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Gypsy's Persian Grill
Master Critic Review
Gypsy's Persian Grill
8.3
Operating since 2003, this intimate Persian grill specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with Tehran-inspired flavors including lamb shank, Turkish chicken kebabs, and vegetarian options. The family-run establishment near Belmont Pier offers cozy indoor seating and a small patio for those seeking authentic Persian-Mediterranean fusion.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Shank, Turkish Chicken Kebab, Beef Kubide
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Persian flair on Mediterranean classics with 22 years experience
Who should go: Kebab enthusiasts and vegetarians seeking quality Middle Eastern food
When to visit: Lunch for peaceful dining, dinner requires patience
What to order: Lamb shank, any kebab combo, hummus sampler
Insider tip: Turkish coffee here is authentic and perfectly prepared
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 2nd Street and side streets - free but competitive during dinner hours. Small municipal lot 2 blocks north rarely full
Dress code: Casual comfortable - jeans and nice top works perfectly, no need to dress up
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - intimate setting where normal conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 15-30 min without reservation Friday/Saturday, call ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly - typically seated within 5 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple rice dishes, stuffed grape leaves, falafel, vegetarian kebabs with grilled vegetables
Vegan options: Good options - hummus, baba ghanoush, tabbouleh, vegetable kebabs (confirm no dairy)
Gluten-free options: Yes - kebabs with rice instead of bread, most appetizers work, staff understands cross-contamination
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect first date spot - quiet enough to talk, cozy lighting creates atmosphere, reasonably priced so no pressure, and sharable plates encourage interaction. The patio adds romance on nice evenings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6pm) walk-ins work fine. Friday/Saturday dinner call 30-60 minutes ahead. It's a small space so reservations smart for groups of 4+.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids 8+ - quiet atmosphere means it's not ideal for toddlers. Chicken kebabs and rice appeal to less adventurous young eaters. No kids menu but portions are sharable.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Persian flavors without the pretension or high prices of trendier Mediterranean spots. Better quality-to-price ratio than most Belmont Shore restaurants. Ideal when you want intimate conversation over exceptional lamb.
Skip if: You need quick service (this is slow-paced family operation), want a lively bar scene, need extensive vegan menu, or prefer modern upscale ambiance over old-school family restaurant warmth