Dining
The 4 Best Persian Restaurants in London
Saffron, charcoal and slow-cooked stews: where to eat the best Persian food in London.
In short: our top picks are Berenjak, Hafez and Alounak. 4 places in total, chosen on merit, with the full reasoning below.
London’s Persian cooking is one of its quiet glories, all saffron rice, charcoal-grilled kebabs and slow-cooked stews rich with herbs and dried limes. The best rooms bring proper hospitality with it. These are the Persian tables worth seeking out, often where you least expect them.
| Place | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Berenjak | Soho | ££ |
| Hafez | Bayswater | ££ |
| Alounak | Bayswater | ££ |
| Massimo Persian Restaurant | Cricklewood | ££ |
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Editor’s choice
Berenjak
Why we pick itA modern take on a Tehran kebab house; charcoal meats, fresh flatbread and a buzz.
Worth knowingA tight room of close tables and low stools with noise bouncing off hard surfaces, no bookings for most seats, and a wait standard on weekend evenings.
-
Hafez
Why we pick itA long-standing Persian favourite; charcoal kebabs and bread from the clay oven.
-
Alounak
Why we pick itA bustling, great-value Persian institution; generous grills and saffron rice.
-
Massimo Persian Restaurant
Why we pick itThe only entry here cooking Gilani and Caspian food from northern Iran rather than the Tehran grill menu: Mirza Ghasemi, Pala Mahi, Zeytoon Parvardeh and a Gilani style mezze alongside the kebabs. An independent in Pennine Parade, so a trip rather than a detour.
Worth knowingNorthwest London rather than central, so best treated as a destination.
Gilani and Caspian cooking
Before you book
Order a stew alongside the kebabs to see the range, and do not skip the tahdig, the prized crisp rice from the bottom of the pot. Many of the best are unfussy neighbourhood spots, so come relaxed. And take the doogh or a glass of tea; it suits the food.
Common questions
What are the best Persian restaurants in London?
Berenjak is our editor's choice: A modern take on a Tehran kebab house; charcoal meats, fresh flatbread and a buzz. Berenjak, Hafez and Alounak lead the guide, with 4 places in total, all chosen on merit.
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