0 Followers
Alborz Persian Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
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.
Alborz Persian Restaurant
7.9
Persian staples—juicy koobideh, barg, and long-simmered stews—served in a casual dining room just off Van Ness. Portions are generous and the grill work is the draw.
Must-Try Dishes:
Koobideh Kabob, Ghormeh Sabzi, Tahdig add-on with stew
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Charcoal-leaning kabobs and classic khoreshts under one roof.
Who should go: Kabob and stew loyalists
When to visit: Early dinner before 6:30pm
What to order: Koobideh, ghormeh sabzi, tahdig
Insider tip: Request mast-o-khiar to cool richer stews.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is available on Van Ness and side streets, but fills quickly after 6pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans and polos are fine, though many diners lean slightly dressy for evening meals.
Noise level: Moderate—generally easy to hold a conversation, though weekends can bring a livelier buzz.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; tables open quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetarian stews, rice dishes, and appetizers like kashk-e-bademjan.
Vegan options: Limited—about 2–3 dishes can be adapted, such as eggplant stews and herb-forward rice plates.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many kabobs and stews are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible. No dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can work for a casual date, especially if you want hearty food and low-key vibes. It’s less polished than fine dining spots but cozy and unpretentious.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, though weekends after 7pm often require a short wait. Reservations recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family groups are common. Portions are shareable and staff accommodate kids, though there’s no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Grilled kabobs and traditional Persian stews in hearty portions—stronger value and variety than trendier Persian spots nearby.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a romantic fine-dining atmosphere or strictly vegan menus, consider alternatives instead.