Raffi's Place
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The restaurant has a lot of seating, and the service was okay, but we didn't have anyone checking on us during the meal to see if we needed anything. We ordered the Soltani kabab, which is a combination of koobideh and Barg kabab. The koobideh was okay but a little too fatty for my taste, while the barg was much better. We also ordered fesenjoon with albaloo polo. The fesenjoon was good, but the albaloo polo was much sweeter than I expected. I was hoping for the more traditional sour/tart flavor, so I didn't really enjoy it. The portions are generous. We also tried the homemade doogh, which was okay, although I prefer it with mint. The complimentary bread and vegetables were good, but I wish they came with feta cheese as well. Overall, the food was decent, but I think my expectations were a little higher going in.
The food and the service were excellent during my weekday lunch visit. The eggplant appetizer was unlike anything I had before and it was so good. You usually can't go wrong with grilled meat and pair it with rice. I loved all of it. I was also really impressed with the service. They were very attentive and hospitable. The bathroom is by the entrance where you come in. This restaurant seems to have an inside and outside seating area but the outside seating feels like inside because it's mostly contained and definitely covered. I look forward to being back, mostly for that eggplant appetizer!
It's a LA staple for sure, but as a Persian I found the food to be pretty mediocre. I think the influencer How Kev Eats was spot on with his review of Raffi's. The stews (ghormeh sabzi and gheymeh) were bland and could have used way more dried lime for some flavor. The kubideh kabob had too much onion, while the jujeh kabob was dry. The plain rice was standard, but the albaloo (cherry) rice was good. The hummus was really good. Service was attentive and the ambiance in the large courtyard area is especially nice, although a bit warm to eat outside when we went.
There is usually a long line to be seated but the food is so worth the wait, We were greeted by some delicious fresh herbs and fresh breads. Their kabob quality is one of the best i have ever had. We tried their baghali polo with lamb and wow, the lamb was so tasty and well made, same with the soltani, so flavorful. If you like Persian food, Raffi is a must!
Service 10/10 Food 10/10 Vibe 10/10 First time coming here and this was the perfect post 6 mile hike meal. Our server was so nice and gave the perfect recommendation - we ordered a rack of lamb, beef and chicken combo. Soooo good and juicy. We also got some hummus and dayum it hit the spot. It was super affordable, I am def coming back!
We came here last Saturday around 4pm for an early dinner to celebrate a few birthdays. We came with a group of 10 adults and one baby . Knowing that there could be a wait due to our party being large and it being so close to dinner time, I arrived about 30 mins earlier to let the hostess know. The hostess at the front desk wasn't the most friendly and was pretty adamant that we would have to wait for everyone to arrive before being seated. Eventually, everyone in our party arrived and we were seated by 4:15p. Despite the lack of warmth felt by the hostess, our waiter/s were amazing! They helped us pick our meals and made suggestions as we wanted to do "family" style and try a little bit of everything. Everything was delicious and the portions so generous we had a lot to take home. If I could this give this place a 4.5 star rating due to the poor hospitality at the beginning, I would. But, hey, give people the benefit of the doubt and round up because everything else was superb, right?! Tips on parking- valet is 12 dollars but across the street, it's 90mins free and 3 dollars for every hour after that.
Omg I'm so happy I finally got to try the famous Raffi's in Glendale!! I've heard so many great things from friends about their kebabs and plates, and specifically the beef Koubideh, which I was so excited to try. It lived up to the hype and it was so flavorful. The portions are huge so I also had a lot to take home! Service was so quick and very attentive to all our needs. I love the outdoor vibe of the restaurant too. It really made it feel like such an authentic local spot. Will definitely be back again soon!
I've been wanting to try Raffi's Place for years, so when I happened to be in the area last night, I finally made it happen! A heads-up if it's your first visit: the restaurant is walk-in only and does not take reservations for parties under 10 people. We arrived around 8:15 p.m. and were surprised by how massive the restaurant was. There was still a short line, but we only waited about 15 minutes before being seated. As we walked past all the tables, I noticed how large the plates were so my friend and I opted to split one entrée. Unfortunately, the beef koobideh and chicken koobideh had already sold out for the night. Instead, we ordered the Chicken Barg Kabob which came with two grilled skewers of thinly sliced chicken breast served on a bed of basmati rice accompanied by a grilled tomato and an Anaheim pepper (a type of chili pepper with mild heat). The waiter told us it would be about a 30-40 minute wait for our food to come out. While we waited, they brought out complimentary pita bread with butter, a raw whole onion (sliced in half), radish, mint, and chopped onions/ parsley. I've never had this combo before but it was nice to have a snack to nibble on. Looking back, I wish I ordered the eggplant dip to enjoy with the pita bread. By the time our food arrived, we were starving and scarfed everything down. The chicken kebob was flavorful and moist, and the basmati rice was perfectly fluffy. Although we shared an entrée, the portion was generous so we left pretty full. I'm already planning a return trip-- and hopefully next time I can try the beef koobideh which appears to be their most popular dish. TL;DR: Huge portions, inexpensive prices, friendly service, a lively atmosphere, and a great spot for groups.
I heard about Raffi's Place maybe 10-15 years ago. I am surprised I remembered them, and I am surprised they are still around! They are located just minutes from the Americana and Glendale Galleria. Parking is $12 cash only for valet or you can find free 2-hour street parking nearby. I love that the menu has the Farsi names. I don't understand any of it, but they have English descriptions underneath. Service was mid. The busboys were helpful, but our main server was always hard to find. They served complimentary flat bread (I don't know what it's called, but it was like 2-ply toilet paper) with salted butter bricks. They also included a plate with herbs and raw onions. -Hummus $12: good ol mashed garbanzo beans. Can't go wrong with hummus. This was good with the bread, but part of me wished they served pita. -Rack of lamb kabob $42: It's not actually served on skewers. We had about 5 small lamb chops. The lamb was so delicious. The grilled onions and tomato were so good. The rice was ok; it felt like too much rice. I think the menu should offer options to order kabobs only and no rice. Also the dishes here have way too much rice. If I come back, I would try barg kabob, which is the skewered beef filet mignon.
We came to Raffi's for lunch while visiting my sister and her hubs. Glendale happens to have a large Armenian community, so not surprisingly there are lots of Persian/Armenian restaurants to choose from. We opted for Raffi's Place after a morning stint at Shane's Inspiration Playground in Griffith Park. Raffi's is a huge restaurant that's very welcoming and festive. Waiters are friendly and carry huge trays full of juicy kabobs with mountains of rice. It has a bit of a banquet hall feeling. Parking available in nearby pay lots within a block or two. We shared a few entrees and still had plenty of leftovers. Highlights of the lunch: 1. The free, Lavash bread is paper thin yet chewy in a good way. My 6yo must have ate a half dozen or more. You can enjoy it plain, dip it in cucumber yogurt or go authentic with raw onions, radish, and mint/basil. 2. I loved the chicken thigh kabob. Super juicy and perfectly seasoned. Besides the grilled tomato there's also a big green chili pepper. The default saffron rice is our favorite but you can try 3-4 other variants for a surcharge. 3. Ny sister got the Scottish Salmon Kabob which is also excellent. Moist and perfectly cooked too. 4. Wife and bro-in-law wet with classic Beef Koobideh and portions were huge. They give two large pieces that are roundish in shape - Not flattened to make it look big like other places. BIL ate like 1/4 of his Koobideh and packed the rest as takeout, LOL! We are all foodies but past a certain age our metabolism slows, LOL! Highly recommend Raffi's - family and kid friendly and you'll leave very full or have leftover for days.
My friends are raving about this place, and so we decided to give it a try on a Sunday! It was my first time here, we arrived around 1 PM and the wait was about 20 to 30 minutes long. Not bad at all for a Sunday. Upon arriving we were seated in the outdoor patio area. I ordered the Ikra dip + the Barg (filet) plate. Everything was delicious. The dip is a must. We actually ordered two portions of this because it was that delicious! The fillet was cooked to perfection - extremely tender and full of flavor! The service was amazing - the only little note that I have is that if you decide to come here during the summertime, I would request sitting indoors because it does get quite hot and humid! Even with that being said, I would totally sit out in the heat to enjoy this meal again!
Amazing dinner experience with my bestie last night. Tried a few items on the menu! Service was amazing and ambiance was beautiful. First time and sure to try again! Server - Martin was very helpful and great customer service! Also no issues on valet parking it was in and out!
I think this place is more about the vibe -- it's a spot to celebrate a special occasion. The dish to get here is the soltani, a combo of koobideh and barg. Pro tip: upgrade to the cherry rice. Also, their tahdig was addictive. It's pricey and only offers valet parking (unless you find street parking), so it's not really a weekly-restaurant kind of place for most people. Every Persian I know has told me this Persian-Armenian restaurant is the best. That said, I was pretty disappointed with the baghali polo (fava bean dill rice) and the hummus, which was grainy. The lavash bread is fine, but I prefer sangak or barbari bread. For the price, honestly, I'm just as satisfied with my monthly visits to International Market Grill inside Jons in Van Nuys for my monthly koobideh and baghali polo fix. Habiza brand hummus from the grocery store makes a better and smoother hummus.
This was genuinely one of the best meals I've ever had. Raffi's has been on my list of spots to try for years, and I can't believe it took me so long to finally come here! My friend and I shared the Shirazi salad, Hummus, and Koobideh, all of which were absolutely delicious and are great portion sizes. The koobideh was tender and paired amazing with the buttery rice, hummus was blended so smoothly and we had it with the soft lavash, and the shirazi salad was a refreshing bite in between. I will 1000% be returning soon to try new dishes. The wait was about an hour on a weekend dinner, but there are areas to walk around nearby to pass the time, so it doesn't feel too long. Additionally, parking isn't difficult to find since there's a structure to the side. It was such a scrumptious meal, and I'd absolutely recommend it to anyone, the drive is worth it! read more
1 day ago
Girls wanted to go out. They've been here, I haven't. Place inside is beautiful. It's like an outdoor covered patio. When we were seated, we were served a flatbread, herbs and those wrapped pats of butter. For such an elegant restaurant, that seemed out of place. In my option, I'd rather have a plate of butter. I would have used it for the rice too! Ordered koobideh, hummus, eggplant dip and fesenjoon Koobideh- ground beef was delish! Comes on a huge plateful of rice. Hummus was standard, but the eggplant dip is better! I came for the fesenjoon... basically stewed chicken in a pomegranate sauce. I liked it, but was too tart for me. I first tried this dish at a restaurant in the Wilshire district and saw it here. Service was spectacular. Was very attentive. read more
2 days ago
I stopped at this restaurant while I was in the area. I saw that it was advertised as Persian, but once I ate here, I realized it wasn't exactly what I would consider authentic Persian food. I'll start with the positives. The servers were very kind, attentive, and wonderful. The Salad Shirazi was also good. No complaints there. Now onto the rest, which unfortunately was the majority of the food. The maast-o-mosir was absolute overkill on the shallot. It completely overpowered everything else aka the yogurt. The "tadig" area of the menu really annoyed me because it was not tadig. It was much closer to tachin. For anyone who doesn't know the difference, tachin is made with yogurt and has a softer texture. Tadig takes time and skill to get that crispy, golden bottom. What I was served was soft. If you're going to advertise tadig, it should actually be tadig. Then there was the gheymeh, which is my favorite Persian dish. Unfortunately, this was a really bad version of it. The cinnamon was completely overdone. It basically tasted like split peas, cinnamon, and water soup. The chicken didn't taste marinated at all and was incredibly bland, and the rice was just meh. I came here because of all the good reviews and had pretty high expectations. Unfortunately, the food didn't come close to living up to them. The service was great, but when I go to a Persian restaurant, especially as a Persian, the food has to taste like Persian food. read more
The restaurant has a lot of seating, and the service was okay, but we didn't have anyone checking on us during the meal to see if we needed anything. We ordered the Soltani kabab, which is a combination of koobideh and Barg kabab. The koobideh was okay but a little too fatty for my taste, while the barg was much better. We also ordered fesenjoon with albaloo polo. The fesenjoon was good, but the albaloo polo was much sweeter than I expected. I was hoping for the more traditional sour/tart flavor, so I didn't really enjoy it. The portions are generous. We also tried the homemade doogh, which was okay, although I prefer it with mint. The complimentary bread and vegetables were good, but I wish they came with feta cheese as well. Overall, the food was decent, but I think my expectations were a little higher going in. read more
The food and the service were excellent during my weekday lunch visit. The eggplant appetizer was unlike anything I had before and it was so good. You usually can't go wrong with grilled meat and pair it with rice. I loved all of it. I was also really impressed with the service. They were very attentive and hospitable. The bathroom is by the entrance where you come in. This restaurant seems to have an inside and outside seating area but the outside seating feels like inside because it's mostly contained and definitely covered. I look forward to being back, mostly for that eggplant appetizer! read more
It's a LA staple for sure, but as a Persian I found the food to be pretty mediocre. I think the influencer How Kev Eats was spot on with his review of Raffi's. The stews (ghormeh sabzi and gheymeh) were bland and could have used way more dried lime for some flavor. The kubideh kabob had too much onion, while the jujeh kabob was dry. The plain rice was standard, but the albaloo (cherry) rice was good. The hummus was really good. Service was attentive and the ambiance in the large courtyard area is especially nice, although a bit warm to eat outside when we went. read more
There is usually a long line to be seated but the food is so worth the wait, We were greeted by some delicious fresh herbs and fresh breads. Their kabob quality is one of the best i have ever had. We tried their baghali polo with lamb and wow, the lamb was so tasty and well made, same with the soltani, so flavorful. If you like Persian food, Raffi is a must! read more
Service 10/10 Food 10/10 Vibe 10/10 First time coming here and this was the perfect post 6 mile hike meal. Our server was so nice and gave the perfect recommendation - we ordered a rack of lamb, beef and chicken combo. Soooo good and juicy. We also got some hummus and dayum it hit the spot. It was super affordable, I am def coming back! read more
We came here last Saturday around 4pm for an early dinner to celebrate a few birthdays. We came with a group of 10 adults and one baby . Knowing that there could be a wait due to our party being large and it being so close to dinner time, I arrived about 30 mins earlier to let the hostess know. The hostess at the front desk wasn't the most friendly and was pretty adamant that we would have to wait for everyone to arrive before being seated. Eventually, everyone in our party arrived and we were seated by 4:15p. Despite the lack of warmth felt by the hostess, our waiter/s were amazing! They helped us pick our meals and made suggestions as we wanted to do "family" style and try a little bit of everything. Everything was delicious and the portions so generous we had a lot to take home. If I could this give this place a 4.5 star rating due to the poor hospitality at the beginning, I would. But, hey, give people the benefit of the doubt and round up because everything else was superb, right?! Tips on parking- valet is 12 dollars but across the street, it's 90mins free and 3 dollars for every hour after that. read more
2 months ago
Omg I'm so happy I finally got to try the famous Raffi's in Glendale!! I've heard so many great things from friends about their kebabs and plates, and specifically the beef Koubideh, which I was so excited to try. It lived up to the hype and it was so flavorful. The portions are huge so I also had a lot to take home! Service was so quick and very attentive to all our needs. I love the outdoor vibe of the restaurant too. It really made it feel like such an authentic local spot. Will definitely be back again soon! read more
I've been wanting to try Raffi's Place for years, so when I happened to be in the area last night, I finally made it happen! A heads-up if it's your first visit: the restaurant is walk-in only and does not take reservations for parties under 10 people. We arrived around 8:15 p.m. and were surprised by how massive the restaurant was. There was still a short line, but we only waited about 15 minutes before being seated. As we walked past all the tables, I noticed how large the plates were so my friend and I opted to split one entrée. Unfortunately, the beef koobideh and chicken koobideh had already sold out for the night. Instead, we ordered the Chicken Barg Kabob which came with two grilled skewers of thinly sliced chicken breast served on a bed of basmati rice accompanied by a grilled tomato and an Anaheim pepper (a type of chili pepper with mild heat). The waiter told us it would be about a 30-40 minute wait for our food to come out. While we waited, they brought out complimentary pita bread with butter, a raw whole onion (sliced in half), radish, mint, and chopped onions/ parsley. I've never had this combo before but it was nice to have a snack to nibble on. Looking back, I wish I ordered the eggplant dip to enjoy with the pita bread. By the time our food arrived, we were starving and scarfed everything down. The chicken kebob was flavorful and moist, and the basmati rice was perfectly fluffy. Although we shared an entrée, the portion was generous so we left pretty full. I'm already planning a return trip-- and hopefully next time I can try the beef koobideh which appears to be their most popular dish. TL;DR: Huge portions, inexpensive prices, friendly service, a lively atmosphere, and a great spot for groups. read more
I heard about Raffi's Place maybe 10-15 years ago. I am surprised I remembered them, and I am surprised they are still around! They are located just minutes from the Americana and Glendale Galleria. Parking is $12 cash only for valet or you can find free 2-hour street parking nearby. I love that the menu has the Farsi names. I don't understand any of it, but they have English descriptions underneath. Service was mid. The busboys were helpful, but our main server was always hard to find. They served complimentary flat bread (I don't know what it's called, but it was like 2-ply toilet paper) with salted butter bricks. They also included a plate with herbs and raw onions. -Hummus $12: good ol mashed garbanzo beans. Can't go wrong with hummus. This was good with the bread, but part of me wished they served pita. -Rack of lamb kabob $42: It's not actually served on skewers. We had about 5 small lamb chops. The lamb was so delicious. The grilled onions and tomato were so good. The rice was ok; it felt like too much rice. I think the menu should offer options to order kabobs only and no rice. Also the dishes here have way too much rice. If I come back, I would try barg kabob, which is the skewered beef filet mignon. read more
We came to Raffi's for lunch while visiting my sister and her hubs. Glendale happens to have a large Armenian community, so not surprisingly there are lots of Persian/Armenian restaurants to choose from. We opted for Raffi's Place after a morning stint at Shane's Inspiration Playground in Griffith Park. Raffi's is a huge restaurant that's very welcoming and festive. Waiters are friendly and carry huge trays full of juicy kabobs with mountains of rice. It has a bit of a banquet hall feeling. Parking available in nearby pay lots within a block or two. We shared a few entrees and still had plenty of leftovers. Highlights of the lunch: 1. The free, Lavash bread is paper thin yet chewy in a good way. My 6yo must have ate a half dozen or more. You can enjoy it plain, dip it in cucumber yogurt or go authentic with raw onions, radish, and mint/basil. 2. I loved the chicken thigh kabob. Super juicy and perfectly seasoned. Besides the grilled tomato there's also a big green chili pepper. The default saffron rice is our favorite but you can try 3-4 other variants for a surcharge. 3. Ny sister got the Scottish Salmon Kabob which is also excellent. Moist and perfectly cooked too. 4. Wife and bro-in-law wet with classic Beef Koobideh and portions were huge. They give two large pieces that are roundish in shape - Not flattened to make it look big like other places. BIL ate like 1/4 of his Koobideh and packed the rest as takeout, LOL! We are all foodies but past a certain age our metabolism slows, LOL! Highly recommend Raffi's - family and kid friendly and you'll leave very full or have leftover for days. read more
3 months ago
My friends are raving about this place, and so we decided to give it a try on a Sunday! It was my first time here, we arrived around 1 PM and the wait was about 20 to 30 minutes long. Not bad at all for a Sunday. Upon arriving we were seated in the outdoor patio area. I ordered the Ikra dip + the Barg (filet) plate. Everything was delicious. The dip is a must. We actually ordered two portions of this because it was that delicious! The fillet was cooked to perfection - extremely tender and full of flavor! The service was amazing - the only little note that I have is that if you decide to come here during the summertime, I would request sitting indoors because it does get quite hot and humid! Even with that being said, I would totally sit out in the heat to enjoy this meal again! read more
3 months ago
Amazing dinner experience with my bestie last night. Tried a few items on the menu! Service was amazing and ambiance was beautiful. First time and sure to try again! Server - Martin was very helpful and great customer service! Also no issues on valet parking it was in and out! read more
I think this place is more about the vibe -- it's a spot to celebrate a special occasion. The dish to get here is the soltani, a combo of koobideh and barg. Pro tip: upgrade to the cherry rice. Also, their tahdig was addictive. It's pricey and only offers valet parking (unless you find street parking), so it's not really a weekly-restaurant kind of place for most people. Every Persian I know has told me this Persian-Armenian restaurant is the best. That said, I was pretty disappointed with the baghali polo (fava bean dill rice) and the hummus, which was grainy. The lavash bread is fine, but I prefer sangak or barbari bread. For the price, honestly, I'm just as satisfied with my monthly visits to International Market Grill inside Jons in Van Nuys for my monthly koobideh and baghali polo fix. Habiza brand hummus from the grocery store makes a better and smoother hummus. read more
4 months ago
Aw My Raffi's Place. Been awhile but never ever disappoints. The portions are substantial and the food is well seasoned Although prices have creeped up but still what I feel are reasonable and fair Raffi's gives you the feel of dining in one of the local restaurants in Europe. Casual crowd local resident patrons and a mix of languages spoken Their chicken kebabs are to die for and also one of the few places you can find a good salmon kebab as well Being a Mediterranean establishment. You have to get the hummus and Oh Yeah"! Bang!! It's good One of if not the best Mediterranean food in LA. Especially when you factor price locale and consistency. Love love love me some Raffi's Place read more
8 days ago
Our family's favorite Mediterranean food in Glendale; always packed but the waiting line moves fast; we ordered beef and chicken type of kebabs but I have to warn you, food takes at least 30 minutes if not more to arrive to the table. Can't lie, the wait is worth it as everything comes out freshly cooked & portions are very generous! read more
The Bottom Line 5 stars: No matter whether you eat in or take out (this time we took out), , the BEST Persian food in LA, bar none. Location 4 stars: In busy downtown Glendale, California. Valet parking is a safe bet and so are the many parking structures nearby. Street parking is mostly metered and hard to come by. If you tell the Valet you are picking up, they let you temporarily park in the front, without charge. Venue 4 stars: Covered Outdoor and Indoor tables. Nothing fancy but comfy and homey. Be prepared to wait quite as bit during busy hours. You can try the Yelp Waitlist to cut down on wait time, BUT when they get really busy they shut down the wait list. Service 5 stars: Usually good. We took out this time and the front desk people were wonderful and extremely friendly and helpful. Drinks 5 stars: Full bar: A few specialty cocktails, premium spirits, beer, wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Food 5 stars: Persian food is the main theme with some additions. Large menu of soups, appetizers, salads, specialty rice, stews and beef/lamb/chicken/fish kabobs to choose from. We usually get the the Baba Ghanoush, the Hummus, the Shirazi Salad, the Beef Barg (Filet Mignon) Kabob, the Beef Kabob Koobideh (Luleh Kabob; seasoned ground beef), the marinated chicken Kabob (with or without bone) and the Chicken Kabob Koobideh (Chicken Luleh Kabob; seasoned ground chicken). You cannot have bad food at Raffi's. Every dish rocks! read more
2 months ago
We are sooo happy we tried Raffi's! We happened to be in the area for the afternoon and checked out what Yelp was showing nearby. Boom, Raffi's popped up with its millions of excellent reviews. Hubby said let's go and even though I wasn't craving Persian food that day I'm sooooo happy we went! The food was amazing!!! I thought I've tried good Persian in OC before, but boy was I wrong. Raffi's mutilates all. The service was friendly and efficient which was a huge plus. The only thing we didn't love during our meal was that it's not truly indoors and it was a very warm day, so we were sweating while eating. The food and service were great, so we will definitely be back! read more
2 months ago
Neat spot in Glendale - large selection of options on the menu with quick no frills service and outdoor ambiance. They give out complimentary lavash as a starter or to use for your entree, I got the Koobideh (Luleh Kebob) which was ground beef. If only they had a lamb skewer! My only wish is that they have a lamb combo or something that includes a bit of hummus or toum (garlic dip). Expect to spend $30+ per person (& that's only entrees). Would definitely come back to try their other menu items! read more
5 months ago
The best Iranian food I've had (bar none) and probably the most delicious meal I've had this year thus far! Raffi's Place was my most anticipated restaurant on my SoCal trip. The soltani kabob was to die for; the flavors in the beef barg and koobideh were so rich and cooked to perfection. The mastery of these dishes was absolutely on display. The mast moosir was a great creamy and savory side dish to complement the entrees. I HAD to get the tahdig (crispy rice) too! I also had a bit of the lamb shank which was really flavorful, tender, and paired perfectly with the baghali polo. The yogurt soda was a bit of an acquired taste for me, but I'm happy to have tried it for the full experience. We finished off our delicious meal with a floral and sweet Persian ice cream wafer sandwich. The portions were enormous, so we left feeling full with leftovers to look forward to! We came on a lively weekday evening. They don't do reservations, but we were warmly greeted and quickly seated with lavash and butter on our table immediately. The restaurant has a beautiful and romantic atmosphere, with hybrid indoor/outdoor courtyard dining. Our waiter was attentive and made us feel very welcomed. I'd give this restaurant more than 5 stars if I could! read more
After my wife and daughter spent time together and my son and I spent time watching The Odyssey this past weekend, I wanted our entire family to spend quality time together, so we decided to grab dinner before we drove back home. We asked our daughter to find a place, but we wanted to make sure it was closeby. After throwing out several restaurant choices, we ended up deciding on Raffi's Place, which was a restaurant I had on my Yelp's Want To Go list for many years. I was excited to finally experience Raffi's Place and it lived up to my high expectations. The food was delicious, you get value for your money, the ambience was inviting, and our waiter and the staff provided impeccable customer service. Raffi's Place has been featured on television food shows, social media foodies have done countless of reviews, and its high Yelp ratings and voluminous reviews make for a very popular eatery. Raffi's is located in Glendale, CA., specifically on Broadway and Artsakh. The restaurant can be found in dowtown Glendale and it's close to a King Taco and Khinkali House Dumplings. There is valet parking for a fee, but we chose to park at a Public Parking structure that is a short walk from Raffi's. Be prepared to wait because of how popular the restaurant is, but it moves pretty quickly because it's a spacious restaurant. There's a covered outdoor waiting area with minimal seating. There is indoor and a partially covered outdoor seating area with plenty of natural lighting. The customer service from our waiter and Raffi's staff was impeccable, attentive, and friendly. Raffi's Place is a popular eatery where you'll line up to place your name on a digital wait list and you'll be contacted via text once your table is ready. From its website, Raffi's Place is a unique dining experience, combining authentic Persian and Middle Eastern cuisine with a beautiful indoor/outdoor setting, reminiscent of a Mediterranean courtyard. Located just a few blocks from the Americana at Brand, Raffi's Place has become a landmark in Glendale, attracting patrons from the Greater Los Angeles Area and as far as the east coast. My family and I are fans of Mediterranean food and as I indicated above, I've been wanting to grub here for many years. The staff brings out complimentary vegetables and thin slices of pita bread. Eating these freebies were good to prepare our palates. For starters, we ordered the Ikra (Eggplant Dip), which is grilled eggplant pureed with tomato sauce and garlic. Just like all of their food, it was fresh and so tasty especially spreading it on the pita. For my entree, I ordered the Barg Kabob, which is thinky sliced filet Mignon skewered and grilled to perfection. I immediately tasted the quality of the meat and I devoured it clean. This dish comes with a bed of fluffy basmati rice with grilled tomato and Anaheim pepper. For its price, I sincerely believe you get value for your money. I took bites of my wife and daughter's Beef Koobideh, which is lean ground beef skewered. That too was satisfying and tasty. It's always a blessing to break bread and spend quality time with my Fam Bam. Doing so while eating one of the best Meditteranean meals at Raffi's Place and experiencing a quality dining experience made it even more of a blessing. read more
13 days ago
2 days ago
22 days ago
Don't know why this place is such a hype but me and my husband probably gives this place 3/10. Meat is bland and dry. Took almost half an hour for our food to come out and we came at a time at a less busy time. read more
2 months ago
Great Mediterranean food! One of the best koobideh kebabs I've had--very juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. Everything we tried was packed with great taste, and the quality of the food really stood out. The only downside was the restrooms. They were not very clean and felt very basic, almost like public beach restrooms. They could definitely use some attention and improvements. Other than that, the food alone makes this place worth visiting. read more
I've heard so much good things about Raffi's place and barely had the chance to go and check it out. Came for lunch with my sister. It was a rainy weekday. Being our first time visit we made the noob error by walking in from the Broadway entrance. The front desk is located in the rear coming from the alley. With that said we had a short tour of the establishment. The place is huge. Initially you'll walk into the outdoor area which is covered, if that isn't your thing there is a full indoor area as well. That day in particular was rainy so the covered outdoor area wasn't going to do it for us. Looking over the menu you find very familiar Mediterranean dishes. We were very curious about their Persian stews since we've never had it before. We ordered Chicken kabob, Koobideh, and Fesenjān. All orders came with their own rice and a side dish of toppings to add to your entree. The chicken was dry, I enjoyed the koobideh, but the real star of the lunch meal was the Persian stew. It was soooo goood. The place is pretty pricey, but the venue speaks for itself. I do highly recommend stopping by for lunch sometime or have a party and celebrate something with the people you love. Parking: paid structure parking, valet VERDICT: Rinse and repeat read more
3 months ago
We visit Raffi's often specially on Sundays!! My absolute favorite dish is beef koobide with rice. However, I also really like their zereshk polo with chicken barg & their beef soultani. .. All of their appetizers are good but my favorites are their tadig with stew ( gheyme & fesenjoon are my favorites), shirazi salad, yogurt, and green salad. The place is nice. The portions are generous & their staff are all friendly! read more
4 days ago
7 months ago
Got seated right away for a party of 2 on a Sunday evening, which we were pleasantly surprised with. We ordered a Shish Kebab plate and a chicken Soltani along with an eggplant dip. The eggplant dip was tasty and the complementary pita paired very well with it. However, we waived over 45 min for our food. We ended up eating the eggplant dip in its entirety before the food came and were table to try them together, which I think would've been really good. When the plates did arrive, portions were abundant and good for the price (approx. $32 per plate). The shish kebab was super soft and tasty and the rice was well cooked and flavorful. Unfortunately, the chicken was very under seasoned and totally dry. Very disappointing. Ambiance is nice and service is good, but I did leave quite underwhelmed read more
We came for lunch to celebrate a birthday on New Year's Eve. They don't take reservations, so we arrived before their opening at 11:30 am. Although the restaurant was open early, we still had to stand in line as names were not taken until 11:30 sharp. When we arrived, we could smell the food being prepared. There was a separate line for pick up orders, and we saw customers walking out with large bags of food. When our party finally got seated, we were approached by a friendly waiter. He didn't rush us and was helpful throughout our meal. Some of us ordered family style. I got to enjoy different proteins such as chicken, beef, and lamb. All were delicious. I enjoyed the bread with hummus too. I don't think they charged for bread, but hummus was extra. Parking in the public lot a couple blocks away offered free 90 minutes, and a small $2.00 fee for each additional hour. I'm glad this restaurant was selected for the birthday celebration. They did charge $10 cake fee since we had our own birthday cake. I'll be back again! read more
Went to Raffi's Place on a Friday night and had an amazing experience. It wasn't crowded at all--busy, but with plenty of tables available, and we were seated immediately with no wait. The staff was incredibly kind and even offered to store my luggage so I didn't have to carry it around, which was such a thoughtful touch. We started with the eggplant dip--smooth, flavorful, and delicious. The flatbread came out wrapped in a red cloth; it was thin, light, and paired perfectly with the dip. I ordered the shish kebabs, and the meat was extremely tender. The rice was fluffy, and everything came together beautifully. The restaurant itself is spacious and comfortable, yet still feels elegant and inviting. Overall, I really enjoyed the experience and will definitely be back to try the rack of lamb. Highly recommend. read more
We came on a Friday around 5:30 PM, and luckily it wasn't too crowded. We parked at a parking garage that was a 4 min walk from the restaurant, though I believe they also offer valet service. The restaurant has indoor seating with a unique open-roof section in the middle, which gives it a nice atmosphere. We ordered the koobideh and the shish kabob with albaloo polo. The food came out quickly, and the service was friendly and attentive. Both dishes were cooked perfectly and had amazing flavor. The portions were generous, which made the prices feel very reasonable. We'll definitely be coming back! read more
Portions are large, including a heaping mound of rice. I enjoyed the meal but felt like the meat quality wasn't super good for the price. Also the flavor became monotonous to keep eating, and definitely had to take my leftovers to go. I was glad I opted to share two different proteins with my coworker so we could have some variety (which we did our own to avoid split plate charge). Their complimentary appetizer wasn't my favorite, but probably since I'm not accustomed to the type of cuisine. I would recommend for them to slice the cucumber before serving since it was awkward and hard to slice at the table with the dull knives. Service was good considering our larger party. read more
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More info about Raffi's Place
211 E Broadway
Glendale, CA 91205
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(818) 240-7411
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http://www.raffisplace.com
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Ask the Community - Raffi's Place
What are the vegan options, if any?
There are different rice and salad dishes that are vegan. I think some of the soups/stews may be, too. I'd double-check with the server, though.
Do they accept reservations?
You can join the waitlist on Yelp but they do not take reservations.
Are they Pet friendly?
Wow!! I'm surprised at the aggressively negative answers regarding pets. I think most dog owners who ask are responsible owners.There are lots of fine dining places that are doggie friendly. I love Raffi's and come often but it's SO busy that I…
Are reservations necessary?
No, usually they dont require a reservation. but there might be some wait time, especially on weekends. I would suggest calling them in advance if you have a big party.
Hi there! I'm going to likely be having a family reunion there. I'm vegan and am wondering about my options now rather than when the time comes. What vegan options do you provide? :) thank you!
The salads are a meal in themselves, but there are vegetable dishes, too. Try the eggplant!
Is yelp waitlist open on fridays?
Yes! We were there on a Friday recently and there was a waitlist. Apparently the restaurant chooses when to let that happen. Depending on holidays or popular events.
As of March 17 2023 do they have valet parking and do they use yelp reservations?
You go into checkin and then from that point they update you on Yelp where your position is. You can't make a reservation online.
Do they have gift certificates?
Yes. Gift Certificates. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to become a card-carrying VIP for not just of The Tam, but big sister, Lawrys, La Cienega Blvd.
Do you take reservations?
Hi! We used Yelp's wait list and were able to get in very easily. It's on their website.
Do they allow small pet in patio?
Maybe, it is best to call as their policies may have changed due to COVID.
Do they stop serving Olivier Salad?
Can I bring a birthday cake to the restaurant?
Absolutely - they were very nice when I brought an ice cream cake to the restaurant - they kept it in the fridge or freezer for me. I believe they have a fee for the cake cutting if I remember correctly.
How about parking?
Get into Raffies as if you were going to park valet then turn left towards the street and you'll see public parking if you don't want to park valet. Public parking it's on Broadway and Artsakh. I paid $2 for 3 or 4 hours on a Sunday.…
Does this restaurant require a vaccination card to eat here?
I was there earlier this month and they didn't - they said that Glendale wasn't requiring proof of Vaccination yet. But I would definitely call just to double check since things are constantly changing nowadays.
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