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Azizam
Master Critic Review
Azizam
8.1
This casual Persian cafe bridges traditional Iranian home cooking with Silver Lake's laid-back vibe. Co-owners Cody Ma and Misha Sesar (both half-Iranian, half-Chinese) started as a 2021 pop-up before opening this sun-drenched counter-service spot serving turmeric-braised chicken, grapefruit-sized kofteh, and seasonal mazeh plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turmeric-Braised Jidori Chicken with Dampokhtak Rice, Kofteh Tabrizi, Mazeh Plate with Barbari Bread
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: LA Times #21 Best Restaurant 2024 bringing casual Persian cafe culture to Silver Lake
Who should go: Persian food newcomers and cafe-style casual diners
When to visit: Lunch for natural light or dinner for patio ambiance
What to order: Turmeric chicken with fried egg, mazeh plate, shirini napoleoni dessert
Insider tip: Counter service means no reservations - arrive early on weekends to avoid waits
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Sunset Blvd and side streets - can be tight on weekends. Small lot behind building with 8-10 spots. Arrive 15 min early or use nearby public lot on Maltman Ave ($5 flat rate)
Dress code: Silver Lake casual - jeans, t-shirts, sundresses all work. Counter-service vibe means zero pressure
Noise level: Moderate to lively - concrete floors and high ceilings amplify sound during peak hours. Easy conversation at lunch, slightly louder at dinner but still date-friendly
Weekend wait: 30-45 min wait typical 6-8pm Friday/Saturday. Counter service means you order first, then grab a table
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seat immediately Tuesday-Thursday before 1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options - mazeh plates, herb frittata, seasonal vegetable dishes rotate frequently. Easily half the menu works
Vegan options: Yes - several mazeh plates (hummus, muhammara, dolmeh), roasted vegetables, most rice dishes can be modified. Staff knows the menu well
Gluten-free options: Limited but doable - most proteins and vegetables work, skip the bread service. Rice-based dishes are safe. No dedicated prep but kitchen is accommodating
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially lunch or early dinner. Casual counter-service removes stuffiness, patio seating feels intimate without being intense, and sharing mazeh plates gives you something to do with your hands. Skip prime dinner rush (7-8pm) when it gets loud and crowded
Can I get a table without a reservation? Counter service means no reservations exist - it's all walk-up. Weekday lunches are easy. For weekend dinners, arrive before 6pm or after 8:30pm to avoid the crush. If there's a wait, you can grab coffee next door at Dinosaur
Is it kid-friendly? Surprisingly yes for casual lunches - counter service means kids can move around, outdoor patio has space, and simple proteins like turmeric chicken work for younger palates. Gets too crowded/loud for toddlers at dinner. No high chairs but staff is welcoming
How long should I plan for a meal? 45-60 minutes total for counter service model. Order at counter (5-10 min), food arrives in 15-20 min, eat at your pace. Faster than traditional table service - perfect for casual meetups or lunch breaks
Is the patio worth requesting? Absolutely yes in good weather. String lights, greenery, and Silver Lake people-watching. Gets full fast on weekends - grab it if available. Indoor is bright and pleasant too, so don't skip the restaurant if patio's taken
Best For
Better for: Casual Persian introduction without intimidation factor - more approachable than formal Persian spots like Javan or Raffi's. Better lunch option than most Persian restaurants (typically dinner-focused). Instagram appeal rivals Kismet/Destroyer with half the pretension
Skip if: You want traditional white-tablecloth Persian dining (go to Javan), need reservations for a special occasion (try Bavel instead), or prefer Persian food with more regional depth (Raffi's Place). Also skip if mobility issues - counter service requires standing in line