At first glance, Arya Persian Restaurant in Robinson's Magnolia looks like one of those old-world cafes that time forgot. You know, the kind frequented by gray-haired grandpas in woolen jackets with patched elbows, sipping tea and arguing over a game of chess.
But take a closer look and the array of Persian-inspired decor will draw you into the place. The colorful palette, inlaid wooden tabletops, and the charming accents (such as the lamps and mirrors) all make for a cozy respite away from the all-too-common hipster and minimalist restaurants found practically everywhere.
The food itself is deeply infused with fragrant Mediterranean spices. My son had the Arya chicken wings and basmati rice, while I had the vegetarian-friendly maze sampler, featuring falafel, sambuseh, shirazi salad, and hummus, plus a tangy dark sauce that tastes like tamarind. We also tried the date cake and house chai.
Among all these, the complex and moist date cake stood out. It was spongy yet dense, and flavored with cinnamon syrup, pistachios, and other spices I have yet to identify. It's also quite huge -- one slice is good for two people. If you're practically stuffed from your mains, I suggest you save enough room for at least one bite of this cake.
I was a little underwhelmed by the maze platter. The flavors were there and they were well-seasoned, but they lacked that certain oomph that makes you automatically want to go back for more. I finished the entire platter but that's me typically stuffing my face out of momentum.
I didn't try the chicken wings, but according to my son, it tasted "different in a good way" and its sweet dipping sauce was "yummy.'' The basmati rice was fragrant and fluffy, albeit on the dry side.
The house chai is missable. It's basically two bags of black tea in a large teapot, and for PhP108, you're better off sipping another drink that isn't instant.
Service is courteous. However, one element that detracted from the ambience is that the waitstaff was loudly playing one of those local radio stations, with music that doesn't suit the target demographic.
For the steep prices, I would expect a little more from the quality of the food. It's already good; they just need to dial back on the number of menu items, and instead, focus on one or two signature dishes that would make the place unique. And yes, I'm returning here. read more