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Alborz Persian Cuisine
Categories: Restaurants Middle Eastern Restaurants Persian/Iranian Middle Eastern, Persian/Iranian [Edit]
1245 Van Ness AveSan Francisco, CA 94109
Neighborhood: Pacific Heights
(415) 440-4321
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Amy N. said: "I learned this restaurant just opened in November. It's definitely worth a trip if you're in the mood for Mediterranean. The portions are on the large side so you get your money's worth. I went here with a large group with no problem.…" read more »
157 reviews for Alborz Persian Cuisine
Review Highlights
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"Basmati rice and roasted tomoatoes." In 11 reviews -
"The rosewater ice cream is not for beginners." In 10 reviews -
"...cuisine and friendly service with white table cloths." In 4 reviews
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157 reviews in English
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Review from Didi P.
San Francisco, CA
3/19/2012
Their food has really improved recently! I used to come here and think it was alright but the last few times have been great, specially the kabobs. I don't know if they changed chefs, cooks, meat, or what, but it's way more juicy now.
Minus one star for the typical dry Iranian service. -
Review from Jenny L.
12/5/2011
Although this place can be missed from the outside, it tries to establish itself as a fine dining restaurant. The appetizer with the eggplant was good, but the torshee, which are pickled vegetables, was disappointing because they were chopped as a condiment and drowned in a salty sauce that cannot be eaten alone as a dish. The tender and juicy koobideh was seasoned well. However, the chicken joogeh was dry and tough compared to most restaurants. The barg lacked flavor even though it was cooked medium rare. If you ask for the basmati rice to be substituted with salad, please ask them to have the salad dressing on the side or else it will be drowned in vinegar.
The service is slow and unfriendly, almost with disdain. The waiter will coerce you into ordering things even though you ask questions to explore your options. The decor and ambiance is clean, quiet and simple without any flair or authentic Persian feel. Parking can be tough on the street. -
Review from Jen A.
San Francisco, CA
4/6/2012
I've been wanting to try Alborz Persian Cuisine restaurant for too long of a time. Tonight a small group of us walked in with thankfully not a wait time at all. Alborz is an unsung gem of a restaurant. Despite the location, the busy Polk Gulch/Pac Heights Van Ness corridor, the restaurant was like a tranquil little oasis, with a nice view of the busy world outside. The menu selection was great; it had a variety of items that I like from other Middle Eastern restaurants. The koobideh and eggplant puree ended up being my favorites, and are enough to bring me back for a follow-up visit. In the end, we ate and drank well with a reasonable bill at the end.
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Review from Ibrahim A.
San Francisco, CA
4/8/2012
I visit Alborz restaurant ones a month, they have best kababs ever. I mostly go there in lunch time in midweek,cause price more reasonable and cheap from 11 am to 3pm. Relaxing interior, nice and clean and good service. Portion is great.Love Zaresht polo with Kobideh:)
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Review from Sina O.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/17/2011
I am writing a review over my latest 2 experiences here, which seems to sum up what the state of this restaurant unfortunately currently is.
Alborz...you really need to step up your service. And I mean that in the most basic way possible!
I enter...no hostess..some guy behind the bar...he goes to the back soon too. Since I just got a new phone im like eh whatever and mess around on it for 5 minutes thinking they will come to me then. Over 5 minutes passes nothing. Mind you, in this large restaurant there is only one other person sitting and he is merely paying his bill. After about 10 minutes. I decide to take a seat at one of the 50 open tables.
I literally sit there (by myself) waiting for 20 minutes before anyone comes to me to give me water or a menu! Since I am not with anyone at the moment the only thing I have to entertain me is the dismal view of Van Ness st. Why is all the staff hiding in the back? There didnt seem to be a shortage of staff, up to 4 people seemed to have been assigned the front....bus boy, server, hostess..and there was barely any patrons..yet they all hide in the back?? I feel like there was a company foosball tournament going on back there or som shet. Though both times I went it was like this.
I order my food right when he hands me the menu in fear of having to wait another 20 minutes for him to ask me what I would like. I get the Soltani, which is a common Persian combination entree: basmatic saffron infused rice (persian rice so gewd), a grilled tomato, 1 skewer of barg (flattened steak cut), 1 skewer of koobideh (seasoned ground beef). Sometimes comes with onions and other stuff, tho not here.
The wait for the food itself was average. Food review:
Koobideh: 4/5 stars....seasoned well, tasty and juicy, though not super juicy/greasy. At the same time not amazing. Koobideh is good and cheap but usually I dont buy a bunch of koobideh cuz its not healthy, thad be like buying multiple hamburgers.
Barg: 1/5 stars. I ordered medium, this came well done. dry like rubber, and the meat tasted old! disgusting! one of the rare times i didnt finish my kabob. but actually this does happen from time to time, some restaurants have horrible barg, i dunno why.
Shish Kabob (from other time I went recently) : 3/5 stars
seemed to have been marinated in a way that was unusual for persian shish kabob. salty and wet. not typical shish kabob, tho wasnt too bad either. would not order again. Shish kabob comes with grilled bell pepper, onion etc.
I have yet to try the joojeh (chicken thigh) kabob, hopefully its good, cuz so far coming here I only enjoy the koobideh.
another note, the other time i came the hostess/waitress was this 30 somtin yr old persian chic in what seemed to be a dominatrix outfit. some (but definitely not most) persian women seemed confused fashion-wise, she was wearing a black top, this knarly black skirt, with tall black leather boots. kinda cracked me up, i dont really care though lol
the carpet and decor needs to be updated, looks liek its from a shitty casino in the 70's
anyway I asked for my bill and it took another 20 minutes to get there...yes while i look around and there are 2 other tables eating, NO ONE IN THE FRONT, ALL EMPLOYEES IN THE BACK TWIDDLING THEIR BALLS
one last thing, in order to get to the bathroom you need to go through this long corrider that passes by the bar/restaurant next door that serves deep dish pizza or somtin. I dont like this, the pizza is super appetizing but im in persian food mode..it F's with your brain. That's like being on a nice date, and then walking through a strip club.
They dont accept amex. When I gave my bill with amex card, a new young man I had not seen before appeared and told me "Sorry, vee do nat except amax"...which lead me to believe this employee's sole duty at the restaurant is to let patrons know they dont accept amex. A very interesting job. Where were you when I needed to be seated or order?
oh yah one more thing...it's bloody expensive!
downgrade to 2.5 stars rounded down to 2
I won't be back until I've confirmed they have stepped up to the most basic form of restaurant service, vat iz dees?1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/28/2011
I will update my review in full later, but this goes out to the retard below who calls herself… Read more »
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Review from M H.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2012
I am Persian, and this is a grade-A spot. The koobideh & soltani dishes are my favorite: the meat is juicy without being greasy, and always extremely flavorful. The rice is very aromatic, and the appetizers are all great. Generous portions, friendly wait staff, lovely decor, and scrumptious food: Alborz has it all.
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Review from sam y.
San Francisco, CA
3/11/2012
Went here w/my family a few weeks back and had a great time. feel likes a "typical" persian restaurant with a very laid back, informal, friendly service.
bargh, soltani, the eggplant appetizer which i can't seem to recall (don't feel like looking up) was good and didn't sit in your stomach which "restaurant kabob" tends to do. -
Review from Amy T.
San Francisco, CA
7/26/2011
Yum.
This was my first experience with Persian cuisine, and I have to say that I'm in culinary love.
I had the kebab koobideh, half chicken and half beef upon the recommendation of my good friend, and also simply because I'm extremely indecisive when ordering food since everything usually sounds so good. The meaty kebab goodness came on a large plate with buttery, loose Basmati rice that melted into seasoned sweetness on the tongue. On the side was also a decent helping of mixed greens lathered in a light tangy dressing. Every bite of the kebab sent me into sweet oblivion, where nothing but the explosion of succulent taste in my mouth mattered, while the Basmati grains and fresh salad helped to pull everything into a mutually-complementary whole.
I don't know how this restaurant compares to other Persian establishments, but based on this single experience alone, I am now a fan of the cuisine and would recommend this to anybody who is seeking to venture outside of the familiar or is simply looking to fulfill their cravings for savory Persian flavor.
A++! -
Review from Laurence H.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Al Borz is my "go to" Persian restaurant in the City. Nice kebabs and traditional dishes. They have a large room that faces Van Ness and you feel comfortable there. Recently I left behind a pair of expensive sunglasses. In most places, the waiter would have swiped it into their own personal collection but not here. After a few searches in different boxes, my sunglasses were returned in original condition. This is the type of the place you want to be a regular at.
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Review from Lia P.
7/28/2011
I have been to this fancy classy Persian restaurant a few times. I was quite impressed since I have been able to have authentic Persian food from actual friends and family members. I could tell the place would be good when I noticed a lot of Iranians in there.
The food from what I remember is exotic and delicious. It was such a royal treat! I am not Persian, but I love me some Persian food. And when I'm really in the mood for it this is the only place will always think -
Review from Sharmain S.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2012
The service was great but the main reason we went was for the Tahdig and we were so disappointed. It was soggy and stale at the same time. My kebab was good and my husband like his joojeh kabab. I woudn't recommend this restaurant if you want to introduce friends to Persian food. The overall experience was mediocre.
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Review from Summer T.
Oakland, CA
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Been to this place twice, once for take-out once dining in. I've never seen it packed which is fine by me, but I tend to eat early to avoid crowds in the city. Both times I've ordered the koobideh because, well, I love koobideh and I can never seem to get it right when I try to make it myself. All the different jeweled rices are lovely. Our waitress was lovely; we had a nice conversation with her. I think this would be a great date place. It has intimate, romantic lighting and lighting. Parking was tricky but it's easy to get to on MUNI or BART so I would suggest that.
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Review from Elaine Y.
3/23/2011
I have some Persian friends and they introduced me to some great food. This place is not what I have experienced, standard wise. I would expect that the people who gave this place great reviews to be either Persians or friends of the owner.
My boyfriend works near the restaurant so he has been wanting to try the place, but he was reludant to mention how the restaurant is almost empty and never checked on the reviews of this place.
When we arrived, the entire place was empty and the workers were standing behind the bar, chit chatting. It took them about a few seconds to realize we were standing at the booth waiting to be seated. When we finally got seated at the corner window of the floor, they offered us the menus and wandered off. Then a waiter returns to take our order. We ordered the following (not exact names off the menu):
Pita Bread (Complimentary): Who serves pita bread with butter with a side of onions? I just don't understand! I guess they expect you to order some hummus if you want to have the pita bread to go with something. It's such a cheap trick. I asked for some garlic sauce and they said I would have to order the yogurt elephant sauce. They were nice enough to bring me a tiny bit to try.
Grilled Prawns (appetizer): $12 for 4 prawns with cocktail sauce and a bit of salad in the middle. Completely not worth it. The taste was good, but I think I could have bought the same quality of cocktail shrimps from Costco.
Chicken Kabob: The chicken were tender and served with a large portion of rice and one roasted tomato on the side
Veggie Kabob: Roasted eggplant, green pepper, onion, mushroom, and tomato. The proportion of the plate is completely off. The veggie takes up half of the RIM of the plate and then the rest of the plate is filled with a big portion of rice. Are they trying to make me satisfy by stuffing me with rice and not with flavor? The vegetables are bland and it taste like it's missing the basic flavor of salt (and I'm the kind of person who's sensitive to saltiness).
Overall, from the outside, the place looks like fine dining. They reflect that on the price, but doesn't reflect that on the food. Which concludes you to have one overpriced restaurant with food that can be sold at food trucks for $5 a plate. -
Review from Sha B.
San Francisco, CA
8/11/2011
My go to Persian restaurant of choice in SF. I get the craving and nip over to get my 'fix'!
Please note: The whole point of Persian food is the meat, so don't waste your time to come here to eat shrimp or vegetables - you will be missing out! Kabab Koobideh is my favorite - flavorful, succulent - yum, yum, yum! We usually go for one of the more interesting rices such as the Shrini Polo or that other one with dill and beans. The Koobideh serving size is huge, so I usually share or end up with a doggie bag.
I've only tried a few of the appetizers - the yogurt with cucumber, yogurt with garlic, houmous and the Kashk Badamjan. They are fairly good, the yogurts are very garlicy, but the Kashk Bademjan is amazing.
I never have space for dessert, but keep eyeing up the Faloodeh, which is another favorite of mine, and the Persian ice cream! -
Review from Mike G.
1/14/2011
Pros:
Solid Persian food in the city. That is hard to come by.
Cons:
Service can be a little stuffy.
Fun:
Technically they are on the freeway; this stretch of Van Ness is considered part of "Highway 101." -
Review from Dave C.
San Francisco, CA
1/11/2011
I have been dining here for 6+ years without an issue and always thought the food was good... BUT I am pretty sure the management/ownership has changed recently. The remodel look nice but the service and food are horrible!
#1, they don't bring bread unless you ask... and they serve it with onions now.. thats a big stretch from sabzi or yogurt as a starter like it was
#2, my chicken kebab showed up raw pink on the inside... no one noticed and when the waiter finally came to ask how we were, I told him and he whisked my plate away without explanation or apology..
#3, while waiting... my guest also noticed her chicken was raw... so we flagged the guy down and told him... he then took off with her plate, no explanation or apology.
#4, when my plate came back with re-cooked chicken it was served back on the original plate.. DISGUSTING! I explained to the waiter that when you take a dish that had undercooked chicken, you are supposed to replace the plate due to the contamination of raw chicken on the original plate.. he took the plate back as if he was pissed off at me for pointing out their own food safety problem. and by the way... my guest is still waiting for her plate... he didn't have enough sense to bring back both at the same time
#5, when my plate came back for the 2nd time...... I sat there... looking at it.. he left without a word BEFORE I could ask him for a fork and knife (since they took mine away with the original plate) and again, my guest is still waiting for her plate... idiot...
#6, after waiting for 2 minutes I flagged down the busboy for the hardware so i could take a bite..... it was cooked and dry and believe it or not.... luke warm.. seems like they tossed my raw chicken in the microwave since it cooled off so quick as was so dry......
and then about a minute later my guest gets her plate.... and he takes off again.. no sorry, nothing except "I talked to out chef".... really? who cares?
ANYWAY
#6, during this lovely 30 minute window, no one asked if we needed a drink refill... and both our glasses were totally empty...
and then we both realize we are pretty much done eating here and let the guy know we are ready for our check and want this stuff to go... and they bring us our own boxes and bags..... so much for a white linen joint that use to take your plate and pack it for you... Nope... pack it yourself like chinese take-out!
the check arrives.... not a single apology or anything... I told the guy I was dissapointed with the service and the food and after going there for 7 years I expected a far better experience. The guys says, "well, I talked to our chef and did not charge you for your drinks".... again who cares? My drinks? Two sodas?... wow... I am so impressed... NOT
I don't plan to return... I kind of figured something was up when I noticed the staff was totally different and the nice lady who was the owner before was nowhere to be found... ohh well.. I guess I will brave the North Beach parking and start going back to Maykadeh for FAR better food and service... THIS PLACE SUCKS!!!!! -
Review from Toben G.
Redwood City, CA
11/24/2011
Food was ok. They do win the "Math is Hard" award for the bill. When asked to give each table it's own check they instead divided the total check by 3. Thanks.
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Review from Marcia K.
San Francisco, CA
8/4/2011
This place is pretty good. I love the filet kabob, and the chicken is tasty too. Of course you can't beat a home cooked meal, this place offers a great alternative! Persian Cuisine is time consuming and laborious to make at home (at least for me).
Love their salad shirazi and the tahdig is great too.
To the woman who claimed she got pita bread and onions.... really? You shouldn't review what you don't know! Oh, and don't go to a Persian restaurant and order veggie kabob - bad form! -
Review from Robert S.
Reno, NV
1/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I wanna move this place into Reno. This was just amazing. I have only had Persian food a handful of times but this was just a great experience.
Service was reserved and maybe a tad slow on the refreshing of the water but still good.
The food was quality. We went for lunch. Loved the Turkish Coffee.
I was with friends so I really didn't wanna geek out on Yelping so I wasn't able to take detailed notes. But suffice it to say...the food was excellent.
I will be back. And that says alot, because when I go to San Francisco, I have hundreds of choices I have never had before...but this place is worth the drive.
I will tell all of my friends to save a few extra bucks and try the lunch here. -
Review from Nazanin A.
Belmont, CA
4/7/2011
Hands down the BEST koobideh in town! I did not care for the Barg or the Shishlick. But who cares about those...the koobideh will rock your world! Oh, and the service was also good.
Can't wait to go back for more koobideh :) -
Review from Ken L.
1/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here many times, and while the food is really good as far as Persian goes, the prices have just gotten ridiculous. The service can be really good or really poor depending on who you get. I want to come here, but find myself avoiding it more and more. Tadik for $6 bucks, c'mon? Or was it more.
Oh, and nice website:
Alborz Restaurants
in S.F. and Berkeley
website is under construction
Get it together man.
~Khodafez. -
Review from Jenee' K.
Sacramento, CA
12/10/2010
I only give it 4 of 5 stars because of the attitude and service given. Just because I came from a long shopping excursion and not dressed in prada doesn't mean you have to look down upon me like filth??
But everything as far as food goes, absolutely yummy!!!
I would come back. I just won't tip for the crappy and rude service. -
Review from Berna T.
3/22/2008
Upon the recommendation of one (half) Persian epicurean, a friend and I ventured into Alborz for dinner on a Friday evening. I don't know a damn thing about Persian food, but if he says it's good...he's probably telling the truth. And it's always a good sign when the restaurant is full of people who could probably make this stuff at home. That's right, when we walked in, it was wall to wall Persians up in there. Score!
It smelled amazing when we walked in and I became immediately ravenous. We were seated quickly, and served some free lavash with yogurt/cucumber sauce (totally delicious). I asked for a side of feta, which was the softer, brinier kind than the crap you get pre-crumbled in a plastic cube...usually only available at that one Greek store on Mission Street in Daly City. SO good.
We ordered the tahdig, which comes smothered in your choice of stew - ours was a beef stew with fried eggplant (Gheymeh Bademjan). Very tasty, and quite filling for two people. The rest of our meal consisted of some very flavorful basmati rice, fensenjan (a ground walnut/pomegranate sauce over chicken), and shish kebab (filet mignon, cooked medium, with bell peppers and onions). Everything was cooked to perfection, with distinct flavor that wasn't overpowering at all, and there was so much food!
We had originally intended to try for dessert, but by the time the last piece of kebab was eaten, one of us was undoing the top button on their pants (hint: it wasn't me).
It's not cheap cheap, but it's not that expensive - all of our food cost a total of $47 + tip. I would definitely bring a group next time, so we could try more dishes and have room for dessert and tea. Oh, and wear roomy pants. -
Review from Lu E.
11/22/2010
I came for dinner here and had a few items (as usual)
We started with the prawn appetizer and the paneer sabzi (the herbs with walnuts and feta)
The prawns were good--I really liked the paneer but felt like the portion was pretty skimpy. I would totally have that again, but would prefer a larger portion--especially since there were three of us, they didn't make any mention that we should order more than one order. Boo.
For my meal I had the combo Koobideh (one chicken and one beef)--the koobideh was probably my favorite thing I ate--it was so flavorful and good. It's a little visually unappealing, but it was really tasty.
I didn't get a chance to eat dessert because i was too full from my main dish, but I don't even think the meal needed that added touch.
I think the prices are a little spendy, but not too out of control.
I'm sure I will return here at some point. I liked the food but next time I won't be sharing my paneer sabzi! -
Review from Jason R.
San Francisco, CA
1/12/2008
I've visited all the Persian joints in the city and Marin and several in the East Bay. I like this Alborz the best.
Still, it leaves a ton to be desired.
I went there with some white friends last night, and they loved the food, but come on Haji, hire another waitress. That poor women was serving a packed house on a Friday night all by her lonesome.
No wonder a couple of our items got forgotten.
The food was good, and for those of you uninitiated in Persian dining, order your meal family style. It just makes more sense, and you have the chance to try a few different items.
I really like that this Alborz is in a decently convenient location.
The shared bathroom with the Village Pizzeria is kind of a turn off, but it reminds you that this ain't fine dining. It's not supposed to be. -
Review from Lily M.
San Francisco, CA
6/8/2007
HAHA! I love that there are basically only Persians reviewing this restaurant. What's with you non-Persians? You'll eat Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean BBQ, Thai, Italian, Ethiopian, German, even Mongolian for godsake, but for some reason nobody seems to wanna eat Persian food except for Iranians. You people are chumps. Persian food is dddddddddddddelish! Though this is my problem with how my people seem to understand dining establishments. ALL YOU IRANIAN RESTAURANT OWNERS, LISTEN UP!!
San Franciscans, when they think of ethnic food, think cheap, dingy places with awk art and fobby waiters. They like it this way. They think $8 entrees that they can rave about to their friends. They think take-out. They DON'T think $18 entrees, cheesy covered tables and chairs that look like they were stolen out of a bank lobby in the 70's, lights that are too low, a ROSE on each table (really guys?) and 'tude.
Alborz food is good, though Omid's right, you can't beat khanoom jon when it comes to a delish meal. Shit, I'll take an ameh or a dokhtar ameh even. There's just no damn atmosphere in this place and it is over-priced.
Hey Iranian Yelpers, howabout we open up a new restaurant. Think outskirts of Shiraz diner-ish and vats of home-made doogh (how the hell do you transliterate doogh?) -
Review from Brisa de la Mañana F.
San Francisco, CA
7/15/2011
Quick tip for weeknight dining: Restaurant open til 10:00. Take-out only after 9 or 9:30... call ahead to be sure.
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Review from Miriam W.
5/8/2006
On the Sunday evening when we went only a few other tables in the restaurant ever filled up. There are white table cloths here but on the whole it is surprisingly unstuffy if not particularly hip. We probably stayed two hours - eating and catching up - and no one ever bothered us about it. Our water glasses were never empty and the food was great!
When you sit down you will find a small pot filled with coarse purple-red powder. This is sumac and its flavor is at the same time sour, fruity and astringent. Try it on the rice - we liked it!
We began with the Must -o- Khiar which is a spread made with homemade yogurt, cucumbers and mint. We enjoyed it so much that we ordered another dish of it to pair with our entrees. For dinner we chose the Alborz plate for two. This platter comes with two enormous plates of rice and grilled chicken, filet mignon, and ground beef along with roasted tomatoes. The platter is definitely the way to go if you are unfamiliar with Persian cuisine and want to try a few different things. -
Review from Gretchen B.
San Francisco, CA
2/18/2010
Not so much.
I'll start with first impressions. I went on an off night (a Tuesday). It was totally empty, really bright and all the tables were white-clothed. Now, don't get me wrong. White table clothes aren't bad all the time, but it just didn't match the rest of the atmosphere. And really bright lights with lots of windows on Van Ness is not the least bit mood-setting.
Ok, on to the one good thing - the yogurt and cucumber dip (yum). My friend explained to me that the onions/bread thing (sorry that's not PC, I don't know what the appetizer is called) was supposed to make you salivate since the rest of the food would be dry. Well, about that, he was right. But it wasn't dry in an "authentic" way, just in a bland, not good at all way.
Maybe you'll have better luck, but if you're looking for great Persian flavors, I just don't think you'll find them here. -
Review from Adam B.
San Francisco, CA
6/23/2010
It's too bad Iran is so, ya know, Iran, because cuisine is a major factor in choosing where I travel and apparently I love Persian food (good thing I don't know any North Korean restaurants). Perhaps it's because it's still novel; I've only had Persian food a couple of times, and both times I've felt compelled to write 5-star reviews.
Anyway, Alborz is great. The waitress was nice and didn't bat an eye when I walked in sweaty with a bike helmet and asked for a table for one. More importantly, the food tasted great. I ordered chicken barg with zereshk polo (thanks Catriona C. for the spelling), which is a flavored rice with saffron and barberries. The rice was so flavorful it was a meal on its own, and the chicken complemented it well.
It was a bit on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for. The portions were huge, and the above came with plenty of flatbread, a side of spiced onions, and a heap of tangy yogurt sauce. If you're not a glutton like me, you'll have a good sized lunch to bring home. -
Review from Ashley J.
10/11/2010
I walked in here for a late lunch (around 2:30pm). It was completely empty, but I can assure you I've seen this place packed in the evenings. I was really craving Koobideh, and my friend that was with me had never tried it. So this place was a must as I only live a few blocks away.
We were seated immediately, and presented with the flatbread (I'm not sure what it's called) and butter. Ordered the Mast-o-Musir which was excellent. My friend and I split the Koobideh plate with 2 kabobs, rice, and a grilled tomato. EXCELLENT!
This was only my second time eating Koobideh, and it completely matched my expectations from the first time I had tried it. The portions are huge, and the one plate was enough for my friend and I. The service was wonderful, which was obviously expected since there was no one in the restaurant, but I am sure the service here is always great. The staff was really kind. I will be back! -
Review from Corey L.
San Francisco, CA
3/31/2010
http://Restaurant.com shoppers, beware.
I've had a http://restaurant.com gift certificate for a while now, but prior to heading over, decided to check out the reviews. The one from 2/22 caught my eye, which detailed how the restaurant was refusing to honor the certificates despite restaurant.com's insistence that they were active. I decided to call and ask, the hostess said that her boss has ordered the staff not to accept any gift certificates since they cancelled their contract "a few months ago". The boss, of course, wasn't available for an explanation.
Seems pretty shady and entirely dishonest, won't give them any business even if the food is ok. -
Review from Natalie S.
San Francisco, CA
4/21/2009
My bf recommended this place as great not heavy Persian food. After not eating it for 5 years, I trusted his advice and came. Unfortunately I have no recollection as to the names of the dishes that I ordered, but we did order the combination appetizer which came with a gamut of options, the eggplant being the best. Then we had an appetizer which was basically fried/hardened rice with a sauce of your choice. This was the best dish and only around $7. The kabobs are huuuuge, and if you have a big appetite then order two. I had one, and took four pieces home. I like their rice as well.
The only annoying thing is the shared bathroom down the hall in which you need a key. I swear the girl that took the ladies room key was in there FOREVER and all I wanted to do was wash my hands. Thankfully the host gave me their secret key. -
Review from Tangerine L.
San Francisco, CA
5/20/2009
Went here for dinner. Service was attentive. Food was okay. We had the Alborz dinenr for two, and were slightly underwhelmed. Nothing stood out, and nothing was spectacular.
Dolmas were tasty, but 7$ for 3 pieces that lacked ground beef seemed a bit stiff. The Alborz dinner was 35$ and comes with three skewers, one of chicken, of filet mignon, and ground beef. Definitely filling, but it lacks a certain oomph.
Money is tight right now. I don't like to eat out if I can save money eating at home. So when a dinner costs 50+ dollars, I kind of want it to be special, and to be memorable, at least something that satisfies the taste buds.
It's not a bad place for food, but if I were to go here again, I think I will go with their combination or their special. I saw other people ordering it, and it came out on a giant plate iwth rice, sald, and meat. -
Review from Lynsey C.
San Francisco, CA
12/8/2008
I pretty much love all Persian cuisine and it's been hard to find in the city.
This place is pretty darn delicious and somewhat close to where I live. Great prices for how nice it is too. -
Review from Cara J.
Houston, TX
4/23/2009
We arrived late for dinner here and they politely requested we order because the kitchen was closing soon. I admit Persian food is a bit not bland, but not spicy hot enough for me. The halal lamb dish I ordered was good, but not amazing. A crazy homeless man attempted to enter the restaurant to sell flowers and got to our table where the person I was with did get a flower, but then the buser rudely kicked the guy out. Sure, he smelled, but I got a flower and was happy and like helping the homeless when, where, and how possible.
In sum, this place is good enough, but I'll more likely to go out for Pakistani to get my halal fix.Listed in: Yummy Halal Places in the Bay…
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Review from Chris R.
7/13/2009
How did this place get Four stars? I mean sure, it has good service, even up to very good at times. If you are having some sort of family or business deal going on they can provide an mound og good food.\
But as for top of the line Persian cuisine I don't really rate Alborz as top of the heap. The last three time I have eaten at Alborz they have served your basic good restaurant Persian food. But don't ask for your tadiq here as they don't serve it in a manner that befits a good rice crust. The rest of the rice from the pot is your standard delicious basmati rice.
The stews are good.
The khoobideh is unreliable. Sometimes perfect, sometimes less than desirable..
It's not a bad place mind you, but like their web site that has been forever unfinished (http://www.alborzresta...) just not four stars worth. So I have not felt any desire to return here in while.
Maybe it's time to go back again and give them another shot, and another review. Till then Alborz get a solid three stars from me. -
Review from Camie K.
San Francisco, CA
1/5/2009 1 photo
Wow. I will never look at Persian food the same way again.
1. Food: Amazingly delicious! The kebabs are to die for -- juicy, tender, and flavorful. The pomegranate meat sauce does not look too appealing but has a surprisingly tangy and "comforting" taste.
2. Service: Great. Our waitresses are attentive and sweet. At the time of my visit, they were especially apologetic for having burnt the rice and had to cook up another batch. To save face, they gave us some complimentary side dishes (mad props to them), which made me insanely ecstatic.
3. Price: Moderate. I ended up dropping around 20-25 bucks for having shared 3-5 courses (including appetizer salad and main courses) with two other friends.
Unfortunately I don't remember anything else about this place but once I find my pictures I will upload them. So the bottom line is... eat at this place! -
Review from Jerkey J.
Los Angeles, CA
1/3/2008
As much as I've enjoyed reading all the honkey reviews of their introductions to Persian food, I have a piece of advice, you don't go to Persian restaurants for SHRIMP COCKTAIL. That's GROSS.
Anyway - and those who say Maykedeh is better probably just had a good night at Maykedeh because I'd take Alborz over that place any day.
Now that I live in LA - I miss the convenience of Alborz. Even though I supposedly live in the Tehrangeles vicinity, I love the uncomfortable silence and awkwardness of the wait staff. The super eager or barely there attention. It's good. Adds some culture.
Koobideh - always succulent - so juicy. Hot steamy light fluffy rice.
Zehreshk - a little sweet for my taste but I love Zehreshk so too bad.
Fesenjon - Delicious w/ chicken. Think they offer lamb too but I don't eat lamb because it smells like wet hay under the weight of 10 sheep.
And yes the wait staff can be all over you. They're persian. They're fuckin pushy. That's the way it is. -
Review from chris r.
San Francisco, CA
10/23/2007
This is a quick review. Persian food in general is amazing. Alborz does some things good, others not as good. To start, like others stated, it doesn't come close to home cooked Persian food. My girlfriends mom makes amazing Persian food.
The Alborz in Berkeley is better than the San Francisco location. The rice seemed fresher. I generally get kabob when I come here, and the chicken, filet mignon and koobideh (ground meat) are all good. Most other stuff on the menu my gf's mom makes better so I don't mess with it. But the chicken fesinjoon was pretty good. Do yourself a favor and give Persian food a try if you've not done so yet. And get a Dugh, the yogurt drink
