Shondiz Restaurant & Catering

When Shondiz opened a number of years ago, it was just a tiny little takeout restaurant. It had a wonderful vegetarian platter with a small amount each of rice, tabouleh, falafel, hummus, pita, grape leaves and baba ghanouj. I preferred it to a similar platter at it's neighbor Felfel because I always ask for a little side of garlic sauce, and Felfel puts jalapeno in theirs (gross). I have ordered similar platters at many, many middle eastern restaurants, both in Denver and in Detroit, and they are always delicious. A little background before I tell you how it has changed over the years. Shondiz added on and now has a lovely dining room, so I really wanted to make it one of my favorite restaurants. I have been there three times since the pandemic ended and as a vegan, have been disappointed all 3 times. One time they recommended a veggie kabob. It was just roasted vegetables with nothing substantial. Another time, I ordered an eggplant dish, and I didn't like the taste.Unfortunately, they no longer have a veggie plate or platter. I asked if they could create a vegetarian platter for me, charging me for each item separately, and they said, "Sure". I asked if it would have vegetables on it, and they said, "If course". What I received was a large serving of rice with a few falafel on it, and a pint of dry hummus, with a bag of fresh pita. The pita was warm and delicious, but the hummus was dry (I added warm water and a little olive oil to it and home and re-blended it). The falafel does not taste like traditional falafel. There were zero vegetables or grape leaves. It's almost like the cook does not know what middle eastern food should taste like. Either that, or it is a niche cuisine from a part of the middle east I am not familiar with. I cannot comment on their meat dishes since my family and I do not eat meat or dairy. Maybe it's really good? I have not idea.The owner is a very nice guy. I hope he reads my comment and brings back a veggie platter. Otherwise, I won't be back.

This is going to be a quick review for my to-go order I had today. Service: Simple and quick. Basic where it wasn't exceptional and yet the guy who took my order was friendly enough.Inside: I wasn't there to dine but I looked around. This place is never dirty. It's consistently clean. Food: I go here because it's almost guaranteed that I get the best food when it comes to the middle eastern cuisine. Today, I discovered Mirza ghasemi & pita and this is simply AMAZING. This is my go-to appetizer now. The dolmas are also amazing and so are the falafels. I have never been disappointed with their food ever. Price: At the right range for the kind of portions and foods. Today, my total was $23 for 3 items. Not bad at all. This place is simply too humble. I truly hope that they are getting the kind of adoration they deserve. I continue to support this business; I hope that they'll continue to exist until my dying day (lol)!!

Shondiz is really a catering company with a small restaurant space. Don't get me wrong the food is fantastic but if you come in expecting a romantic dining experience....It aint going to happen.The four of us opted for the Family feast...which it is...and a good deal. You get a lovely Hummus and yogurt appetizer with fresh pita, a massive plate of lamb, steak, and chicken cooked to perfection, wonderful saffron basmati rice, and dessert.Our waiter was out of sorts and the meal missed things...as they are really not setup to facilitate dinners.But the owner, Mohammad, is such a wonderful warm guy you just go with it.I would definitely come back for a great meal

This is what $26 gets you in totality. 5 slivers of low grade beef. Also, it wasn't good. I understand the difference between small local restaurants trying to survive vs trying to take advantage. This is most definitely the latter.

10/17/2024 review: this is my second time here. I tried this place back in 2020/2021 with a couple of Persian friends and remember that they approved. My family from out of State was here and we were looking for a place to eat and remembered this place, so we went. NO ONE WAS DISAPPOINTED; there was 8 of us in total. The food as it was the first time, tasted amazing! The rice is cooked to perfection! The Kabobs are grilled and are so savory. We tried different kinds of Kabobs (beef, lamb, chicken) - all taste so good. And of course, the service was also very hospitable. Our server was very kind and attentive to our table. 10/10! it's such a hidden gem.

Small menu means they know what they're doing! It shows! Delicious food and awesome service! Carefully curated plate a Persian restaurant with the most tastiest meat ever! The Koobideh ( ground beef) and Chicken Kabob ( joojeh)charbroiled, was so tasty plus the Lamb! It was the best lamb in recent memory! The Basmati Saffron Rice was unbeatable in taste. The grilled tomato and charred jalapeño on the side were an added bonus. The Smoky Eggplant( Mirza Ghasemi) and house made hummus. The is smoked and so delicious. Roasted tomato, garlic and Himalayan Salt, with a plateful of warm pita bread. The hummus was creamy and so tasty! I'm thinking of returning when I walked out their door!

The koobideh kabob was brought to the table raw. Pointed it out to the waiter and he denied that it was raw. Asked to talk to the manager who was occupied in his office. Not overseeing the operation. He came out, saw acknowledged, apologized and reordered the kabob which was cooked properly. The restaurant is decorated nicely and the manager is very polite.

Really tasty and unique dishes here! The Persian lemonade is amazing. They are known for their kabobs so make sure you try those. Quiet atmosphere and good service :)

Nice cozy restaurant with delicious food! Seated immediately and the server Caden was friendly and professional. We had the smoked eggplant appetizer and it had a good balance of eggplant with tomatoes. The serving sizes are generous. The kobideh kabob was very tender and cooked perfectly. The joojeh chicken was tender and juicy. Rice was buttery with saffron. The owner came out to check on us and make sure everything was to our satisfaction. I would highly recommend this Persian restaurant for excellent food and great service.

Fantastic food, and even better service! Love the food and the people who work here! Their vegan stew is really good and it's a must try!