The Best Persian Food in the Bay Area

It’s safe to say that I love Persian food. I love the olives, the lamb and that crunchy rice stuff. It is also safe to say I do not know a lot about Persian food. Luckily, I know two incredible humans who deep dive into the world of Persian Cuisine on a weekly basis. Bita Farvar Arabian and Beata Nazem Kelly are the voices behind Modern Persian Food Fresh ingredients, exotic dishes, holidays and traditions are just a few of the things covered. Their love of history, culture and flavors are apparent in every show. The way they talk about food and the presentation of it speaks to their backgrounds in nutrition, art and cooking.

Photo by Vita Hewitt

Beata and Bita took me out to Komaaj in San Francisco. Northern Iranian food was new to me and the savory melding of flavors was eye rolling to the heavens good. I wanted to know more. What restaurant should I go to next? The best dish to order? What were barberries used for? Hogweed salt? Saffron? They curated a list of the top Persian dishes in the Bay Area by region for us and I want to try them all.

Bita and Beata during an episode of Modern Persian Food. Photo by Vita Hewitt.

Best Persian Food around the Bay According to Bita and Beata:

Best Bagheleh Polo bah Maycheh (Lamb shank with fava bean and dill steamed rice)
Maykadeh Restaurant (470 Green St, San Francisco)

Best Northern Iranian cuisine:
Komaaj (10 29th St, San Francisco)
Featuring regional dishes like Anaarbij and Morgheh Torsh (stew made with walnuts, pomograntes, and fresh herbs served over rice, the vegan option is in the photo below), zeitoun parvardeh (marinated olives), smoked white fish, and pickled vegetables Komaaj provides an unexpected side of traditional Persian fare.

Photo by Vita Hewitt.

Best Layered Rice dish, Adas Polo (lentil rice topped with caramelized onions, dates, and raisins)
Lavash (511 Irving St, San Francisco)
Nestled on Irving street, serving locals classic and innovative Persian dishes. The Adas Polo can be served vegan or with juicy turmeric and saffron chicken. You might even get lucky and get some fresh flowers out front when you visit.

Photo by Beata Nazim Kelly

Best fresh Persian bread
Shalizaar (300 El Camino Real, Belmont)
Likely the Bay’s favorite Persian restaurant, Shalizaar prides themselves on fresh baked Persian flatbread right out of their big stone oven in the main dining room. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine from their extensive wine list or have a party in their banquet room or lovely outside patio.

Photo by Beata Nazim Kelly

Best Traditional Persian Restaurant
Chelokababi (1236 S Wolfe Rd, Sunnyvale)
Classic Persian restaurant opened in 1979, co-host Bita’s family has been frequenting this classic restaurant for 30 years, her parents used to treat themselves weekly. Everything you would expect from a chelo kababi including a wide selection of appetizers, kababs, stews, and mixed rice dishes.

Best Eggplant appetizer
Arya Steakhouse (140 University Ave, Palo Alto)
Arya Steakhouse in Palo Alto offers a modern take on Persian cuisine by presenting it in a modern & westernized steakhouse approach. Their uniquely presented Borani Bademjan is a delightful eggplant and yogurt dip topped with caramelized onions and fried mint oil.
Here’s a link to a podcast episode we did with them: Episode 113: Persian Steakhouse with Guest Fera

Photo by Beata Nazim Kelly

Best Vegan Persian Kebabs
Daryoush (2144 Center St, Berkeley)
Best selection of vegan plant based kebabs, charred over a grill and served with steamy rice and veggies.

Best Persian Burger
Bongo Burger (Multiple Bay Area Locations)
With over 50 years of legacy and home of the original Persian Burger, this ground lamb patty on a custom sesame seed bun is a fan favorite for locals and Berkeley students alike.

Best Kabab Koobideh (chargrilled ground sirloin kabab)
Kababbq (555 Francisco Blvd E, San Rafael)
Arguably, the best Persian signature kabab in the Bay, served in an unassuming location on the San Rafael waterfront. Be sure to get a side of eggplant dip kashk bademjan.

Best Persian Food Truck
Mazzeh Grill (Multiple Bay Area Locations) 
Have Persian food will travel. Fun way to host a party or to get favorite Persian fare out and about, signature woodfire grill on wheels. Pro-tip get some saffron rice pudding sholehzard for a sweet and unique dessert.

Photo by Beata Nazim Kelly

To learn more about our Bay Area Persian Food Experts Beata and Bita:

Modern Persian Food Podcast:  Modern Persian Food
Beata: BeatsEats.com
Bita:  Oven Hug

Do you have a favorite Persian place in the Bay? Please let us in on the secret in the comments below.

Delicious and delightful Komaaj in San Francisco. Photo by Vita Hewitt.

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