or a romantic night out. The menu is a celebration of Persian cuisine, with a wide range of dishes that cater to all tastes. We started with the classic mirza ghasemi, a smoky eggplant dip that was rich and flavorful, and the ash reshteh, a hearty soup full of herbs, beans, and noodles – both perfect examples of Persian comfort food at its finest. For the main course, we couldn't resist the chelo kebab – a sizzling platter of tender, juicy kebabs served with fluffy basmati rice and a side of grilled tomatoes. The flavor was incredible, and the quality of the meat was top-notch. The fesenjan, a chicken stew cooked in a rich pomegranate-walnut sauce, was a standout, balancing sweet and savory notes in the most satisfying way. But what really sets this restaurant apart is the sense of family and hospitality. The staff made us feel like we were part of their extended family, offering great recommendations and ensuring we had everything we needed. You can tell they take immense pride in their food, and it shows in every dish. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience with authentic Persian flavors and a welcoming atmosphere, [Restaurant Name] is an absolute must-visit. We left feeling full, happy, and eager to return....
Read moreA FOODIE’S FIND OF A SUPERB AUTHENTIC PERSIAN CUISINE 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 in northeastern NJ. It’s a family owned restaurant, outstanding home cooking.
The menu is very short and sweet, a very sign of mastery by the cook. 👏👏👏 A personalized instruction of the foods is given by the server/proprietor.
SERVINGS ARE LARGE, the food is shareable. But for those with big appetite, each dish is something to SLOWLY SAVOR AND ENJOY THE TREAT OF PERSIAN COOKING. It is heavenly.
🤩 🤩🤩Hashne-e-Bademjoon::: traditional Persian smoked eggplant salad (considered a “dip”). The smoky flavor is amped up by a heavenly mint oil the eggplant chunks are sautéed in.
🤗🤗🤗 Olivieh salad::: a most delightful salad of potato, carrots, peas and eggs. Wonderfully creamy and flavorful. Very textural.
😊😊😊 Must-o-Musir::: a heavenly refreshing thick yogurt, the shallots adds a surprising dimension of spiciness to the cooling property of freshly made yogurt
🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 Tahdig::: a most delightful traditional Persian crispy rice. It’s a lovely dish of a very crispy rice cake (tortilla) on top of savory rice.
An extra Gormeh Sabzi, fragrant meat stew, over the crispy rice cake multiplies the flavor….WOW WOW.
THERE’S A LOT MORE TO EXPLORE ON THE MENU.
IT WILL BE WORTH COMING BACK.
Oh, they deliver within a 10-mile radius. Order directly from their website 👏👏👏.
The restaurant is very pleasant. Minimalist decor and very well lit.
SERVICE IS OUTSTANDING, with personalized instruction about...
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