Hidden in plain sight amongst the plethora of Indian, Pakistani and Middle Eastern restaurants is this Persian gem. From outside it looks little more than a cafe, and doesn't look that much different inside. It's un fussy and popular with Iranians with its sprinkling of homely reminders - including a Farsi music Chanel playing on a background screen. This is a dry bar and booze is strictly off the table. Drinks do include lassis and 'dough' (an Afghan salted yogurt drink). There's also a range of Arab and Turkish teas and coffees.
For those unfamiliar with Persian specialities there is every type of familiar looking kebab available and burgers, but the treat for me are it's signature dishes from Iran. We had a refreshing undressed starter salad of mint and coriander leaves with feta, walnuts, radish and spring onions (panir o sabsi) and a mirza ghasemi, a smokey aubergine paste with eggs and flatbread. Our mains included a Persian 'green stew' (gourmeh sabzi) with lamb and kidney beans with a distinctive bitter and savoury flavour; and ghemeh badenjan, a buttery lamb dish with split peas. The flavours were rich and rewarding and very different from curry mile routine. They actually did give us a wrong main and forgot the water which all felt forgivable after a rare dining experience. read more