Persian cuisine is considered one of the oldest cuisines in the world, with such delicacies including Fesenjan stew, Baghala Polow, Ghormeh Sabzi and, of course, kebabs too. Our beloved capital is home to some of the oldest and best Persian restaurants in the world, that serve authentic Iranian fare. So, if you want to experience delicious slow-cooked stew, rice with saffron topping, koofteh (giant meatballs) with some surprise ingredients hidden inside like fruits or nuts, check out this list of some of the best Persian restaurants in London:
1. Hafez Restaurant
A family-run restaurant serving authentic Persian food since 1983, Hafez Restaurant is located in the heart of Notting Hill. One of the finest and best Persian restaurants in London, it is considered to be one of the oldest Persian restaurants in the whole city.
The renowned Persian culinary expert head chef Farshid Ziafat and his team whip up some of the most amazing Persian cuisine in town. The restaurant cooks all its dishes on its premises with the best quality British meats along with fresh herbs and vegetables. In Hafez, you can host family gatherings, lunch with friends, or book a romantic dinner – perhaps for a date? It is one of the best Persian restaurants in London after all.
You’ll find Hafez Restaurant at 5 Hereford Road, London, W2 4AB. Nearest station is Bayswater.
2. Berenjak Soho
Berenjak Soho, founded by Kian Samyani, is named after handfuls of finely colored toasted rice eaten as a snack in Persia. At Benerjak, you will find signature Persian dishes that are the characterization of the authentic and rich Persian culture.
The menu is inundated with traditional Persian delicacies made with high-quality British produce. The servings here are both delicious and wholesome, with a hearty taste that really reminds you of your mother’s cooking.
In addition, the Restaurant has a hole-in-the-wall kebab house that will surely immerse you in the rich heritage of Iran. You can catch up with your friends over lunch or plan a family brunch – their open kitchen counter is also a fab spot and definitely makes Berenjak one of the best Persian restaurants in London!
You’ll find Benerjak Soho at 27 Romilly Street Soho, London, W1D 5AL. Nearest station is Leicester Square.
3. Iran Restaurant
Iran Restaurant is one of the most famous Persian Restaurants in London. It is also one of the most loved and recommended places by locals and the Iranian community for all the rich, authentic Persian cuisine that’s served here. The chefs are highly skilled and have a deep-rooted passion for sharing Persian delicacies with the world.
The menu is curated for both Persian and non-Persian clientele to enjoy a wholesome meal that celebrates the abundance of Persian culinary heritage. They also have a unique variety of drinks and refreshing cocktails that goes perfectly with the food.
You can host family gatherings and large celebrations at Iran Restaurant or visit the place with your friends for brunch or dinner. The restaurant has a friendly and comfortable ambiance that makes you feel at home. They also have vegan and gluten-free options available.
You’ll find Iran Restaurant at 27 Shepherd Market Mayfair, London, W1J 7PR. Nearest station is Green Park.
4. Naroon
Named after a beautiful suburb in northern Tehran nestled within the hills of the scenic Alborz mountain range, Naroon is a modern Persian restaurant that has beautifully-infused authentic Persian cuisine with its own modern twist. An elaborate menu of the finest Iranian cuisine made with fresh vegetables, herbs, meat, fruits, and nuts that celebrates the legacy of Persian heritage.
A mosaic of delicious fragrances from fresh ground spices, slow-cooking khoresht (Persian stew), skewered minced meat, and saffron rice linger in the restaurant which will undoubtedly make your stomach rumble!
You’ll find Naroon at 60 Great Titchfield Street, London, W1W 7QF. Nearest station is Goodge Street.
5. Belgrave Restaurant
Chef Amin Ebra is the grandson of the one-time head chef of the monarchy of Iran. He started Belgrave Restaurant to honor his grandfather and mother’s teachings by creating authentic elaborate Persian cuisine. The menu is also inspired by his extensive travelling around the world.
If you want to escape city chaos and have a pleasant intimate time, definitely check out Belgrave. It’s got a cosy ambiance and friendly staff members that make for a beautifully memorable experience. They also offer some unique bespoke cocktails and hand-crafted plates too.
You’ll find Belgrave Restaurant at 1 Belgrave Gardens, St. Johns Wood, London, NW8 0QY. Nearest stations are South Hampstead and Kilburn High Road.
6. Sufi Restaurant
Starting in 2007, Sufi Restaurant is a beautiful Persian restaurant situated on Askew Road. The menu is inundated with authentic Persian dishes, and the ambiance of the restaurant is cozy and comforting, just like visiting a Persian house. The restaurant uses the best quality ingredients to make the dishes, stews, dips, and lamb kebabs. The portion sizes are generous and served by their warm, friendly staff.
Also, the place is spacious, with several rooms behind the restaurant’s front room. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a wholesome meal with family and friends chatting or if you’re wanting to plan a beautiful dinner with your partner.
You’ll find Sufi Restaurant at 70 Askew Road, London, W12 9BJ. Nearest station is Stamford Brook.
7. Mohsen Restaurant
Started in 1996 as a family business that was created out of a passion for authentic Persian cuisine, Mohsen Restaurant is known for its elaborate menu of traditional Persian dishes and generous hospitality. One of the most popular Persian Restaurants in London, it is largely recommended by the locals and the Iranian community in London.
Excellent quality ingredients and fresh produce make the dishes exceptionally flavoursome. The restaurant is scented by the warm aroma of freshly baked bread fresh from the oven. If you want to experience true authentic Persian food, then this is one of the best places to come in town. Here the dishes are beautifully seasoned and well-cooked symbolizing the rich Persian culinary heritage, making it one of the best Persian restaurants in London.
You’ll find Mohsen Restaurant at 152 Warwick Road Kensington, London, W14 8PS. Nearest stations are Kensington (Olympia) and West Kensington.
8. The Caspian
The Caspian is a family-owned restaurant that serves delicious Persian cuisine. The menu has an extensive variety of Persian dishes that are cooked with fresh and best quality produce to delight your taste buds with rich Iranian flavours.
Located in South East London, The Caspian offers authentic and traditional delicacies from Iran. The Persian cuisine at The Caspian is known for its intricate detailing with regard to ingredients, seasoning, and authentic traditional procedure to prepare the dishes. The food is prepared using fresh ingredients and no artificial flavourings at all. To add to the experience, the staff here are friendly and welcoming and the ambience is cosy and comforting – perfect for enjoying a peaceful meal.
You’ll find The Caspian at 117 Burnt Ash Road Lee, London, SE12 8RA. Nearest station is Lee.
9. Diba
Diba is one of the best Persian restaurants in London to explore authentic Persian cuisine. The name ‘Diba’ in Persian means a fine silk thread, and the restaurant symbolises just that by connecting people with great home-cooked food. The menu shares authentic traditional Persian delicacies with family recipes that have been passed down for generations.
Here, the chefs are highly skilled and share a high regard for traditional Persian cuisine. They use the finest quality herbs, fresh British produce, and traditional Persian procedures to bring you the best of Persian cuisine. Five minutes from Wimbledon Underground station and a just a one-minute walk from Wimbledon Theatre, the restaurant has a homely vibe with rustic interiors and dim cozy lightings that add a comforting touch to the entire experience. They’ve also got another branch in Richmond.
You’ll find Diba at 87 The Broadway Wimbledon, London, SW19 1QE. Nearest station is Wimbledon.
10. Apadana Persian Restaurant
Established all the way back in 1967, Apadana Persian Restaurant is a staple of Persian dining that offers authentic traditional Persian cuisine. The menu is inspired by old Persian restaurants in Tehran, consisting of signature Persian dishes made with fresh herbs, vegetables, and British produce.
The recipes are carried down for generations in order to honour the Persian culinary legacy. At Apadana, you can enjoy remarkable Persian cuisine along with great music. You can experience a wholesome family environment here with friendly staff and the aroma of fresh spices and herbs that makes you feel right at home.
You’ll find Apadana Persian Restaurant at 351 Kensington High Street, London, W8 6NW. Nearest stations are Kensington (Olympia) and Earl’s Court.
So there you have it – London is brimming with some of the best Persian restaurants in the world. Explore the elaborate list of top-rated Persian restaurants in London that serve traditional and authentic Persian delicacies.