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Shaherzad Restaurant
Master Critic Review
Shaherzad Restaurant
8.4
Open since the early 1980s, Shaherzad is one of Westwood’s original Persian restaurants, known for house-baked bread and substantial kebab platters. Diners come for reliably grilled meats, fragrant rice, and an old-school atmosphere that feels more like a neighborhood dining room than a polished modern concept.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soltani (barg and koobideh), Tahdig with khoresh, Grilled salmon kabob
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Decades-old Persian spot baking bread and grilling generous kebab platters.
Who should go: Traditionalists wanting classic Persian flavors in a relaxed room.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners and early weekends for easier seating.
What to order: Soltani kebab, tahdig with stew, house-baked sangak bread.
Insider tip: Request bread straight from the oven and build a mezze-style starter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Westwood Blvd and neighboring side streets; spots open up more easily after 7pm but can be tight during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — everyday wear is normal, but many diners dress slightly nicer for family dinners.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational but with steady dining-room hum, especially during peak evenings.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes depending on group size; larger parties may wait longer due to limited large tables.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait and often immediate seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple options including dips, salads, and vegetarian stews.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and sides work, but mains skew meat-heavy.
Gluten-free options: Yes — kebabs, rice dishes, and many stews are naturally gluten-free; bread is not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works if you want a comfortable, no-frills Persian classic with generous portions and a neighborhood feel. It’s not polished or trendy, so opt for somewhere else if you want a more atmospheric or romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Shaherzad rarely requires reservations. Walk-ins are the norm, though you may wait briefly on weekend evenings or with larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families make up a large portion of the crowd. High chairs are usually available, and the menu has mild grilled options suitable for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Consistently grilled kebabs, fresh sangak bread baked in-house, and a nostalgic, old-school feel that locals appreciate.
Skip if: You want upscale ambiance, cocktails, or a modern Persian dining experience — other Westwood spots offer sleeker rooms and broader beverage programs.