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ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Russian Hill
Best Middle Eastern in Russian Hill
Master Critic Review
Alborz Persian Restaurant
7.9
Classic Persian kebabs, stews, and rice dishes on the Van Ness corridor, served in a comfortable dining room. Portions are generous and the menu covers staples from ghormeh sabzi to koobideh.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh kebab with saffron rice, Ghormeh sabzi, Tahdig with stew
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Wide-ranging Persian menu with reliable kebabs and stews.
Who should go: Families and group diners
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid peak weekend waits
What to order: Koobideh, ghormeh sabzi, tahdig with stew
Insider tip: Pair saffron rice with a side of mast-o-khiar to cool richer stews.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Van Ness can be tight, especially evenings; nearby paid garages are more reliable.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—comfortable attire works fine, but slightly dressier is common on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly, though weekend groups can raise the volume.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with plenty of seating available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple options like falafel, kashk-e-bademjan, and several stews without meat.
Vegan options: Limited—expect 2–3 dishes (salads, some eggplant-based appetizers) suitable.
Gluten-free options: Yes—rice-based dishes and kebabs are naturally gluten-free; bread items should be avoided.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better suited for comfortable, low-pressure dining than for a polished first date. Ideal if you want generous portions and a relaxed setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, though on weekends a short wait is likely. Reservations recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—spacious seating and shareable platters make it good for families with children; high chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Generous portions of authentic Persian kebabs and stews in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Skip if: If you’re seeking cutting-edge Mediterranean fusion or a fine-dining ambiance, better alternatives exist nearby.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 8:30pm
Tuesday11:30am - 8:30pm
Wednesday11:30am - 8:30pm
Thursday11:30am - 8:30pm
Friday11:30am - 8:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 8:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 8:30pm