Alounak (Bayswater)

A restaurant with respect for its business and customers but mostly proud for its food. Very relaxed culture in their service, one has to be willing to gain attention by raising an arm. No offence taken. It is like a family gathering place. No fuss and formalities. You are there for the food and your company. Discreet atmosphere and delicious food.
Comment on this reader review

Yannis
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Yes, the decor will not keep 'Sketch' up at night, but the staff are attentive and hard-working, and the food is superb no-frills Persian, done perfectly and honestly. I am a veteran of Persian cuisine, both here and abroad, includign in Iran: Alounak is definitely at the top end for authenticity,taste and value. Tastes like home cooking- no higher recommendation!
Comment on this reader review

Nick E
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 9
Monday, June 05, 2006

It has reopened since the fire. And is back with a vengeance. Try the Mirsa Ghassemi and Kashk e Bademjan dips. Aubergine Heaven! The bread is great too.
Comment on this reader review

Rafiq
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8
Friday, March 03, 2006

I went with a group for what turned out to be a really good meal. You cannot book, so the queue of people outside (on a very cold night) was testament to how well regarded the restaurant is.

We had plenty of those warm delcious breads which are cooked in the oven in front of all the customers, served with various very tastey starters such as aubergine caviar (or something like it), garlic yogurt and a plate of fresh herbs with walnuts and paneer cheese. Really good and only about £2.50 per dish.

The main courses were good (charcoal grilled lamb and chicken kebabs with rice etc) but fairly standard fare. The atmosphere was lively and one of the best things was the lack of corkage charge on alcohol you bring. The meal was therefore very cheap. Highly recommended.
Comment on this reader review

Rick Brown
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Monday, February 06, 2006

went to alounak tonight for the first time. there were 6 of us. they don't take reservations and the restaurant was busy, but they got us a table in about 15 minutes. the food was very good and plentiful. the total bill came to £97 which is the cheapest i have had in london in a long time! (we had no wine though and no dessert.) i would definitely return to alounak!
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 6 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 9
Thursday, January 26, 2006