Phenomenal Mediterranean food, exceptional persian-inspired craft cocktails, beautiful space, and excellent service. Highly recommend trying out the Manhattan beach location! Only negative for us was feeling some pressure to upgrade the sides to our dishes (options to upgrade the salad and rice); we upgraded the rice and didn't necessarily enjoy the upgraded rice with cranberries and think the base options may have been preferable. Really enjoyed the included house salad! If you may know you have a preference for one of the upgrades it may be nice to have the options, otherwise, I would not hesitate to stick with the base which is delicious. read more

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Honestly, I didn't even want to write this review, but after spending a couple of hours thinking about it, I felt like I had to. To those writing all the good reviews, I genuinely have one question: have you actually had good Persian food before? Have you ever been to Raffi's? We drove all the way from Orange County because someone recommended this place. We usually just go to Raffi's, but I thought, "let's give this place a shot." Unfortunately, that was a mistake. First, I want to be clear: the staff were great, friendly and attentive. This review has nothing to do with them. It's strictly about the food. 3 Stew Tahdig ($17): The tahdig was extremely thick and hard. Even with the stew on top, it was basically inedible. Mast-o-Moosir (Shallot Yogurt): Served in a very small portion and was extremely watery. You could clearly taste raw shallots instead of a smooth blend. This dish should be made with thick yogurt (mast-e chekideh), not something runny. Main Courses: * Soltani ($39) * Naderi Soltani ($42) Honestly, we couldn't even tell the difference between the two, they seemed identical. We asked for well-done, but everything came medium or even undercooked. The barg kebab (filet mignon) was the worst part, it was tough, rubbery, and almost impossible to cut. It genuinely felt like chewing plastic. Not sure what kind of meat was used, but it definitely wasn't good quality. Salad Issue: The server asked which salad we wanted and mentioned Shirazi, Greek, etc. I chose Greek. When the bill came, we were charged an extra $2 for it, which was never mentioned. That should have been clearly communicated. Also, the bowl the salad was served in was chipped and broken in multiple spots--not a great presentation at all. Rice: The rice was poorly cooked and had barely any saffron (maybe 5% at most). Even another table nearby complained about the rice. Drink - Sekanjebin ($10): This is supposed to be a traditional Persian drink, but this tasted like a mix of cheap syrup. It did not resemble authentic sekanjebin at all. Appetizer - Marinated Olives (Zeytoon Parvardeh): The olives were unusually large and overpowering. This dish should be balanced, you're supposed to taste the walnut, pomegranate, and herbs, not just big olives. At this point, it made sense why the restaurant was almost empty on a Sunday lunchtime, maybe 4-5 tables total. To be completely honest, the food upset our stomachs to the point where we had to take Pepto-Bismol afterward. Overall, the food quality was very disappointing, and we will not be coming back. I would not recommend this place to anyone looking for authentic or well-made Persian food. Again, no issues with the staff, they were great. The problem is entirely with the food. read more

Toranj - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Some dishes at Toranj were delicious - especially liked the Juicy Chicken, Cherry Rice (maybe the standout of the whole evening!) and Tahdig. Other dishes and service levels were questionable. The Lamb Shank was very mediocre (meat was cooked well but the sauce was awful). We ordered the Fesenjoon stew with the Tahdig and there was not a single piece of chicken to be found (nowhere did the menu say it would just be the sauce). The waiter brought out the wrong entree for me and was pretty graceless in terms of how he replaced it...leaving me with a big plate of rice that got cold while I waited for my entree. Don't know if I'm rushing to go back... read more

The best persian food, well best food in general we have ever had. Everyone in the restaurant was so happy, smiling and friendly staff. read more

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I've had my fair share of Persian food in LA, especially in Westwood where you have several reputable options. What I really liked about this place was the food felt very fresh and tasty WITHOUT the overwhelming heaviness of other Persian restaurants. I got tahdig with gheyme and ghormeh sabzi and a soltani kabob. I could tell the ingredients were cleaner just by how it tasted and how I felt after eating. I wasn't in an instant food coma. It makes me way more likely to come back here regularly knowing I can still continue the rest of my day without an obligatory post kabob nap like every other Persian restaurant out there. Will definitely be back. Thanks for the clean and tasty food! Service was good too. read more

Love this place - great inventory. Fresh and inexpensive herbs and Asian vegetables. Good range of Korean foods and a decent drinks dept. I love the food court. I like to come on a Sunday and get a meal in the food court and then shop for my weekly groceries read more

This food is INCREDIBLE. It stands alongside the other great Iranian restaurants in the greater Los Angeles area, including larger establishments like Rafi's Place. We had the beef soltani, lamb shank, and specialty chicken, and they did not disappoint, full of flavor and spice that I've come to love in Persian Cuisine. The variety of rice mixes are a cut above and drew praise from 4 of our party who have never had Persian food before. But the highlight of our time was our server, Maral! She was bursting with energy, an easy laugh, and a really welcoming tone than made me feel welcomed as an old friend-- not the polite tone of a total stranger. Her joviality, kindness, and wit-- combined with the intimate ambiance of the dining room-- haa cemented Toranj as my go-to for Persian food. Not only great food, but great people. read more

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The kebabs were juicy flavorful and delicious. The complimentary bread and butter was also quite nice. We also enjoyed the warm eggplant appetizer. Beautifully decorated, elegant but the dishes were a bit pricey. read more

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I came here after a game and was in the mood for Mediterranean food! I ordered the salmon and a hot tea and special butter as well. The bread was amazing and I even asked for another batch before heading out. The service was so friendly and everyone seemed to be having a good time and enjoying their meals and at this exquisite restaurant. I thought the salmon was delicious and even saved some for home in addition to the bread, of course. The salmon came with rice and each spoonful was such a great combination. I had an amazing experience and look forward to coming back soon! read more

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Being Persian and having visited California numerous times, I know the area has plenty of Persian restaurants. I decided to try this one since I had never been before, located in Westwood. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by the friendly staff and promptly seated. The restaurant's aesthetic was chic and beautiful. They served complimentary lavash bread with butter, which was a nice touch. I ordered the juicy chicken with sour cherry rice, which is typically my go to. The presentation was great, but to be honest, the food was just mediocre. It didn't taste like the chicken had been marinated overnight, and given my high expectations, it fell short. Overall, it's a nice spot with good service, but not the best Persian food I've had in SoCal. read more

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Toranj accommodated with ease and aplomb our group of 10. The food was plentiful and excellent. Service was impeccable. The server steered us in the right direction. The family platters were the way to go. With the addition of hummus, baba ganouj, and felafel, it was a feast meant for kings. I highly recommend Taranj if you're looking for superb Persian food. read more

This is our favorite local Persian restaurant. I always go for the Soltani Nadri. it's absolutely perfect. But lately my wife has been obsessed with their juicy chicken, so I tried it tonight and wow, it did not disappoint. Perfectly marinated, incredibly juicy, and an amazing match with mast-o-moosir. Don't forget to finish it off with Persian tea. Shout out to Morteza for the warm welcome and outstanding hospitality. Thank you! read more

Toranj - Akbar Jojeh - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I like going to Toranj when I want quick and affordable Persian food in a nice sit-down environment. There always seems to be a table available, the staff is courteous and on top of things, and the food almost always comes out quickly. The juicy chicken is a must. The chicken is as juicy as it claims to be, and the rice is so good. Best of all, the portion sizes are huge. I always end up full and with leftovers for a second meal. Eating out in LA is expensive these days, but Toranj is a great place to get tasty food and your bang for your buck. read more

Toranj - Cucumber Yogurt - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Delicious! Great service from the staff. Also very beautiful inside I will definitely be coming back

Very delicious meal. Patio is comfortable and service was friendly. Food came out fast. They have a decent selection of wine by the glass even if the menu isn't online. I wish they had some vegetarian versions of stews like gheimeh or gheimeh bademjan. But they had some good options. I enjoyed the lentil soup and the Persian eggplant. The latter came just by itself without rice so I had to order a side of rice which was a little strange since the meat stews come with rice. But the food was very tasty and I would recommend this and maybe come back. The owner was very nice! read more

Toranj - Wine menu - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Toranj is a Persian restaurant in the Westwood area. It has a comforting, neighborhood feel, and the tables are packed with families and regulars. I ordered the eggplant borani ($10) to start and the beef koobideh ($24) as my entree. They brought out free bread and butter to start. The bread was free. I enjoyed the eggplant, which was mixed with plenty of yogurt and sesame seeds. It was nice on its own, as a dip for the bread, and as a sauce for the beef, a truly versatile dish. The beef koobideh comes with two skewers of ground beef, rice (can substitute with salad) and a whole grilled tomato. It's a huge plate and each bite is delicious. The beef is well-spiced and very flavorful, and the rice complements it excellently. The whole affair is served steaming hot, which I appreciated. Overall, the koobideh was a great dish, but the eggplant and the bread weren't as good as I hoped they would be. I would try this place again and see if other dishes are better. read more

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Got takeout last night at Toranj and wasn't very hungry because I'd had a delicious late afternoon snack at Lulu's down the street (see Lulu review, excellent!) Staying at the Plaza la Reina which offers you a 10% discount on dinner at Toranj so thought I'd give it a try. - lentil soup - 4/5, generous portion, very lentil forward, tasty - greek salad - 4/5, not as generous of a portion, solid salad I clearly did not order the most popular items because I wasn't hungry so I will give Toranj another try for in-restaurant eating as the service seemed very friendly and helpful. read more

I had an excellent dining experience here. I have not had such good Persian cuisine since my last trip to London . The service was excellent and the restaurant has a very friendly atmosphere. My father and I shared the Soltani combo , Gahmeh stew, and cucumber yogurt. The bread was delicious and made to order. I will be back. Had plenty of leftovers! Thank you for having us read more

Toranj - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

If you're looking for authentic Persian food, I highly recommend Toranj. They bring complimentary bread and butter which I give five start to the bread. It is fresh and crunchy. I have been to many Middle Eastern/ Persian restaurants, but Toranj was the best one. Food was delicious and had all the seasonings that you can find in perisan food. I give them 5/5 for the yummy food. There is indoor and outdoor seating area. We sat outside since the weather was nice. It can be busy, if you go on a weekend. Service was good. Staff were nice and checking on the customers. We didn't have to wait for a long time to get our food. Our food came in a reasonable time. They have traditional Persian drinks(nonalcoholic) which is worth trying. Parking can be a challenge, if you don't mind walking. You can find parking in walking distance. If I am in the area, I will go to this restaurant and try other items too. read more

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Had a really nice experience at Toranj Restaurant. Good food & good service , Maral took great care of us very attentive, warm attitude, and genuinely good service throughout the meal. Sergio was also helping and made sure everything was running smoothly. The team made the whole visit feel easy and welcoming. Would definitely come back. read more

While staying near UCLA without a car, I wanted to find some good Persian food within walking distance and Toranj, which wasn't here when I was living in LA 7 years ago, really fit the bill. As a solo diner, it's hard to pick dishes with a cuisine that's often centered around large portions. I was stuck between eating something new - fesenjoon or going with my usual Soltani kebab that I get at Persian places. When I asked my server about fesenjoon and told her I'd never had it before, she immediately offered me a sample of it. While it was tasty, I decided I didn't want that much pomegranate in my evening meal and went with my usual soltani - a combination of kebab with steak and kebab koobideh (ground beef, sometimes mixed with lamb). The kebabs were tender and the rice upgrade to the zereshk- saffron rice with barberries provided the sweetness I wanted. They also provide a complimentary basket of lavash and butter. I think they can definitely upgrade the butter to not the small slices wrapped in foil as those were difficult to spread onto the lavash. Overall this was a great experience with warm ambiance, fuzzy chairs, and I would come back if in the area. read more

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A beautifully decorated and thoughtfully designed space that immediately sets Toranj apart from most Persian restaurants. We ordered the Naderi and Koobideh kabobs and they were perhaps the best I've had in LA. Both kabobs were generously portioned in relation to the rice....something rarely seen as most restaurants tend to do the opposte. To start, we had the kashke-bademjoon. While it was slightly under-seasoned and missing the bold notes of fried garlic, onion and mint that typically define the dish, it was still delicious, especially when paired with the complimentary housemade bread. The koobideh was juicy, clearly made with quality beef rather than fillers and perfectly seasoned with just the right balance of onion and meat. The Naderi featured marinated beef chunks that were tender, flavorful and melt in your mouth good. I could have easily enjoyed a second skewer! The rice was light and fluffy, not overly salted as I often find elsewhere and served with a grillled tomato. However it lacked the usual accompaniments of fresh onion and herbs that typically round out the dish. Service was kind, attentive and genuinely welcoming. I'll definitely be returning and next time I'm bringing my family. read more

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Super flavorful meats and fish and very kind service. Came here for a group dinner and the steak, chicken, and beef koobideh were incredible, so tender and well cooked. I loved the rice that had little cranberries too. The staff was very attentive and made our group feel well taken care of. Parking is difficult in the area, but I parked at the nearby museum parking and it was like $8 for maybe 1.5 ish hours. read more

Toranj - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Their food is good. For the price they charge, the food quality should be good because it's not cheap. That's why I give 2 stars. However, the issue is with their take outs and delivery. This is the third time that I have ordered food here and I am missing items. If you are out of something, remove it from the list or at least have a decency to replace it by an alternative. You don't take my money and send me incomplete order. One time could be an honest mistake, second time could be carelessness, but third time is stealing my money and I don't like that. read more

Between appointments at Stein Eye Clinic, my wife and I walked to this restaurant after reading the menu and reviews on Yelp. It was excellent. I had the Juicy Chicken luncheon special with an upgraded Greek Salad. My wife had the Cream of Lentil Soup with parsley and mushrooms. Both were outstanding. Couple that with the friendly service, and you get a 5. We will be back! read more

My husband's shank was delicious and tasty. My chicken (their house specialty) was dry and tasteless. Service was very good and the manager very apologetic. The ambience is very beautiful. read more

Toranj is the local classic. Now with DineLA $25 for 3 course, it is affordable. Juicy chicken kabob 3/5 I think it is still a little dry. The flavor was adequate but not enough for me. Filet mignon shish 5/5. The pieces of beef were juicy and tender. I love this dish more than juicy chicken Eggplant dip 5/5 you can't go wrong with this. The crunchy toppings and garlicky flavor really enhances eggplants which are usually bland. Sadly they didn't have baklava even though we came at 11:45am. I don't like the donuts (1/5) because they are oily and artificially sweet. The rose ice cream (5/5) is much better with an intense flavor of flower. Same for the hot tea. They really love their roses. read more

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The servers were attentive and polite. The seating was cramped but comfortable. Chicken DIVINE, Hummus AMAZING, salad BEST DRESSING EVER, bread HOT AND FRESH! can't wait to return! read more

Where do I go to eat in Westwood after a documentary movie screening of Decathlon: The CK Yang and Rafer Johnson Story at UCLA on a Tuesday night after I have met an Olympic legend's family? Toranj of course! We had a party of six and were seated immediately. The brought us warm bread (kind of like a pita but larger and thinner), which they refilled throughout the dinner. The server was also kind enough to explain their menu to us. Sekanjebin - I picked this non-alcoholic drink which they make in house. It's a sweet and sour drink with mint and cucumber. It was a like a sweeter mojito without the fizz. I liked that it had that little tang to it. Not really sour, just a little zing. Special Butter - This butter was very well made. You get one block of green basil butter and another of pink sumac butter. Very good basil and sumac flavor throughout, but I don't think this appetizer is essential because the flavors of the other small dishes and mains are much stronger. It's like Scottie Pippen to Michael Jordan. By himself with no one around, Scottie is great, but when together Michael dominates. Hummus - Their hummus is medium coarse, had wonderful flavor. Marinate Olive - This dish might not be for everyone, but I thought it was wonderful. This is a Northern Iranian dish where a pureed mix of walnuts, pomegranate molasses and herbs become a pasty marinade and get mixed with whole green olives. The olives bring the savory while the the walnut pomegranate marinade makes it quite tart. You would want to share this or take back the leftovers if it is just you because it is a lot of tartness for one person. A very unique dish that I had not had before. Served chilled. Albaloo Polo - Basmati rice mixed with endless amounts of cooked sour cherries. If you want a little sweetness to counter all of your grilled meats, you can try this one. Juicy Chicken - This is labeled as their signature dish. Rolled chicken, marinated overnight in their special sauce and then fire grilled. It was not revelatory, but it was very good. It was a like other restaurant's chicken kabobs, but with bigger, juicier pieces of mainly white meat. I think their marinade has something that seals in the juice when it is cooking. Beef Koobideh - I loved the flavor and texture of their koobideh. It was charred just enough on the outside and inside the ground beef was still moist and very well seasoned. If I had to choose between the Juicy Chicken and the Beef Koobideh, I pick the Beef Koobideh. Fesenjoon - Chicken stew, made of a pomegranate and walnut sauce. It's served in clay pot like how curries are served, but tasted very tangy with some sweetness. The stew base had a similar tart profile that the olives appetizer did. If you are going to get something with the pomegranate and walnut sauce, then just pick one dish. Don't get both the olives and this, it is a little overkill on the tartness. At Toranj you can go with very common Persian dishes or you can opt for other items that you might not find at that many Persian restaurants. We tried to mix in a few of each which made our dinner great. Service was good and consistent. It's immaculate inside... You could come here for a casual dinner, but it's entirely wonderful for a date night or pre or post show or movie. read more

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I'm so glad my friend and her family from out of town decided to try this restaurant because the food was outstanding! I ordered the beef koobideh with basmati rice and the meat was so flavorful and delicious. The others had the juicy chicken, chicken kebab, and salmon. We also shared the hummus and cucumber yogurt appetizers along with a few of their unique and fancy desserts. Besides being tasty, the food was very attractive and well-presented. Our server and other staff were very kind, personable, and patient. The restaurant is beautiful and elegant inside and they also have outdoor dining in front. I was lucky to find metered street parking across the street. Parking is $2 an hour and there was someone on duty actively checking meters and giving out tickets. I seldom drive out to Westwood, but I would gladly make the trip to dine here again. read more

We had theater tickets at the Geffen, and decided to meet at Toranj for an early dinner before the show. Given its close proximity to the theater and the walkability, it was the perfect choice. The restaurant is charming, with seating both inside and out. The interior chairs are soft and plush, and the blue color scheme is warm and inviting. Tables are tidy and the restaurant was very clean. We were too busy enjoying delicious food to take pictures of all of the food, but suffice it to say that everything was delicious! We got the Tahdig 2 with ghormeh sabzi (my favorite) and gheymeh (so good). The portion was just right for 4 people. We also got individual entrees - 2 orders of beef koobideh and 2 orders of barramundi. We ordered one koobideh with zereshk polo (barberry rice). Meal portions were appropriate for the price, and we were thrilled to have leftovers for lunch the next day. Would definitely return. It's a perfect spot for lunch or dinner on a beautiful day, and a great choice for a meal before or after a show. read more

Toranj - Barramundi Fish - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Delicious food, a great atmosphere, and wonderful management and staff! Ask for Morteza when you come, he is the best and will take great care of you! read more

Toranj - Persian tea, zolbia, and their special Dubai chocolate cake--absolutely delicious! - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Toranj Persian Restaurant is an absolute gem for authentic Persian cuisine. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels warm, elegant, and welcoming--perfect for both a relaxed dinner and a special occasion. The food is outstanding across the board. The kabobs are incredibly tender and flavorful, perfectly seasoned and cooked, and the rice is fluffy with that classic Persian aroma. Every dish tastes fresh and thoughtfully prepared, with generous portions that make the meal feel truly satisfying. The appetizers and stews are just as impressive, and the flavors strike a perfect balance between richness and comfort. Service is attentive and friendly. Toranj delivers consistently excellent food, great service, and a beautiful dining experience. Easily one of the best Persian restaurants around, and a place I'd gladly return to again and again. read more

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Found Toranj as a highly recommended place for Persian food in Westwood, by UCLA. Their "juicy chicken" was one of the most highly recommended items on the menu. My wife went with beef koobideh. The chicken ($29) was definitely juicy. It was served with basmati rice. It was A-OK, but I can't say that it was above and beyond, particularly for the cost. If it was served with toum and an additional vegetable side dish to give balance to the meal, then maybe it would rate higher for me for balance and value. My wife also enjoyed her koobideh. It was also juicy/flavorful and served with rice. While we both enjoyed our meal, we can't say that we couldn't get this where we were from. Regarding what I can't get locally: I did get their tahdig, which was a weekend special. It was saffron rice with crispy edges and it was nice. My problem was that I ordered too much rice and not much else. The menu also features several persian stews and I think that, if I were to come back, then I'd try one of those. You could make the criticism that I didn't order right and I can accept that. I did ask my server for recommendations and he said "everything is good". While I appreciate that, I would have loved guidance for a balanced meal This is clear 3 stars for me as it was enjoyable and service was friendly/welcoming, but I would have liked to have a little more balance for what we spent. If you are coming here, I would say that you should try the kebabs that they are known for, but consider trying some of the persian stews that you can't easily find elsewhere. read more

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BEST PERSIAN FOO! Seriously one of the top favs. Staff always so friendly and the ambience is beautiful. We always come here

The best Persian food here on the Westside. I've never had better koobadeh than I had here. Can't wait to go back.

I have not been here in quite some time, and unfortunately this visit was very disappointing. The restaurant was almost completely empty -- I would estimate at least 90% of the tables were open -- yet when I asked for a table, the host stood staring at the screen for what felt like three or four minutes before seating me. It was not even close to the dinner rush, so the delay was confusing. After being seated, the overall service felt cold and unfriendly. The waiter seemed distant, and the hosts also came across as rude. I tried to stay polite and friendly the entire time, but the atmosphere felt uncomfortable. The food itself was mediocre at best. I also asked about ordering a small side salad or a half-and-half side option, and was told the upcharge would be $7 for a small dinner salad, which seemed excessive and did not make much sense. Given the recent issues the restaurant has reportedly had involving antisemitic concerns, the overall experience left me wondering whether that played any role in the treatment I received. I truly hope that is not the case, but the entire interaction felt unwelcoming. Overall, the food was average, the service was poor, and the prices were quite high for what was offered. Unfortunately, I would not return. read more

Absolutely everything a disaster. Food was bland, wait staff clueless, ambiance ha, if you could hear your own conversation over the wait staff bickering. Solid NO. read more

Toranj - The most bland bread and some rice and sides to go but missing main entree, no utensils, had to go back for entree. so clueless - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Amazing service and great food . The juice chicken is my favorite . Thank you for a wonderful service !

We have been on a bit of Persian kick as of late and Toranj was on our list. Agreeable close to UCLA it made for an easy choice. It is a smaller sized restaurant but did not feel cramped. It had a modern feel to it and was spotless. The staff was friendly and on point. This would have easily been a 5 Star stop but for the koobideh The Food: Dough: often an acquired taste, this version was perfect. The right balance of salt, sour and mint. Quite refreshing The lavosh was hot and fresh. Pairing it with the butter, musir, or heck anything works Shallot Yogurt (Musir): While it was not as thick as we normally like, it had great flavor and the shallots were just right to assert themselves but not overwhelm. Salad Shirazi: This was also nice. While we prefer a bit more acid, the vegetables were crunchy and vibrant. This salad is perfect on anything and everything. It also helps as a bit of a palate cleanser when you get into the righ on rich combo of the rice and kebabs Chicken Barg: Well seasoned and perfectly grilled chicken with typical buttery Persian steamed rice. The chicken was nice and juicy and with a dash of sumac perfect Beef Naderi Soltani: Basically your basic Sultani except that instead of the usual thin strips of barg, this was quite thick. The barg portion was perfectly seasoned, tender and paired well with the rice and a bit of shirazi. The koobideh was a bit of a letdown. It was simply bland. Despite a hefty dose of sumac it remained so hence the 4 Star review As I have said in my Persian reviews we typically go this route to establish a baseline., However seeing the Ghormeh Sabzi and Gheymeh served at another table we will for sure be back to tuck into those read more

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