Persian Nights — Restaurant in Oakland

I had dinner with a friend here before the Autumn Lights event on Friday. The reservation was in my name, so I should be showing up on their customer list. The restaurant was decorated with many lovely autumn details, and the bar space is lovely. It's a great location, right across from Fairyland. With a more professional waitstaff operation, it would be a wonderful place to return to! Unfortunately, my experience did not make me want to return. The filet mignon meatballs were completely dry and tough, smothered in a heavy, thick pomegranate gravy. The vegan dish was also very heavy and rich. Neither of those dishes seemed like they would be that way from the menu description. The tiny lamb chops were delicious though, so maybe we just ordered the wrong things. The real issue was the service, so here are the details. 1) I walked in and waited awkwardly by the door for about five minutes before someone asked me what I wanted (and sat me). 2) I was only given a beer & kombucha menu, and when I asked if they had wine or cocktails I was told they did not, and in fact they only had four of the beers on the menu. 3) When my friend came, another waiter came and offered us wine. After much confusion, he brought over a wine list! (I had already ordered a beer.) 4) Each entree came out individually with delays in between, and the appetizer arrived last with no explanation. 5) When we did order wine, the waiter set down the glasses but did not take away our empty beer glasses. I handed him mine as he turned away, so he took it but did not take my friend's glass. 6) We sat for at least 20 minutes after we finished eating, and the plates were never cleared. 7) They brought the check, still leaving the plates, so we had to stack them to make room and the plates were all piled up right next to the check as my friend reviewed it. 8) When he went to the restroom, they brought his card back to me and insisted that I sign it! I said it was my friend's card, and they thought I was saying it was the wrong table...? Just one misunderstanding after another. My reflection is that maybe they aren't going to other restaurants to experience how the service should typically go. I only know what the general standards are because I have gone to many restaurants and have also worked in food service myself. The restaurant asked me to share these details (or else they would report me for leaving a review under 3 stars), so I hope that these points will be helpful as they improve. Perhaps they will also consider serving the filet mignon like they did the lamb, instead of turning it into overcooked meatballs. Meatballs need fat, and filet has almost none. Which reminds me that 9) No one ever came to ask us how our food was, or offer anything else. All of the gentlemen seemed nice. I wish these folks the best in...

Dear person night’s restaurant , I could not hesitate myself about adding a review to this restaurant. Even though I’m not putting much rating as my own personally, but I found out , it might be the only way to share my appreciation to your service, My very short trip was obviously more memorable with Restourant and efficient service, Food ratings and captions are more than just words; this particular restaurant add flavor to our food-related content. Whether you’re a food blogger, a chef, or simply someone who loves to share their culinary adventures, ( the last one is definitely me ) The only thing I like better than talking about food is eating.” Food caption can tell the story behind our dish, givens as clients insights into our culinary journey or the history of a particular recipe. Enjoy these tasty food at “ Persian nights “ because the stomach and the heart aren't too far apart Those who love to eat and also those who love life and are open to joy and pleasure. That's why it's so important to choose the right food specifically if you are a traveller , eating is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all..thanks to Persian nights who made my joy and journey completed with quality, not only quantity,, I prefer everlasting memories., and I hope you've enjoyed these delicious food...

This place was so good that I have to pull out my own SY-scale of ratings. Do not miss their Kabobs and deserts.

Hope it helps y'all: We went for out first visit today and here is what we can share (all out of 5):

Food:

Taste: 5 Presentation: 5 Variety: 5 Freshness: 5 Temperature: 4 Portion Size: 5

Service: Attentiveness: 4 Knowledge: 5 Courtesy: 5 Efficiency: 4 Special Requests: 5

Ambiance:

Décor: 4 Music: 5 Lighting: 5 Cleanliness: 4 (e.g., chairs were stained)

Value:

Pricing: 5 Quality-to-Price Ratio: 5

Menu:

Diversity: 5 Clarity: 5 Originality: 4

Location & Accessibility:

Proximity: 5 Parking: 4 Accessibility: 5

Facilities:

Restrooms: 4 (needed some loving) Seating: 5 Consistency: N/A (first visit)

Drinks:

Variety: 4 Quality: 4 Pricing: 5

The SY (special) factor: 5 (owner cam to say hello and treated us very well. The Baklava was amazing. Fresh, low-sugar, and perfection all around. Cannot wait to go back and try the other deserts. Also the persian tea was so cinnamon-y delightful. Overall...