The Best Persian/Iranian in Irvine

Darbari Persian Grill

★★★★☆ 4.3 (777) • $$

"Meet up with a good friend over lunch , my friend and her boyfriend who is Persian. This was my first time having Persian food and let me tell you, my taste buds were going crazy!! All the different flavors were amazing. I have to say Persian food is interesting and good experience. Super nice authentic Persian Resturant , food is great but the best thing about it is the owner attitude who serves us him self with a big smile . Food is fresh and tasty , atmosphere is nice and simply and the prices are reasonable.If you're seeking an authentic taste of Persian hospitality and culinary mastery, look no further than Darbari Persian Grill. It's an experience you won't soon forget.4.5 star ."

House of Kabob

★★★★☆ 3.9 (895) • $$

"Wow! Why did I not try this place sooner! This is the BEST Persian Resto I've ever had... like the meat is just so tender that melts in your mouth, very flavorful and juicy! The Ambiance inside feels like home with well decorated walls and fresh plants. The Service is great... the waiter explains what their popular ones, the owner was actually watering the plants that is so awesome like everyone just helps each other. I and husband will definitely come back here again and spread the word! Viewers this is a MUST try and its worth every penny, as the quality and cost is very much affordable... huge savings if u dont finish take it home! Keep it up you guys! Kudos!"

Saffron Grill

★★★★☆ 4.3 (715) • $$

"This is the best Persian restaurant I've been to. They have cooked to order stews, and rice specialities. The salmon is delicious. The pomegranate Persian chicken stew is to die for. I frequently order a rice, chicken, and beef family platter and add a salad. It's a great deal and a ton of food. When I have friends and family over everyone loves it.This is a small family owned restaurant and the owners cook the meals and are there every time I go.They are friendly and the portions are generous.The Persian tea is also very tasty, don't forget to have some.Very small restaurant, quiet, and romantic dim light setting. Great for private parties, receptions, and events. Also great for date night."

Hatam

★★★★☆ 3.7 (850) • $$

"Had the best time celebrating my 50th birthday. We had an exclusive banquet room and it was perfect for my intimate birthday party. The food was delicious and the service was excellent. The owners Sunny and Babak are very professional. Puya, the manager, made sure that everything went well, with the food and helped with the cake service. I highly recommend this place. It's beautiful and luxurious!"

Kabab Express

★★★★★ 4.7 (434) • $$

"We were surprised to learn of a place that was open so late in our area and decided to check it out. We arrived around 8:45 and ordered, took a number and found a table. So, people were generally nice. There was a manager (owner?) walking around to greet people and one of the two girls working the cash register was very friendly...the other was new-ish.Anyway, long story short, the food is GREAT. I got chicken + beef koobideh platter (chicken was slightly better) and hubby got the lamb tongue sandwich which he loved. We also shared a falafel platter. BIL ordered he thought was chicken but was given a steak kabab ??? Couldn't really tell as the meat was blackened but the texture was that of steak. Whatever it was, it was pretty tasty. We were given a ton of taftoon (flat bread) for our entrees.That being said, the food did take a LONG time. By the time we got out of there, it was 10:30pm. I mean, we're pretty patient people but were getting a little hungry when our food finally arrived. Except BIL's. His took another 15 minutes and when we inquired, we were told the chicken takes longer to cook??? So I want to say it was over an hour by the time we got all our food. Not sure if we'll be back - will likely stick to to-go orders but it was nice to know we have an option for late night eats that isn't a drive-thru. The place was inexplicably packed for 10pm on a Friday night, with a party of 20 people showing up for a birthday party. Check it out but make sure you have plenty of time."

Heaven On A Fork

★★★★☆ 4.4 (475) • $$

"Food is amazing! My favorite was the gormeh sabzi which is a stew served with rice. Came in late night and was served very quickly. They definitely have great quality food."

Irvine Grill

★★★★☆ 3.8 (600) • $$

"Irvine Grill in the Quail Hill Shopping Center has become one of my favorite weekend indulgences. This charming Persian restaurant never disappoints with its flavorful and delicious cuisine. The Persian rice is simply irresistible, and the Koobideh combo is always a must--my son insists I bring it home if he's not dining with me!While the indoor dining area can get busy (a testament to how popular this place is), I always opt for the lovely patio seating. There's nothing better than enjoying a meal al fresco, especially with the consistently beautiful weather we have in Southern California.The service is warm and attentive, and every visit feels like a treat. Irvine Grill is my go-to spot for authentic Persian flavors, and I can't recommend it enough."

Aria Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.2 (341) • $$$

"Mahta and her staff made planning a group lunch absolutely seamless! She was communicative, friendly and worked with our budget, changing party numbers and food preferences. I was constantly texting her to make sure things would be set for the day of, and she did not disappoint. The feedback we received from the food was just as great as the service. Who knew pomegranate could elevate guacamole? I am so glad that we had the chance to check this place out (it was raved about by my coworker). Definitely would recommend, especially if you are bookings for a large group!"

Momo's Grill & Hookah

★★★★☆ 3.6 (461) • $$

"Love this place! Amazing food service and hookah. It typically can get busy by 7pm all days of the week. All seating is outdoors. Daniel was a great server and helpful with recommendations. We tried the Persian pizza that had beef, hot dog(non-pork) chicken bell pepper and mushrooms as toppings. The mint lemonade drink was super refreshing and a great pairing with our meal.Food came out really quick. Love the baklava and tea! Will definitely make this a regular spot. Highly recommend"

Food House Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.8 (242) • $$

"Quick SummaryDelicious Persian food made to order and excellent service. Nice views on their outside balcony, and very cozy inside as well. Parking is really easy tooFood- 5 starsI stopped by and got their lamb kebab plate. Everything was really good and fresh. You can even see them cooking everything in the kitchen as their side door is usually open. Can't wait to try their more ethnic dishes!Service- 5 starsThe service was great. Food came at a reasonable time and the cashier was very friendly and helpfulAmbiance- 5 starsGreat outdoor seating area overlooking the canyon, and clean indoor dining area as wellBottom LineVery solid Persian/Mediterranean food. Will be coming back to try their more ethnic dishes!"

Zood

★★★★★ 4.7 (171) • $$

"Best Falafel in Town - A Must-Try!We've tried falafel at plenty of places, but this one is by far our favorite! Zood truly knows how to do it right.First off, the falafel itself is perfect--crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside, with just the right balance of spices. You can really taste the fresh herbs, and the texture is spot on. I went with the rice bowl with falafel. The pita was soft and warm, and everything felt so fresh.I also love that they offer a variety of toppings and sauces--aside from Persian eggplant dip , the perfect hummus, and more.It adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering the falafel.The atmosphere here is casual and cozy. It's a great spot to grab a quick bite, though there's usually a bit of a wait during lunch rushes, but it's totally worth it. The staff is friendly, and you can tell they care about the food they serve.Prices are very good for the quality, and the portion sizes are very generous. We walked out feeling completely satisfied!If you're a falafel fan (or even if you're new to it), I highly recommend giving Zood a try--you won't be disappointed!"

Panini Kabob Grill

★★★★☆ 3.9 (214) • $$

"All Panini Kabob Grills have all the right things:* a true scratch kitchen* high quality ingredients * proteins are: antibiotic / hormone-free / sustainably raised....and hence, everything is delicious. Simple and flavorful. Love.And for extra bonus points: Third party deliveries are sealed in tamper-proof packaging, for the win!"

Shemroon Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.3 (172) • $$

"First time here & glad we stopped by. It's a small restaurant, very clean and the staff were wonderful. There is plenty of parking available too.My husband had their buffet and loved everything they served. I ordered their lamb shank off the menu, it was delicious. It wasn't gamey, the lamb was so tender it fell off the bone and the broth was delicious. We are picky with our Middle Eastern food and this didn't disappoint. We will definitely be back, highly recommend it."

Cafe Naderi

★★★★☆ 3.9 (114) • $$

"This is my fifth or sixth times visiting Coffee Naderi / Irvine , I eat outside often since I'm a contractor & on the road most of the timeI end up buying a house in Mission Viejo So don't have to drive a lot, and start searching for good Persian restaurants around I can't say anything negative about Any other Persian restaurant I visited BUT COFFEE NADERI STANDS TALL , I am in business and I understand It's very hard to please people specially in food industry. The other day as I was eating food here one of the customers complained something from $26 HAS increased to $35 in few years time That was funny for me because in my industry, everything doubled up in few years But for people with fix income.....my heart goes for them Going back to kebab barg I tried here few time I can tell with confident : from Vienna of Austria ,To Luxembourg or New York , San Francisco, Sacramento, and my other offices in Glendale or Santa Clarita I must offer X 55 to this location Most importantly, every single worker are polite & with High level of customer serviceThis goes to Owner of establishment - Sorry I don't know his name yetGirls here have a smile in their faces all the time And that opens my appetite even moreI can't recommend this place to anyone because I don't want them to be Supper busy and NO seat for me CALL ME selfish personThank you, Layla Reminding me to live the feedback Art The Plumber"

Caspian Mediterranean kitchen

★★★★☆ 3.6 • $$

"Feasting at Caspian is easy when the food is so tasty! Their kebabs and lamb chops are Devine! The rice is fluffy, buttery, and melts in your mouth! The Shirazi salad is perfectly tart, and the bread and butter wraps the meal up in a nice little bow. We went on a Saturday night and Caspian offers entertainment in the form of a belly dancer and a singer/entertainer. The music, for the most part was in Persian so I was bopping my head to lyrics I did not understand but overall, it's a great place to bring your family for a dinner with free entertainment. This location is in a large shopping plaza so parking is ample and free! Make sure to make reservations as the good tables are usually taken up on Saturday nights!"

Darya Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.8 • $$$

"I was in Costa Mesa for a work trip and always love searching for local favorites when I travel. A local coworker and a Persian friend both recommended this restaurant to me. As soon as I walked in I felt like I had been transported to a world of luxury.The service was great. The food wonderful. Our server was a great guide through the menu. The decor is refined and includes white tablecloths and sharply dressed servers. Chandeliers, crystal and flowers on the tables.I ordered a glass of Shiraz, the Lamb Kebobs with rice and salad. The food was cooked perfectly and seasoned just right. I am a slow drinker, so the server came over to ask me if I was enjoying the wine and if not, he'd happily exchange it for me. That really impressed me!"