Persian food, and greater Iranian cuisine, is lovingly known for its creative combinations of aromatic spices, fresh produce, and rich meats and nuts. With the Bay Area's large Iranian population, you can guarantee you'll come across some delectably authentic restaurants that excel at delivering a genuine taste of their vibrant culture. Here are the best places to try such comforting Persian food, from heartwarmng Koresh stews, to delightful jeweled basmati rice, and of course, the irresistable floral desserts.
See also: The Best Ethiopian Restaurants In The Bay Area
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511 Irving St / (415) 664-5555 / Website
Lavash in the Inner Sunset is an absolutely charming eatery lead by the talented Nazila and Saeed Talai that boasts a radiant sunny interior, lush floral arrangements, and impeccable Persian favorites. Feel like you're in a gorgeous fairytale here while being kindly served generous portions of their Zereshk Polo with barberries, or their perfectly portioned Lavash Special for two as a date option!
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470 Green St / (415) 362-8286 / Website
North Beach's Maykadeh is a regal restaurant that is all about refining traditional dishes with sophistication, elegance, and finesse. A community staple since 1983, you can truly taste the artistry in their Chelo-Kebab Koobideh with Certified Angus beef, and their Saffron Fillet Mignon Kebab, which all of their meats come halal as well.
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The Laundry, 3359 26th St / (415) 598-8286 / Website
Komaaj features a stunning outdoor patio in which you can leisurely refuel on all Northern Iranian favorites when you need something comforting and homestyle in the Mission. Definitely do not miss out on ordering their Naz Khatoun Dip with smoky roasted eggplant, bright pomegranate juice, and walnuts to bring it all together, as well as their Smoked Salmon Belly main, piled high with seasoned rice and a fresh salad.
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2144 Center St, Berkeley / (510) 629-2144 / Website
For those over in UC Berkeley, go beyond college dining and get truly nourished at the chic Daryoush with their large meat and veggie platters. Just off of the Downtown Berkeley BART stop as well, this intimate and sleek venue is so worth the trip once you taste their remarkably crisp Tah-Dig or their endless variations of Koobideh kabobs.
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2175 Allston Way, Berkeley / (510) 984-0985 / Website
Also in Berkeley, Alborz features stunning white tablecloths, high ceilings, and an overall air of elegant opulence. This is a fantastic choice for a formal dinner, expecially with their endless House Specials, like the Khoresht Bodemjan, a brilliant flavor and texture combination of lamb shank with roasted eggplant braised in a saffron tomato broth.
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248 Grand Ave, Oakland / (510) 879-7729 / Website
Persian Nights in Oakland is instantly distinguishable by its vivid orange exterior, which hosts a culturally immersive atmosphere inside that elegantly transports you fully into Persia. Be sure not to miss out on their perfectly crisy tahdig rice to pair with their hefty meat servings.
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1236 S Wolfe Rd, Sunnyvale / (408) 737-1222 / Website
Down in Sunnyvale, this bright and opulent eatery effortlessly exudes posh elegance and homestyle comfort. Feast upon their upscale house-charcoal grilled kabab entrees, like the Rack of Lamb or Cornish Game Hen, or any of their traditional specials, like the sweet and sour Fesenjun stew. Definitely save room for dessert with their rose water and pistachio Bastani ice cream, or flaky Baghlava!
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1138 Saratoga Ave, San Jose / (408) 241-5115 / Website
Lastly, you'll definitely want to say yes to Yas! Located down in San Jose, this is a cute spot with the kindest of service that is renowned for their daily Chef Specials of Ghormeh Sabzi stew, or their Yas Special for two, generously served with three large kabobs.
Bon Appetit! Or as they say in Farsi, "nooshe jân!"
See also: Best San Francisco Pakistani Restaurants
Photography by: Courtesy of velveteye/Getty Images
Persian food, and greater Iranian cuisine, is lovingly known for its creative combinations of aromatic spices, fresh produce, and rich meats and nuts. With the Bay Area's large Iranian population, you can guarantee you'll come across some delectably authentic restaurants that excel at delivering a genuine taste of their vibrant culture. Here are the best places to try such comforting Persian food, from heartwarmng Koresh stews, to delightful jeweled basmati rice, and of course, the irresistable floral desserts.
See also: The Best Ethiopian Restaurants In The Bay Area
View this post on Instagram
511 Irving St / (415) 664-5555 / Website
Lavash in the Inner Sunset is an absolutely charming eatery lead by the talented Nazila and Saeed Talai that boasts a radiant sunny interior, lush floral arrangements, and impeccable Persian favorites. Feel like you're in a gorgeous fairytale here while being kindly served generous portions of their Zereshk Polo with barberries, or their perfectly portioned Lavash Special for two as a date option!
View this post on Instagram
470 Green St / (415) 362-8286 / Website
North Beach's Maykadeh is a regal restaurant that is all about refining traditional dishes with sophistication, elegance, and finesse. A community staple since 1983, you can truly taste the artistry in their Chelo-Kebab Koobideh with Certified Angus beef, and their Saffron Fillet Mignon Kebab, which all of their meats come halal as well.
View this post on Instagram
The Laundry, 3359 26th St / (415) 598-8286 / Website
Komaaj features a stunning outdoor patio in which you can leisurely refuel on all Northern Iranian favorites when you need something comforting and homestyle in the Mission. Definitely do not miss out on ordering their Naz Khatoun Dip with smoky roasted eggplant, bright pomegranate juice, and walnuts to bring it all together, as well as their Smoked Salmon Belly main, piled high with seasoned rice and a fresh salad.
View this post on Instagram
2144 Center St, Berkeley / (510) 629-2144 / Website
For those over in UC Berkeley, go beyond college dining and get truly nourished at the chic Daryoush with their large meat and veggie platters. Just off of the Downtown Berkeley BART stop as well, this intimate and sleek venue is so worth the trip once you taste their remarkably crisp Tah-Dig or their endless variations of Koobideh kabobs.
View this post on Instagram
2175 Allston Way, Berkeley / (510) 984-0985 / Website
Also in Berkeley, Alborz features stunning white tablecloths, high ceilings, and an overall air of elegant opulence. This is a fantastic choice for a formal dinner, expecially with their endless House Specials, like the Khoresht Bodemjan, a brilliant flavor and texture combination of lamb shank with roasted eggplant braised in a saffron tomato broth.
View this post on Instagram
248 Grand Ave, Oakland / (510) 879-7729 / Website
Persian Nights in Oakland is instantly distinguishable by its vivid orange exterior, which hosts a culturally immersive atmosphere inside that elegantly transports you fully into Persia. Be sure not to miss out on their perfectly crisy tahdig rice to pair with their hefty meat servings.
View this post on Instagram
1236 S Wolfe Rd, Sunnyvale / (408) 737-1222 / Website
Down in Sunnyvale, this bright and opulent eatery effortlessly exudes posh elegance and homestyle comfort. Feast upon their upscale house-charcoal grilled kabab entrees, like the Rack of Lamb or Cornish Game Hen, or any of their traditional specials, like the sweet and sour Fesenjun stew. Definitely save room for dessert with their rose water and pistachio Bastani ice cream, or flaky Baghlava!
View this post on Instagram
1138 Saratoga Ave, San Jose / (408) 241-5115 / Website
Lastly, you'll definitely want to say yes to Yas! Located down in San Jose, this is a cute spot with the kindest of service that is renowned for their daily Chef Specials of Ghormeh Sabzi stew, or their Yas Special for two, generously served with three large kabobs.
Bon Appetit! Or as they say in Farsi, "nooshe jân!"
See also: Best San Francisco Pakistani Restaurants
Photography by: Courtesy of velveteye/Getty Images
