0 Stars... I have virtually given my life to Darya as a restaurant of quality. And, now, after 25+ years of integrity, introducing new customers, bringing in new customers, and having celebrated 2 wedding anniversaries, and knowing their Friday & Saturday entertainment, having photographed Amir, which made the front cover of the largest circulated Persian magazine in the world, somehow, one might recognize me, if nothing more than a matter of respect. I was planning my 28th wedding anniversary; I called got some bitchy woman, and when I asked about a 'corking' fee, it was outrageous. I explained my above credentials but then pretended she did NOT understand English. Fine! So I went in yesterday, July 17th, 2013, thought I'd address the manager, who I KNOW and yet, he acted as if I was a nobody. He claimed he didn't remember me, but when various members of his staff walked by, they were exuberant, even gave me hugs. Yet, this fool Tony claims he didn't know me. While endeavouring to make my anniversary arrangements, he was nothing more than "I don't give a rat's nose' attitude, then dropped his pen in the middle of my conversation, and walked over to some of his Persian buddies and personally seated them, when his girl was there to take over. I retrieved my card and vowed NEVER to go there again. "It only takes a single bad apple to tumble a barrel..." Now, after more than 25 years, that's my intention... A letter will go out to Darya about this experience and I will alert all my friends and customers, who will also receive a letter about the way I was treated. After spending thousands of dollars, I thought an uncorking of a wine bottle would be a kind gesture, but they wanted to charge $28.00. I hope this helps your future endeavours to Persian restaurants. Dary is NOT the only one around. Tony is a jerk, a most pathetic one at that! Idiot!! Didn't recognize me although we've spoken many times and KNEW me. This is NO WAY to treat patronage of nearly 30 years... I don't know what it is, the Iranians held Americans hostage and then they flourish in restaurants, and then treat their long-time standing customers like crap! DARYA, which means 'Sea' in English... why NOT drown yourself forever for your unforgiving professionalism, LACK OF concern, and MISSING IN ALL THE SOCIAL GRACES... read more

If you're looking for a great dining experience in Orange County, Darya Restaurant is definitely worth a visit! My recent experience there was exceptional, and I owe much of that to the outstanding service provided by Makeo and Ruben. From the moment I walked in, I was impressed with the ambiance and decor of the restaurant. The dim lighting and elegant furnishings created a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu was extensive, and I was excited to try some of the traditional Persian dishes. Makeo and Ruben were our servers for the evening, and they were both incredibly friendly and attentive. They took the time to explain the menu to us and make recommendations based on our preferences. They were also happy to answer any questions we had about the ingredients or preparation of the dishes. The food itself was absolutely delicious! We started with the hummus and flatbread, which was a perfect appetizer to share. For the main course, I had the lamb shank, which was cooked to perfection and served with a flavorful sauce. My dining companions also raved about their meals, which included the chicken kebab and the vegetarian stew. Overall, I would highly recommend Darya Restaurant to anyone looking for a top-notch dining experience. The food and service were both exceptional, and I can't wait to go back again. Thank you, Makeo and Ruben, for making our evening so memorable! read more

If you know a Persian in OC and they want to have Persian food for dinner, they will want to go to Darya. And as far a Persian food goes, this is the best/nicest in the area. That said, Persian food is kinda-of a one note symphony and Darya does it's best to play by the rules. Almost every plate is a heaping pile of one of several different types of rice with a nicely grilled mound of whatever your meat is. For the life of me, and after four or five visits, I cannot tell the difference between the seasoning on Chicken Barg, Chicken Soltani, and Chicken Kobideh. They look a little different, but I'm not Persian so the subtleties are lost on me. I always eat everything because it is good, but this is not fine dining. Its a very large place, with lot of tables and chairs that come from a big catalog full of cheap restaurant supplies. You get the feeling large Persian weddings happen here all the time. There is an array of very strange art on one large wall. Sometimes there is a classical Spanish guitarist playing on the smallish stage. Occasionally a belly dancer does a thing. And try to avoid the middle aged female server; she's a complete nightmare. Apparently somehow connected to the owners, she could care less about you, your food, or anything relating to your experience. read more

We, the members of the Urdu Writers Society of North America, recently hosted a special dinner in honor of the Ambassador of Pakistan at Darya Restaurant in the City of Orange--and what a delightful experience it was! From the moment we arrived, we were impressed by the elegant ambiance of the restaurant. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, perfectly suited for a prestigious gathering. The management was incredibly accommodating and cooperative, ensuring that every detail of our evening went smoothly. The food was exceptional--delicious, flavorful, and generously served, more than enough to satisfy all our guests. Each dish reflected the care and quality that Darya is known for. What truly elevated the evening was the outstanding service. A special note of appreciation goes to Manager PANTA and especially waitress LEILA, whose constant smiles and helpful attitude made everyone feel truly cared for. Their professionalism and warmth did not go unnoticed and were deeply appreciated by all attendees. We highly recommend Darya Restaurant to anyone looking for a venue with top-notch service, great food, and an unforgettable ambiance. It was a perfect choice for our memorable evening read more

We recently booked out the banquet hall at Darya Restaurant in Orange for a special family gathering, and I can't say enough about how incredible the experience was. From start to finish, the service was absolutely top-tier. Pantia, the manager, was phenomenal--so kind, organized, and accommodating throughout the entire planning process and event. She made sure everything ran smoothly and truly treated us like family. Layla was also outstanding--professional, warm, and extremely attentive. Every detail was handled with care, and not once did we feel rushed or overlooked. And a huge thank you to Ali, the owner, for running such a beautiful and welcoming establishment. You can tell the pride and love that goes into this place, from the food to the staff. To everyone at Darya--thank you for making our event so memorable. We felt taken care of in every way. This is hospitality at its finest. We'll definitely be back for future occasions! Pantia we love you!! read more

This is a great Persian restaurant. Very consistent in the quality of the food and the service. My personal favorites here are the beef koobideh, wonderful flavor and very tender. I also like the Polo dishes. Polo must mean "fancy rice" in farsi, because that's what it is. I like the adas polo the best, because the dates in the rice give a great sweet/savory balance, and the lubia polo is great too because it has little piece of filet in and and it comes with koobideh! As always, two rights don't make a wrong. My dad loves the Bademjan here, which is an eggplant dish. I am not a huge fan of eggplant so I never order it, but if you like eggplant a lot get it because he raves about it. The appetizers and deserts here are really good too. If you go for a full three course meal like that you end up racking up a bit of a tab, but you'll be stuffed with good food, you'll have leftovers, and you'll feel like it was worth it. Check it out. read more

My wife and I recently had dinner at Darya Restaurant in Orange, and overall, it was a great experience. We started with the eggplant appetizer and their fresh bread and butter -- both were flavorful and made a great first impression. For the main course, I went with the Chicken Soltani, which was cooked well and packed with flavor. The portions were generous, and the presentation was inviting. While the prices were on the higher side, the quality of the food and the overall ambiance made it feel worthwhile. One unexpected and amusing twist to the evening was the belly dancer performance -- definitely added a unique, fun energy to the dining experience. It caught us off guard at first but turned out to be an interesting and entertaining highlight. If you're looking for something a bit different and enjoy Persian cuisine, Darya is worth a try. Just be ready for a lively evening! read more

We recently held a memorial ceremony at Darya Restaurant to honor a beloved family member, and we couldn't have chosen a better place. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warmth and compassion. The staff went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect for our gathering, and their attention to detail truly made a difference during such a difficult time. The ambiance of the restaurant provided a peaceful and comforting environment, which was exactly what we needed. The food was exceptional, with every dish prepared to perfection. Our entire family was deeply moved by the care and effort that went into making our experience memorable. Thank you to the entire team at Darya Restaurant for your outstanding service and hospitality. You helped us create a beautiful and meaningful tribute, and for that, we are truly grateful. The Pourmorad and Naderi Fa read more

Okay, this spot blew me away! If you're into rich flavors, tender kebabs, and perfectly seasoned rice that hits with that saffron aroma - Darya is where it's at. Every bite tastes homemade but elevated, and you can tell they take a lot of pride in their dishes. The vibe? Elegant but super welcoming. It's got that classy setup that makes it perfect for special occasions, but not too stuffy, just right for date nights or family celebrations. Plus, they have live music that really sets the mood, it feels like you're dining somewhere special every single time. If you're in Orange and haven't tried Darya yet, make plans ASAP. Come hungry, bring your people, and get ready for a night full of flavor, music, and good vibes. read more

I had another wonderful experience at Darya Restaurant, as always. Nazee was incredibly kind, attentive, and professional, making sure everything was perfect throughout our visit. Carlos was also very warm and welcoming, which really adds to the overall atmosphere of the restaurant. The bar was excellent, and the drinks were well-made and delicious. The food was outstanding, with great quality and flavor in every dish. The staff worked seamlessly as a team, and the service was smooth, attentive, and timely. From the food to the service and the welcoming environment, everything was top-notch. Darya never disappoints, and I always leave with a great experience. Highly recommended! read more

This was my second time at Darya. I went last year for a business function and remember loving the food. Last night my family and I tried Darya's service. We were seated immediately. Romantic ambiance soft music playing in the background. Our waiter took our drink order immediately and answered our questions about the menu. I had the soltani which had 2 types of beef kabob and the yogurt appetizer. The portion was huge I could only eat half of it although it was delicious. I brought the rest home and had it for lunch today. I also tried a ittle of several other dishes 2 stews and they were both very good. I will for sure be back again. Good Food, Good Service, read more

if you're looking for a getaway dinner this weekend, check out Darya Restaurant in Orange. Enjoy their fine Persian cuisine outdoor in a beautiful patio. Their interior is also nice too. Can't wait until indoor dining is allowed. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ let's talk about their food. I am in love with all of their proteins. Steak was juicy and tender. Salmon (my fav) was flavorful and perfectly cooked. Chicken was tender. Everything was superbly yummy . ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ dessert!! You must try their Persian Ice Cream. It's creamy, filled with chunks of pistachio and has a nice fragrance to it. We also tried the baklava & cheesecake. Omg by that time, food coma is definitely hitting us . ⁣⁣ read more

if you're looking for a getaway dinner this weekend, check out Darya Restaurant in Orange. Enjoy their fine Persian cuisine outdoor in a beautiful patio. Their interior is also nice too. Can't wait until indoor dining is allowed. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ let's talk about their food. I am in love with all of their proteins. Steak was juicy and tender. Salmon (my fav) was flavorful and perfectly cooked. Chicken was tender. Everything was superbly yummy . ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ dessert!! You must try their Persian Ice Cream. It's creamy, filled with chunks of pistachio and has a nice fragrance to it. We also tried the baklava & cheesecake. Omg by that time, food coma is definitely hitting us . ⁣⁣ read more

I had the pleasure of dining at Darya Restaurant in Orange County, CA tonight and I couldn't be more impressed! The food was absolutely delicious! The flavors were complex with perfect combinations of spices and herbs. The service was excellent- friendly and attentive. The live music playing was a great addition to the atmosphere. As for the belly dancing show - WOW! The performers were breathtaking. I was entranced! To top it all off, the cheesecake for desert was out of this world! It was creamy, fluffy, and totally satisfying. Highly recommend Darya Restaurant for a delightful night out! You won't regret it! Best Valentines gift ever read more

Everything about this place is exceptional! First, the food. Wow!!! The menu features fresh, flavorful dishes that are thoughtfully prepared and elegantly presented. I've never had a bad dish there - they have all been wonderful - and I've been there now dozens of time. Second, the staff is attentive and exceptionally friendly, making sure every aspect of your meal feels personal and well cared for. Third, the overall ambiance is both elegant and relaxing, making it an ideal destination for a lunch, dinner, or even hosting special events. You really can't go wrong. I'm a customer for life! read more

We have been going to Darya for over two years now. Tried the one in SCP and Santa Monica but this one is by far the most authentic one. The ambience is typical Persian though I am not so sure about their lounge addition to the restaurant. As for the food, you can't really beat the taste and prices. The meal portions are big, I specially like their home made bread and the meat is always juicy and tender. If you are ever hungry for lunch they have a lunch menu (koobedeh for under $9). I brought many friends here and everyone has enjoyed their menu. Can't wait to go back!!! read more

Never go to Mediterranean restaurant Very bad they are rip you off I take my family over there 20 person And I am old customer Thy are charging me double Almost $1000 With food only couple beer and couple shots And we share food All together Supposed to be cheaper with order per person Final we got the bill thousand dollar Never take your family over there I hope there is no star 000000 stars I called to time and they say we going to fix it for you and they said we going to give you a call back nobody called back so they are ripping read more

I used to go to Darya all the time, food is OK, however, there is an old lady that acts as a manager. I never got her name. She is very rude and unprofessional. She does not have any clue how to deal with customers. If you are looking for quality Persian food and service, you can go to Saffron Grill that is not far from Darya at: http://www.yelp.com/biz/saffron-grill-orange-2 720 E Katella Ave Orange, CA 92867 (714) 538-3940 I am not going to Darya till that old lady is working there . Good luck Darya you lost another customer. read more

I developed a deep appreciation for this restaurant after being graciously attended to by Elda. Her recommendation of the filet mignon kabob and hummus, accompanied by a specially selected tea, was nothing short of exquisite. The culinary experience was truly exceptional, with the filet mignon kabob proving to be remarkably tender and succulent, the rice displaying an extraordinary level of perfection, and the hummus reaching the pinnacle of delectable flavors. I wholeheartedly endorse and highly recommend this establishment. read more