Where to go for Persian Food?

[katie young]

Does anyone know of any places in the EastBay that has really good Persian food? Thanks.

[Kathleen Mikulis]

I responded to a query about this recently but couldn't find the thread.

Khayyam (or is it Khaayam?) in Albany has great Persian food. However, the prices keep going up and most of the entrees are now in the $15 range.

Wonderful barg, fesenjon (spelling?), chello kabob with "rice mountain" - I can't remember the real name of this dish but the rice is studded with fruits and nuts. And great crunchy rice bottom (tah dig?). The meals are all preceded by a yummy Persian flat bread.

A cheaper option is the Persian stand that has opened in conjunction with the Afghani stand at the Emery Bay Public Market. The chicken kabob I tried as a sample there was great. (However, when I ordered it they gave me a different chicken kabob platter on the menu which wasn't nearly as good). The fesenjon sample I tried was definitely not up to par.

I've been to Kabob House in Pleasant Hill and it didn't come close to comparing to Khayyam's. I've heard mixed reviews of Papa's in Berkeley.

[katie young]

Thanks much! (I also searched back thru a few 100 threads, but couldn't find anything)

I've been to Papa's once, and thought it ok, but it's the only Persian food I've ever had, and I want something to compare it to!

[Karen Ackerman]

Khayyam's was closed last time I looked. There was a sign that it would re-open under new ownership - - not sure it will remain Persian.

Up the street a little, on the Northeast corner of Carmel (and Solano) is Zand's, a Persian deli. Prepared foods to go (or eat at one of their tiny tables). Also, the place to go for all the special ingredients you need to make your own, as I did just before Christmas. The proprietor is VERY friendly and helpful.

[garçon]

I've had one bad experience at Zands with their desserts. The strawberry tart I bought was quite old and practically inedible (squishy berries).

One new entry further up on Solano, next door to the sushi take out place (Jon Jon), run by a very friendly Dutch man (and his Persian partner I believe) does a very good saffron rice pudding dessert and tasty dolmas at rock-bottom prices.

[Karen]

I'm sorry to hear of your bad experience at Zands. I never tried the desserts. The place up Solano you mention is called Tangerine.

I scouted it recently, but didn't buy anything. Glad to hear it's tasty and reasonable. I'll go back soon, with lunch on my mind!

[Fatemeh]

Hey Katie -

If you're willing to head to the city to try bonified great Persian food, give Alborz a try.

We had a chowhound dinner there a few months ago after I raved about it, and i've been back several times since. I'd even take my mom there!

Really wonderful fessenjon,kabab dishes and "kashk-e-bademjan" (an eggplant dish, served warm but a bit like baba ghanoush).

I'd pass up desserts unless they have faloodeh ice cream. The pastries we tried had a "freezer burn" taste to them.

[katie young]

Thanks! I'm moving back to SF in June, and will definitely check it out.

[V Barnett]

When I lived in the Richmond District in SF, we used to go to a little neighborhood place on 5th? and Clement. I think it's called Kasra. Not haute cuisine, but the staff is GREAT and the fresh herbs and homemade (I think he meant locally made, the owner, I mean) cheese with warm pita as an appetizer hit the spot. The desserts are standard, baklava-style treats, etc but vary according to who's in what mood and what's in season when the owner goes to buy supplies. I've never had a bad meal there, and even when it's crowded, never felt rushed to leave. By the way the "chicken" on the menu is really exquisite tiny game hens, the one cooked kabob style.(don't remember what it was called, but absolutely delicious) Good rice too. It's been awhile since I've been there, but I still want to go back next time I visit, as the warm friendly atmostphere and good food recall good chow memories.

[Limster]

I was first introduced to Kasra by a half-Persian pal of mine. Love that place too -- second that recommendation.

[jsfoodchat]

Maykadeh - AKA the restaurant advertised on all the cheesy hotel room television channels. We went there and it was GREAT! Very authentic and lovely. Rice served with Sumac, loved the tadik, the traditional OSH soup the radish appetizer sandwiches with fresh mint and that great relish stuff - what is that called again? AWESOME!!!

[Robert Lauriston]

Yeah, it's the best. Great lamb's brain, tongue, and head dishes. That relish is called torshi. More: http://www.chow.com/places/1121

The previous posts in this topic date from 2002. In the meantime, Khayyam and Kasra have closed.

[jsfoodchat]

Right - torshi thankyou.

[zippo]

haven't been there, but a generally positive review in today's Oakland Tribune/Contra Costa Times of I Squared on College in Oakland. Persian (ghormeh sabzi, fesenjoon), Italian and fusion. Anybody familiar with it?

http://www.insidebayarea.com/food-and-wine/ci_12827903

I Squared
5403 College Ave., Oakland, CA 94618
tel: [phone]
http://www.i2squared.com/

[flatbread]

Recently enjoyed Lavash on Irving. More casual (in a good way) than Maykadeh and Alborz with good renditions of fesenjoon, kashk-e Bademjan, sibzi Panir-among the items we sampled. Generous portions, well balanced and distinctive flavors, friendly staff.

[flatbread]

link

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Lavash
511 Irving St, San Francisco, CA