Best Persian restaurants in London: 10 spots for magical kebabs and khoreshts

London is a city that is quick to shine a spotlight on world cuisines, but whilst it feels like others have had their time in the spotlight, many of the capital’s best Persian restaurants remain neighbourhood restaurants. In terms of historical record, Persian food is some of the oldest in the world (the oldest records date back to the second and third millennia BC, to Mesopotamia in modern day Iraq).

Persian cuisine as we know it today originates in nearby Iran, and meals revolve around a few central pillars - skewers and grilled dishes (kebabs), stews (khoreshts) and a large range of breads and rice dishes (the latter of which are called polos or polows). The best Iranian restaurants in London dish up menus that includes all the above and lots more, including various mezze plates, which are not dissimilar to other Middle Eastern cuisines. Look out for typical Persian mezze specialities like mast o khiar (yoghurt with chopped cucumber and mint), and mirza ghasemi (smoked aubergine with tomato, egg and garlic), but make sure you save room for a huge feast.

Persian rice dishes are particularly special. The rice goes through a specific process of soaking, washing and then cooking, where it is par-cooked then drained and steamed for a long time, giving the final rice a gorgeous fluffy texture. Lots of more celebratory Persian rice dishes also come with tahdig - a crispy crust that forms on the bottom of the pan. Tahdig is the bit that Iranian households fight over at the table! It’s often made with rice but can also be made with potato, lettuce and all sorts of other things.

Iranian cooking is also known for often balancing fruit and meat, particularly in stews, and using lots of fragrant herbs and spices (though dishes are rarely ‘spicy’). So, if you’re here looking for some of the best Persian restaurants in London, scroll down for some of our favourites.

Hafez, Notting Hill

What: Hafez is one of London’s oldest and best-known Persian spots, and still tops many people’s lists when they’re craving crispy tahdig and grilled meats. Inside it’s one of London’s better looking restaurants - there’s an interesting obsession with cutlery, which hangs from the walls and light fittings - but the food is still top class too, whether you’re going for speciality kebabs or slow-cooked stews.
Where: 5 Hereford Road, W2 4AB
Book now: Hafez

PATOG, Camden Town

What: This popular street food spot in Camden Market’s Hawley Wharf ventures to some less usual regions of Iran for culinary inspiration. Yes, there are delicious kebabs to wrap in homemade pittas, and a killer saffron chicken stew with barberry sauce, but also dishes with kateh rice - a lesser-seen, stickier version of classic steamed Persian rice, which originates from the Caspian region in the north.
Where: Unit M207, Second Floor Food Court, Camden Market, Hawley Wharf, NW1 8QH
Book now: PATOG

Berenjak, Soho and Borough

What: Kian Samyani’s twin Berenjak outposts are still pretty hard to get into, which is a good sign that they’re doing something right. Excellent bread and rice dishes make it impossible to leave hungry, the set menus are still excellent value, and the Borough site is particularly beautiful inside, designed to mimic the cosy glamour of a Persian townhouse.
Where: 27 Romilly Street, W1D 5AL; 1 Bedale Street, Borough Market, SE1 9AL
Book now: Berenjak Soho; Berenjak Borough

Tandis, Cricklewood

What: Tandis isn’t much of a looker from the outside, but looks are deceiving and those who venture inside will find some truly excellent traditional Persian cooking. The menu majors on regional stews as well as charcoal-grilled skewers. Vegetarian options are just as good - we’re big fans of the khoresh e aloo esfenaaj - a punchy, sweet and tangy veg stew with Persian dried plums.
Where: 289 Finchley Road, NW3 6ND
Book now: Tandis

Janan, Maida Vale

What: Nestled in picturesque Little Venice, Janan is a bit more modern than other Persian restaurants on this list. Expect all your favourite Persian grills, stews, mezze plates and more, but look out for the excellent lamb stew with herbs and sun dried lime, and save room for saffron rice pudding with rose water. Surrounded by Maida Vale’s tranquil canals and tree-lined streets, there’s ample room to stretch your legs before and after.
Where: 2 Warrington Crescent, W9 1ER
Book now: Janan

Mahdi, Hammersmith

What: Mahdi’s traditional, neighbourhood vibe has made it super popular with locals around Hammersmith and Ravenscourt Park, and the cooking is as authentic as it gets from fragrant rice dishes like lubia polo (rice with green beans) and khoresh gheymeh (lamb and split pea stew). You’ll even get saffron rock sugar in your tea at the end of the meal.
Where: 215-217 King Street, W6 9JT
Book now: Mahdi

Chelo, Maida Vale

What: This slick, modern restaurant between Warwick Avenue and Maida Vale is fairly simple and easy-going on the inside, but a visit to Chelo is really all about the food. Huge portions, delicious homely cooking and personable service are all to be expected here. The stews are slow-cooked from scratch everyday - a must-order.
Where: 8 Lauderdale Parade, W9 1LU
Book now: Chelo

Kateh, Maida Vale

What: Another feather in Maida Vale’s Persian cap, bright and airy Kateh has a lovely minimal design, and the food matches up in terms of quality. You can easily fill up on beautiful mezze, but we recommend saving a bit of room for chargrills, like classic koobideh (veal skewer) or the outstanding lamb skewers.
Where: 5 Warwick Place, W9 2PX
Book now: Kateh

Sufi, Shepherd’s Bush

What: Ultra-rustic cooking makes Sufi especially popular with Shepherd’s Bush locals - the restaurant feels much like a visit to someone’s home. All the attention is on the food and the flavour (with little fuss around plating) and the rice dishes are all signatures and worth ordering, especially the bengali polo (braised lamb shank rice). Sufi has an alcohol license but you can also bring your own for a small corkage fee.
Where: 70 Askew Road, W12 9BJ
Book now: Sufi

Kish, Kilburn

What: This Kilburn High Road favourite is always absolutely packed, so it’s worth booking in advance if you’re planning a trip (you’re not spoilt for other options in the near vicinity). Huge portions and big feasting rice dishes make this great for a big feed with a group, or a celebration dinner. There are also some treasures to be found among the specials board, if you want to try something a bit further from the beaten path.
Where: 7-9 Kilburn High Road, NW6 5SD
Book now: Kish

Hungry? Check out our guides to the best Lebanese food in London, as well as a hand-picked list of London’s top Turkish restaurants.