Persepolis

We like Persian food and have thought about eating at Persepolis a number of times, but were put off by the fact that it always seemed to be empty when we passed by. After reading the above review, we decided to give it a try.

As mentioned by the other reviewer, it was a pleasant experience, and we feel that the restaurant deserves more support. The food was lovely and the portions generous. The starters were particularly nice; main courses were a little bland for our taste, but perhaps we chose unwisely. The owner was friendly and helpful.

The location of Persepolis, in a slightly dull parade of shops close to a busy crossroads, is not ideal but this should not deter people from trying the restaurant. We were the only diners when we ate there, but for me this was not a problem as I sometimes find it hard to hear in noisy restaurants! Persepolis offers an interesting cuisine which is not easy to find in this area, and we hope they find a bigger clientele.
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7 Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 2 | Value for money 8
Monday, March 07, 2011

On entering we were the only diners hence the 7/10 for atmosphere, this score would have been lower but for some famous Persian music played at a nice level and the owner coming out for a chat.

The decor is nice and has a modern feel (which is quite unusual for a Persian restaurant) whilst retaining some Persian identity with both art and historical pictures on the wall.

The service was ok and the lady was polite although was what could best be described as a bit awkward, despite this she was attentive and friendly.

THE FOOD (the most important bit for me!) before writing about this i would like to say i am Iranian (Persian) and have been brought up on this food and frequented MANY Persian restaurants both in the UK and abroad and nothing is more frustrating than a second rate produce as i really love introducing people to this wonderfull food and feel let down when my standard is not met.........this was not the case!!! Quite the opposite infact. The starters were EXCELLENT and the menu cleverly points out the most popular so even those with little or no knowledge of this cuisine can identify what to try, starters are generally eaten with bread. Mains were also EXCELLENT and come in the form of kebab with rice (not to be confused with oily horrible saturday night kebabs). Well marinated and melting in the mouth is the trademark of good Persian kebabs served with the worlds best rice (rice is rice though right!? no to Iranians this is an art form and preperation of this normally starts the night before!-try it and you will see!), all of this was present in abundance. My dish was barg and koobideh 'soltani' (lamb loin kebab and minced lamb kebab) my girlfriend had the same but chicken fillet instead of lamb loin, although i have had better chicken it was still VERY good. Persian mains also come in the form of stews which are delicious but did not have on this occasion.

Portions huge, food excellent. Only 9/10 because chicken could have been better and the bread although very good was not fresh from the tanoor (a clay Persian oven used to cook beautiful fresh bread).

I am going back and i would urge others to go and try. Apparently this restaurant used to be called 'Shiraz' although i never went under this name if you did and were dissapointed go back! The new owner has been there 5 months and in my opinion doing an excellent job..................
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Daryush
8 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 10
Sunday, August 29, 2010