Ravagh Persian Grill — Restaurant in New York

So, my wife and I love to date. October this year, 2023, marked 22 years for us and yep it was time for another one (DJ Khaled's voice). This time we wanted some good Middle Eastern food and after narrowing our search down to 3, we settled on Persian. The last time we had some good Persian was in Sandy Springs, GA years ago. Yesterday we visited the Ravagh Persian Grill restaurant located at 173 Madison Ave, New York, NY. The restaurant was packed and we didn't have a reservation, but fortunately we didn't wait too long as in a few minutes a 2-seat table became available.

The ambience is lively and welcoming. It is well lit, but not overpowering. I would say the overall color motif is beige and cream colored with nice decor. The staff is courteous. After a reasonable wait we got everything we ordered. We first started with some homemade Persian bread and 2 sauces, chutney green sauce and white sauce. The bread was fluffy and great tasting. The sauces were fresh with the chutney mildly spicy and the white sauce reminded me of raita (we really love Indian food). We quickly had to ask for another helping as well as the sauces. Being cooler, the white sauce was a perfect complement to the chutney. We ordered babaganoush for an appetizer, a Mediterranean salad, 2 ash reshteh soups. For entree, my wife got the salmon steak which included dilled rice, grilled onion and grilled tomato. I got the bronzino whole fish also with the same sides as my wife's entree. First, the whole table was a feast for the eyes, gorgeous art. I had to take it all in with my eyes, almost not wanting to eat so that the art wouldn't be destroyed. My nose and stomach said otherwise. The soups came in special assymetric bowls, with what appeared to be a handle. I took my time and savored it. All the ingredients were tender, just right. The caramelized onions shreds, noodles, greens and lentils reacted nicely with the seasoning and I detected flavors that I haven't had before. After the soups my wife and I moved on to the entrees along with the babaganoush and salad. We ate a little bit of everything in symphony. We took our time as our senses and bodies were for a moment transported to a different place and we were all giggling and Chesire cat smiling with glee like children running around at a park. As a pescatarian, bronzino is my favorite fish and Ravagh's offering is easily the best I have ever had so far. It was tender and done just right. We tried each other's fish and the salmon was awesome sauce as well. We finished our awesome feast with 4 baklavas (2 each) and some hot Persian tea. The baklavas tasted like they were freshly baked and honey oozing slowly in your mouth washed down with the hot tea recommended by Moises the manager who waited on us himself besides other staff.

To conclude, this was a memorable date. What a wonderful experience. One caveat though, come hungry and on an empty stomach. I was coming off of a 2 day fast so I had plenty of room. My wife had to take a break and couldn't finish her food. However, when we got home, she gladly finished all of it. We found another favorite restaurant and will definitely be back to sample other dishes that we didn't get to this time around. I highly recommend this restaurant and especially if you are looking for some great Persian food. It is a bit pricy, for instance my bronzino was $33 and my wife's salmon steak was $32. But it was well worth it. I have eaten at more expensive restaurants and their food is not as good. Kudos and much respect to the chef! Thank you Ravagh for a...

As one of Ravagh's regulars, I must say that the restaurant offers a captivating journey through Persian flavors right in the heart of New York City. The warm and welcoming ambiance immediately sets the stage for a delightful dining experience, reminiscent of nostalgic reunions with the rich and subtle tastes of Iranian cuisine. The attentive and friendly staff, exemplified by the skilled Turkish waiter who expertly guides patrons through the menu, truly enhances the overall dining experience. From the juicy and tender lamb shank to the traditional khoresh fesenjan, each dish exudes deliciousness and hygiene, providing a satisfying taste of Persian culinary delights. While my experiences have generally been positive, I've noticed some mixed opinions among fellow diners. While many express contentment with their meals, some find certain dishes, like the khoresh fesenjan, to be overly sweet. Additionally, opinions on pricing vary, with some deeming it reasonable while others find it slightly expensive. However, I must commend the restaurant's commitment to cleanliness, as evidenced by the kitchen staff's adherence to hygiene protocols and the presence of disinfectant spray in the restroom. Beyond its culinary offerings, Ravagh's strategic location in Manhattan, coupled with its inviting ambiance and traditional music, creates an immersive dining environment that resonates with patrons. The combination of familiar flavors, attentive service, and cultural ambiance truly makes Ravagh a noteworthy destination for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Iran in the bustling metropolis of New York City. In conclusion, Ravagh offers a compelling dining experience characterized by its flavorful cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service. While individual opinions may vary, the restaurant's dedication to providing a taste of Persian hospitality leaves a lasting impression on its patrons. I highly recommend Ravagh to fellow aficionados of Iranian cuisine and cultural enthusiasts alike.Last but not least, don't forget the napoleon for dessert! 💯 And don't forget to make a...

During our first visit to New York City, we were determined to find a high-quality Persian restaurant to experience authentic flavors. Among the many Persian restaurants in the city, Ravagh stood out with the most reviews, so we decided to give it a try.

The restaurant’s design was modern with a hint of Middle Eastern charm, though not fully traditional Persian. The ambiance was enhanced by Persian music playing in the background, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Interestingly, most of the staff were not Persian but Spanish, yet they were highly attentive and well-versed in the menu, fully understanding our requests.

We ordered a kebab combination platter with two types of rice: Zereshk Polo (barberry rice and Zafferan) and Green Polo (herbed rice with dill and Faba Beans). These are some of our favorite Persian dishes, and they did not disappoint. Our meal began with complimentary dips and bread. One dip was the classic Mast-o-Khiar, a refreshing mix of yogurt and cucumber. The other dip was something unique – sour and flavorful, seemingly made with cilantro, lemon, and other ingredients we couldn’t quite identify, but it was delicious and a new experience for us.

The kebabs were well-prepared, tender, and flavorful. The rice was fragrant and nicely cooked, pairing beautifully with the grilled meats. The service was great – the staff were polite, friendly, and attentive, frequently checking in to ensure we had everything we needed.

Finding parking near the restaurant was challenging (as expected in New York City), so we opted to walk. The stroll added to the experience, allowing us to take in the city’s vibrant energy and unique views.

Overall, Ravagh met our expectations with its delicious food, warm service, and inviting ambiance. We had an enjoyable meal and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good Persian dining experience in...