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    Darya Restaurant

    3.8 (820 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:30 pm

    Order Darya Restaurant Takeout or Delivery

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    DARYA RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Darya Restaurant

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    Beautiful ambiance that is elegant yet casual.
    Monique W.

    First time ever!!!! It was a long wait but worth the wait. Celebrated my son's 17th birthday. He loved the food. I was very pleased. We will return again for the great Service and fantastic food. Very savory and it was a dinner to remember. Thank you to our waiter that brought dessert for my son.

    Elizabeth L.

    This place is so great. They have the best salmon. My phone is acting up so I did not get a photo of it, but trust me, it is the best. It is a nice portion and it is cooked to perfection. This Darya is in Santa Monica, but I consider it the West Side. It matters not. The food is amazing. We love Persian food and often forget to go, but we have been to a few in the past month and are hooked again. Darya is just lovely. It is very comfortable and the lighting is perfect. It is clean inside and out. It has an adorable awing outside so you won't miss the place. The service is very nice. It takes a minute to get your food, but when you do it is cooked to perfection and ever so good. There is nothing we don't like on the menu. They carry a yogurt type soda and that is just weird, but everything else is great. I love their salmon and all of their chicken dishes. Their Zereshk Polo has steamed white rice mixed with barberries and is served with the best seasoned slow-boiled chicken. We also love their lentil soup, which is something I never order elsewhere. It is just so comforting. All of their salads are great, our favorite being the Darya Salad which is a combination of Romaine lettuce, mixed greens tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers, lentils, raisins, dates, imported feta cheese, walnuts, and great olives. You just can't go wrong here. The prices are fair for what you get and you will want to nap when done.

    Tahdig with three stews
    Shell S.

    It was my first time trying Darya LA and overall it wasn't a very pleasant experience. The positive: our server was fantastic and extremely polite and friendly. He's not Persian but speaks Persian better than many people I know. The only good dish we had was the Barg (filet) kabob when served at the restaurant. The to go order was extremely overcooked. The Negative: overall all of our dishes were extremely salty! The koobideh, the white rice, the ghormeh sabzi stew and tahdig, the loobia polo... I was chugging down water the entire day/evening after our lunch. The worse dish was the loobia polo, it was a cinnamon bomb and I had the hardest time eating it due to the very heavy cinnamon flavor. The gheymeh stew was also heavy on cinnamon. The last negative is the atmosphere, for the expensive cost of the dishes you expect much better atmosphere. We paid $300 for 6 entrees, one appetizer, one beer, and one coke! Definitely do not recommend!

    Brooke M.

    This is where I took my brother for his birthday since he's visiting from Canada and wanted some authentic Persian food. This place never disappoints. Been coming here for many decades.

    Naderi Soltani
    Shawn A.

    Overall experience was very good. This was my first visit after many years! The decor was updated since my last visit. It's still a relatively tight space. The workers are fine. But provide the basic services well. Our waiter, Amir, was experienced and got better and better as our part of 4 indulged a full set across the menu! Appetizers, main dinner size dishes around lunch time, drinks, sweets, and several rounds of it! We tried Naderi Soltani and jojeh kabobs with either a rice and salad split or adas-polo upgrade. Food quality and quantity were excellent. Kashko-badmjune was tasty but the portion could have been more given the price. The shallots yogurt was average, not creamy enough. Koobideh kabob was a bit dry. But the chenjeh portion was delicious and succulent. A decent 4-star is well deserved. Thanks Darya Restaurant.

    Miguel R.

    I live near the city of Long Beach, and I am part of a facebook group "Real Men Brunch." I need to get out there, I thought, so I went to their first dinner event that was going to be hosted in this restauran: Darya. When I first got to the parking lot that held the restaurant, I was frustrated. I did not find a lot of parking spots. I circled and was deterred by signs that signaled that this place is for Smart and Final shoppers only. I am not sure if there was a Smart and Final there, I am just using that store to indicate that parking spots were reserved for shoppers of certain stores. The parking garage had a fenced area. So it was a lot within a lot. I got in there the hard way. There was an opening, small, and I felt anxious, but still made my way into it. I got lucky, that I did not hit the fence. I have been known to hit posts and walls as a park. I wish this was a lie but it is true. But it also happened in the past, so I became a better driver since then, more proof that practice makes perfect. I then got mad at myself, cause there was a regular entrance, from the street into the gated parking lot within the bigger parking lot. I was running a bit late, and I dash to the front door. Except that it was not the front door, it was the door to a wash room where the dishes and pots are cleaned. It was like I opened a door that allowed me to view a different form of my life. One where I toiled for pennies. One where I toiled cleaning pots and pans, amidst other people, in a small room. It smelled like ammonia, it was cramp, it was sad, it lacked color or life. It was just a room where people worked without hope for a workshop or a meeting that felt like a break. I closed the door. And one of the workers came out and told me that the door to the restaurant was the next one. I opened the new door, and that is where I belonged. I entered and was immediately happy that I had entered a fancy place with training wheels. For instance, they had white walls, and pillars. It felt like I was in a Greek Isle, except within a room. The chandelier spoke of elegance, and form. But I knew that the chandelier was dressed for the prom, not for the Met. I still appreciated the attempt to communicate glamour and sophistication. Perhaps my eyesight was tainted because I entered a parking lot with stores and similar stuff and thus knew that this place was never meant to be marvel-rock fancy, but still I was super happy that I entered a place that surprised me with styrofoam founded fancy. It was lovely! Truly, I just have been lucky enough to have tea at a Beverly Hills Hotel so I know what fancy is when it is done with fancy material. What did truly wowed me was the food! I never had Persian food. And I was surprised that they gave butter packets for bread, and in the same plate, they offered radishes. One of my dining mates, out some salt on the radish and enjoyed it! Did the same, and it was good! Now I know that radish can be the pre-appetizer, you know what the French call an amous-bouch. I spelled that wrong, I know, but, it is suppose to amuse the mouth so it is ready and willing to receive the rest of the meal. I got the salmon, a green salad with rice pilaf. I did not picture what resulted but I left my plate completely clean. I enjoyed every single bite, and the plate with remnants was proof. I also ordered a grilled onion, and it was also great! It was all flavors that I knew and loved, and all of these came packaged as Persian food. As a result, I now can say I love Persian food. If you look at the pic. the plate was composed and pretty which means that you enoy your food visually before your palette does which is usually what you are suppose to do first. Like I said, I ate with about 20 other men that I had never discovered. It was such a joy to be in a table where we discussed culture, like the Hollywood Bowl, upcoming pool parties in mansions, and in general, the quiet glitz of life! I could relate to some things that they were saying but not others. I guess I was able to see through another door to another version of my life. When the bill came, the server dived each check into 4 or 5 people. I have been in situations where check discussions become volatile. And I always hated it. But here, someone took charge, and said add what you ordered and then add a 25 percent up charge for tip and tax. I was glad to be directed to my total. It seemed reasonable. I was just happy that we nickled and dimed each other out respect, instead out of vigilance and overwrought frugality. I added this here to add some color to my experience and perhaps a life lesson on adulthood that is marked by maturity. I highly recommend this place, and I wonder what else I will enjoy when I explore the menu more broadly, and trust me I want to !

    Darya Salad
    Samra S.

    The food and service here are excellent! I ordered the Darya Salad and bone-in chicken to go, and while I was waiting, they graciously offered me a complimentary cup of delicious Persian tea. Such a thoughtful touch! The chicken was grilled to perfection--every piece was incredibly tender and juicy. The salad was fresh, and the dressing was outstanding. Instead of using sugar, they balanced the sweet and sour flavor with bits of date. Absolutely brilliant--and tasty! This was easily one of the best chicken kebabs I've had in LA. Well done, Darya!

    Ice cream topped with rice and cherries, and drenched with fresh-squeezed lemon juive.
    Perry S.

    The street view of Darya is unassuming and fits into the generic, 1960s-style Los Angeles building design. There is no hint of what's inside. Walking into the restaurant feels like being transported back to what I imagine was the Western-oriented elegance of pre-revolutionary Iran. An air of the "old days" is palpable. Having never had Persian food, we relied on the recommendations of our formally-attired male waiter. We were not disappointed. The Darya salad, a combination of Romaine lettuce and mixed greens tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers, lentils, raisins, dates, feta, walnuts, and olives, is very refreshing. We like pomegranates, and when the waiter suggested Fesenjon, a stew with chicken drenched in a puree of ground walnuts and pomegranate, served with rice, we couldn't resist. It was delicious. Dessert was an ice cream dish topped with rice and cherries. Half a lemon squeezed over the top added a nice citrus flavor. The wait staff is friendly, very attentive, and knowledgeable. Don't let your unfamiliarity with traditional Persian food keep you from trying this wonderful place.

    Loubia polo
    Sassan Y.

    Their chicken lunch special is unbelievable good They have the best chicken kabab in the town for sure

    Not Ok to cancel 15 min before delivery is due
    Mahtab P.

    Place an order at 8:30am to be delivered by 12:30 same day. Got an email that they canceled my order 15 min before it was to be delivered. If you can't handle the tech, don't use it. There are real people on the other side of the screen.

    I separated the rotten lettuce from rest of Darya Salad

    We order chicken combination half rice and half salad and chicken barge . Chicken barge was very dry and half of salad was rotten. I expected better quality. I took a picture of rotten salad. I give two stars only and do recommend to check your food specifically salads for rotten vegetables.

    Basmati rice for two entrees. So much rice.
    Angelina E.

    My friend was visiting from Charleston, SC and craving Persian food when she stumbled across this restaurant in Santa Monica. We called in our food orders for pick up. The restaurant is very lovely inside with pretty decor. We got the Fesenjan (vegetarian and the option with chicken) as well as the Eggplant appetizer, Chicken plate and sour cherry rice. Everything was very tasty! The eggplant appetizer was probably my favorite taste of the bunch. Found a couple bones in the chicken Fesenjan which always is unappetizing to me, but the flavors were really good. Overall, I am very happy and satisfied with this restaurant. Staff was very friendly. Also the portions were pretty huge.

    Beef Koobideh + Juicy Chicken + Barg (juicy and yum)

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    7 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Rack of lamb so tasty, well worth visiting for that. Eggplant appetizer also excellent.

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    1 month ago

    Their food is consistently good, and it's fun to go there. Try the juicy chicken and the rice with berries. Yummy!

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    4 months ago

    Amazing fresh and wonderful Mediterranean food.great ambience.This place always busy so plan for parking ahead of time .

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    Darya Restaurant Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Darya Restaurant

    Is there any alcoholic beverages?

    We have a full bar…. With great signature cocktails.

    Do you still have outdoor dining?

    Hi, yes we have outdoor dining at our restaurant.

    Are there adequate plant based/vegan menu available?

    Hi, yes we have vegan options available, such as mixed rice dishes, veggies, salads, and stews.

    Is this restaurant halal?

    Hi Maysoon, We no longer provide halal meats.

    Does anyone know whether they cater or have an option for platter plates?

    I do believe they cater. And most likely do have platter plates.

    Should I make a reservation for Friday night dinner?

    Good idea on the weekend. Not needed during the week

    Can i see the complete menu and price please?

    Hi Farivar S....Darya Restaurant has both their complete Lunch and Dinner menu's on their website: https://www.darya.com. Please make sure you click on West Los Angeles location (they also have one in Orange County).… Read more

    View All 10 Questions

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    Sunnin Lebanese Cafe

    4.0(1.5k reviews)
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    absolutely divine. Clean, fresh food, deeply savory flavors. one of if not the best of the eastern…read moreMediterranean restaurants in LA. You must get the garlic lemon potatoes! best thing on the menu! Bury me in a tub of them and let me eat my way out! The humus is full flavor, not the Erewhjon/Whole Foods garbonzo mush with the flavor of wet salted paper. It is smooth and savory and seasoned with enough tahini and cumin. The fool is warm and tasty, moist kebabs, and I love the fried cauliflower.

    At Sunnin, enjoy delicious Lebanese dishes. Get an assortment of mezze and dive into a…read moreMediterranean style of eating. Tear off some pita, scoop up some of the dips, and embrace the delicious small bites. Stuffed Squash and Eggplant: You can get either squash or eggplant, or both. I prefer the squash. The zucchini is firm, just soft enough, but still with the perfect amount of structure. It has been hollowed out and stuffed with ingredients similar to a dolma (stuffed grape leaf). The filling of rice and ground beef is soft. The eggplant is much softer. They are cooked in a tomato sauce and served with a cool creamy yogurt. Babaganouj: This mezze is a roasted eggplant dip. The eggplant is mashed with tahini and lemon juice for a smoky and slightly bitter flavor. It's smooth, creamy, and a bit chunky. Parking: There's a little lot to the side. There's also metered street parking on Westwood Blvd.

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    Taste of Tehran - Boneless chicken kabob wrap and house salad

    Taste of Tehran

    4.2(1.3k reviews)
    1.7 miWest Los Angeles
    $$

    I come here a lot my favorite is my beef koobideh and ghormeh sabzi…read more (Put butter in the rice when it's warm trust me) Pretty quick service here I haven't had any issues the place is small so I usually eat at home.

    I don't know if I came here at a bad time or if its always like this but I was definitely…read moredisappointed. I came here with such excitement as my friends have been telling me about it. Unfortunately, I will not be coming back. My family and I went here one afternoon and as we sat down, the attendant from the restaurant told us that the specific table we were sitting on wasn't part of the restaurant and we were not going to be served if we sat there in a very rude tone. We went ahead and moved. Then we went up to the cashier to order our food and the two people that were there were busy talking to each other in farsi about a customer that just came and didn't tip along with some very vulgar language. Then as we were ordering, we told them it was our first time and we got no smile or anything, very still faces like whatever. We ordered two Koobideh wraps and a few other things. It was very uncomfortable. The Cashier didn't even speak to us. As we sat down we were "served" after we HAD to ask if we get bread and onions and water because we saw that they were taking those things to other tables. The Koobideh wrap tasted like Rubber and you could barely hold it together as it was drenched with the sauce and all soggy. Even my 1 year old wouldn't eat it. We had to open up the sandwiches and eat them with a fork. It was not a good experience. Tip for the owner: You should probably remind your employees that some of your customers are Persian and they will understand them talking shit.

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    Taste of Tehran
    Taste of Tehran - Sampler trio: Mast o Khiar, Addas Polo, and hummus

    Sampler trio: Mast o Khiar, Addas Polo, and hummus

    Taste of Tehran - Tahdig with Gheimeh and Ghormeh Sabzi

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    Shamshiri Grill

    Shamshiri Grill

    3.6(2k reviews)
    1.6 miWestwood
    $$

    Shamshiri Grill made last Monday's dine at home with friends' my turn to host luncheon a most…read moredelicious experience. In my mind, work/time constraints prevented a Monday order. Plan ahead me called in the following for delivery last Sunday. So, what could possibly be ordered, remain fresh 24-hours later? I chose vegan/vegetarian sides/appetizers: Baba Ganoush - I've made it but Shamshiri Grill's is SO much better; creamy, perfectly seasoned. Hummus - Again, can DIY but why? Shamshiri Grill's is yum, pure yum, protein packed. Falafel - Balanced ingredients and frying technique is key. Came with a portion of tahini (had some in the pantry just in case). Should have ordered more falafel. Never gonna make this at home again, ever! Tabuli - Shamshiri Grill's includes the perfect hint of mint along with the parsley and tomatoes. Panir o' Shabiz - All aforementioned are wonderful BUT this, well this, is what I could eat and nothing else. Fresh basil, mint, tomatoes, radishes, sweet white onion, scallions, walnuts, feta, lemon, butter to be consumed with abundant pita bread and sumac provided. My kinda "sandwich"! This, Panir o'Shabiz was the only order I immediately deconstructed to avoid compromising the herbs' and veggies' freshness. Carefully wrapping them in kitchen towels, refrigerated then re-plated and back in the fridge prior to leaving for work after setting the table. Oh, isolated the feta and walnuts too. Everyone at last Monday's gathering is an omnivore with heavy plant-based dietary leanings. BUT, occasionally we stray hence a side each of chicken and beef koobideh (ground seasoned meat cooked kabob style) and grilled tomato, onion, red bell pepper garnish (also available as a side). I divvied each koobideh into bite sized pieces to be shared among three guests. REALLY good, make those tiny bites, REALLY, REALLY good. Everyone arrived, me too, on time to nosh on the veggie offerings as the koobideh and falafel gently warmed in the oven on low. Plenty of convo, cleared the table for tea and dried dates... Shamshiri Grill you and all the staff from chefs to delivery made my gathering a success, many thanks. Note: No recent pics (cameras/phones not allowed at our group's table) but 2017/18 ones reflect what we ate.

    Shamshiri has been part of my life since I was a child. My dad was a single parent, and some of my…read morefavorite memories growing up were coming here with him. This restaurant isn't just food to me it feels like home. After all these years, the taste, quality, and hospitality have never changed. The meat is still perfectly cooked, the rice is amazing, and every meal brings back memories from my childhood. Today I came with my cousin and ordered Baghali Polo with Lamb Shank for my dad because it's still his favorite meal after decades. Even with so many Persian restaurants opening across Los Angeles and all over California, my dad still only wants Shamshiri. He says nobody else comes close to the flavor and authenticity here. The owners and staff have always been kind, welcoming, and consistent throughout the years. You can truly feel the heart behind this place. Thank you, Shamshiri, for being part of my childhood and my family's memories for so many years. This will always be my favorite Persian restaurant in Los Angeles.

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    Combination Platter

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    Rainbow Trout

    Shamshiri Grill - Lamb tahchin is so good. I can only finish half!

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    Pita Café - Table for 2 please

    Pita Café

    3.6(304 reviews)
    1.3 miWestwood
    $$

    From the moment I walked in until the time I left, I had a big smile on my face. The restaurant was…read morespotless--everything was incredibly clean and well kept. We were greeted with friendly smiles, and the host/cashier, Evelyn, was especially welcoming and kind. You could tell right away that the chef, Manuel, really knows what he's doing--he was absolutely on point, cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Every dish came out hot and fresh. The food was outstanding. The chicken was unbelievably juicy and tender, the steak was seasoned to perfection, and the beef koobideh was packed with incredible flavor. Overall, we had an amazing experience. If you're in the West LA area, this place is a must-try--the food will knock your socks off. THANK U PITA CAFE!!!!!!

    Came here for lunch while here on a work trip. We decided to eat inside the restaurant. It's not…read morereally fancy, but there's enough seating if you want to bring a group. Because it was a nice day and I was traveling in from the east coast, I opted for a Greek salad. It was quite tasty and felt very refreshing. Good portion size too. We also split tzatziki with pita bread which was also very good. A few of my colleagues enjoyed the lentil soup too. Seemed like a hit to me. Also, their sauces are very good so make sure to grab some too.

    Photos
    Pita Café - The manger who was upset because I questioned them on why they are charging for something that used to be free.

    The manger who was upset because I questioned them on why they are charging for something that used to be free.

    Pita Café - Lamb chop!

    Lamb chop!

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    Menu

    Darya Restaurant - mideastern - Updated May 2026

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