Persian cuisine thrives in New York and New Jersey, with over 50 authentic eateries serving fragrant dishes rooted in centuries-old traditions. For Koobideh lovers, Nazdikia has handpicked the top Persian restaurants in New York and New Jersey, showcasing juicy, perfectly spiced minced lamb kebabs that capture the soul of Persian flavors.
Ravagh Persian Grill
Business Description
Big restaurant, big plates, big glasses… Everything is big at Ravagh Persian Grill with two branches in Manhattan and two in Long Island. If you like to be assured that the food is made from fresh ingredients, you can trust Ravagh restaurant because the place is so crowded that they have to restock their ingredients quite frequently. This is also a great place for those who like to eat in a bustling place. However, if you wish to celebrate an event with family and friends over a Persian dinner party in a private place, say at your home, you can book a catering service.
Persepolis Restaurant – NY
Business Description
The design at Persepolis restaurant is nothing to write home about. Just some tables in different sizes in a long eating salon. The variety of Persian dishes, however, makes up for the plain design. There are over 30 entrees, including Perepolis specials, each more delicious and aromatic than the other. You can choose among Persian stews, Persepolis signature entrees, and seafood entrees prepared Persian style. If you haven’t eaten out in a Persian restaurant in a while and you’re looking for a place to take in the true taste of Persian dishes, Persepolis is the right place.
Eyval
Business Description
For some people, how the food looks and how the table is set is just as important as how it tastes. If you’re one of them, the cooks at Eyval restaurant make sure your dish is tasty and attractive. The drinks menu is even longer than the entree menu, allowing you to mix the taste of authentic, well-cooked Persian food with your favorite flavor of wine. The lighting at this restaurant and the arrangement of tables make Eyval a great place for a couple’s night out in Brooklyn. The drawings on the tablecloth add nostalgia to the romance. In short, Persian food, drinks, romance, and nostalgia are what you get at Eyval.
Nasrin’s Kitchen – NYC
Business Description
A hidden gem serving authentic Persian cuisine. Founded by Chef Nasrin Rejali, the restaurant feels more like a warm home than a bustling city eatery. Soft lighting, elegant décor, and gentle Persian music create an inviting atmosphere. The menu features traditional favorites like Fesenjoon, a rich walnut and pomegranate stew, and Ghormeh Sabzi, a fragrant herb and lamb dish. Generous portions, personal service, and heartfelt cooking make Nasrin’s Kitchen popular with both locals and visitors seeking a genuine Persian dining experience.
Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar (NY Branch)
Business Description
One thing that makes Shiraz restaurant stand out among other Persian restaurants in New York is its wine menu. This is the perfect place to infuse authentic tastes of Persian cuisine with different flavors of wine. The menu at Shiraz Kitchen and Wine Bar has something for everyone. So, whether you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you can still experience the Persian cuisine at this restaurant. The price at Shiraz Kitchen starts at $30 per person, but you get good value for your money. Shiraz Kitchen reviews show immense satisfaction with the quality of food and the attentive waiters.
Pardis Persian Grill
Business Description
Have you ever had the feeling of explosion due to overeating, and yet you can’t resist the next bite? If not, or if you like to have that feeling again, you should visit Pardis Persian Grill in New Jersey. Various juicy kebabs, aromatic Persian stews, and irresistible Persian desserts like Goosh Fil, Zoolbia, and Bamieh make Pardis a worthy Persian eatery. You can also find the names of less common Persian dishes like Dolmeh and Albalu Popo on the menu. If you’re lucky, you can have a taste of Tahdig on the side. And don’t forget to order Shirazi salad to help your gut with digestion.
Kabob on the Cliff
Business Description
A delicious and trusted Persian restaurant with four branches in New Jersey. This restaurant chain lives up to the standards of both original Iranians and those new to Persian cuisine. The menu is quite extensive, including juicy Koobideh, Joojeh Masti, and the famous Bakhtiari. They’ve taken the extra mile by including Khoresht Sabzi, Gheymeh Polo, and Fesenjan on the menu. For dessert, you can enjoy authentic flavors in Persian ice cream, Shole Zard, Faloodeh, Zoobia, and Bamieh. You can also have the sandwich version of Koobideh, chicken breast, and beef.
Marjan Fine Persian Grill
Business Description
A stylish Persian eatery with a long menu for lunch and dinner. Marjan restaurant serves several meat-based and vegetable-based Persian dishes, appetizers, and salads. The most expensive item on the lunch menu is Kabob Barg, costing $18.95, and on the dinner menu, Chef’s Combination Kabob, costing $51.95. It’s not a cheap restaurant, but the food they serve is definitely worth it. You can also use their catering service for $42 per person.
Rayhoon Persian Kabob House – NJ
Business Description
A cozy Persian restaurant in New Jersey where food is served in metal containers and pots to add a bit of nostalgia to the already authentic Persian foods. This restaurant was founded by two Iranian brothers whose years of experience in the restaurant industry have yielded fruit in Rayhoon restaurant. Aside from famous Persian dishes like various Kabob types and stews like Gheyme and Ghormeh Sabzi, you can order dishes like Mirza Ghasemi, Kashk Bademjan, Dolmeh, and Koo Koo Sabzi.
Negeen Persian Grill (Springfield Branch)
Business Description
It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first visit or not; you will feel at home at Negeen Persian Grill. Negeen is tastefully decorated like a traditional restaurant in Iran; the chandeliers, the wooden chairs and tables, with nostalgic photos on the walls, all take you back to your home country. As far as the food is concerned, Negeen restaurant is one of the places where people go for juicy and tender Koobideh in New Jersey. Also, reviews show satisfaction with the service and staff. A reviewer wrote, “The food is authentic, amazing, and served with a smile and warm wishes.”
Everything You Need to Know About Koobideh and Persian Restaurants in New York and New Jersey
Nazdikia connects Persian communities abroad with trusted businesses, including outstanding restaurants that serve authentic Koobideh and more. Our guides highlight the best places in New York and New Jersey for delicious meals. Check out these eateries for a taste of home or an exciting culinary experience.
Understanding Koobideh: A Persian Culinary Staple
Koobideh is a popular ground meat kebab, usually made from lamb or beef, grilled to juicy perfection. It stands out in Persian cuisine for its simple yet rich flavors, often seasoned with onions, turmeric, and black pepper. This dish reflects Iran’s grilling traditions, where meat is marinated lightly to highlight quality ingredients.
In New York and New Jersey, restaurants typically serve it with basmati rice for a complete meal. First-timers should notice its tender texture, which comes from careful kneading.
The name “Koobideh” comes from the Persian word for “to beat,” referring to old methods of pounding meat on stones for smoothness. Nowadays, grinding the meat twice ensures an even texture. The fat content, around 20 to 35 percent, helps it stay moist while grilling.
Sumac adds a tangy finish, while saffron offers a touch of luxury in upscale places. Across the region, it remains a symbol of comfort and celebration.
Top Spots for Koobideh Across New York-New Jersey
In New York:
- Ravagh Persian Grill in Midtown Manhattan serves smoky beef Koobideh in generous portions.
- Persepolis on the Upper East Side elevates the dish with cherry rice.
- Shiraz Kitchen pairs lamb Koobideh with wines and boasts a 4.5-star rating for its modern twist.
- Nasrin’s Kitchen in Midtown offers herb-infused versions in a mansion setting, earning 4.6 stars for authenticity.
In New Jersey:
- Pardis Persian Grill in Ridgewood excels with perfectly cooked beef Koobideh, receiving 4.7 stars from over 1,000 loyal customers.
- Kabob on the Cliff in Cliffside Park provides halal lamb-beef combos, rated 4.5 stars for generous servings.
- Marjan Fine Persian Grill in Morristown features crispy-edged options, also with a 4.5 rating in a relaxed downtown vibe.
- Rayhoon in Parsippany delivers fluffy beef, boasting 4.6 stars thanks to careful attention to detail.
- Negeen restaurant offers family-style lamb, rated 4.2 stars for well-balanced, hearty plates.
Neighborhoods like Midtown and the Upper East Side in New York host classic spots buzzing with energy. Bushwick brings a modern feel for creative diners. In New Jersey, Ridgewood and Morristown are hotspots for authentic eats, drawing both commuters and locals. Cliffside Park provides easy access from the city, while Parsippany and Summit offer suburban charm.
Preparation and Variations in Local Eateries
Traditional preparation involves mixing ground meat with grated onions, then skewering and grilling over open flames. In New York, places like Persepolis achieve smoky notes that remind diners of charcoal pits back home.
New Jersey’s Pardis ensures even seasoning without burning, using wide flat skewers for that signature shape. Some places add a bit of baking soda for extra tenderness, helping the mixture hold together. Kneading for five minutes creates a sticky paste that helps prevent falls during cooking.
Key ingredients for authentic Koobideh include high-fat meat, onions, salt, and pepper. Turmeric gives it a warm color, while garlic adds flavor in simpler recipes. Saffron enhances it in places like Shiraz Kitchen, creating an enticing aroma. Grated onions provide moisture, but they must be strained to avoid sogginess. In New York, some restaurants use wagyu at Eyval, combining premium beef for a melt-in-your-mouth texture. In New Jersey, Rayhoon creates a fluffy texture with precise grinding.
Variations also include different proteins. Chicken Koobideh in New York at places like Ravagh stays juicy with saffron marinades. Beef Koobideh in New Jersey from Marjan includes herb infusions for crisp edges. Lamb Koobideh in New York at Shiraz avoids gamey flavors through careful sourcing. While traditional recipes usually do not include extras like eggs or breadcrumbs, some eateries experiment lightly. Persian kabob restaurants in New York, like Nasrin’s, add grilled veggies for balance. Iranian grill restaurants in New York, such as Ravagh, attract crowds for their reliability.
Halal options are widely available, with Kabob on the Cliff emphasizing high-quality certified meats. Chicken Koobideh in New Jersey at Pardis pairs with cherry rice for a sweet contrast. Persian kebab restaurants in New Jersey, like Negeen, rival coastal spots with fresh twists. Iranian grill restaurants in New Jersey, such as Pardis, welcome BYOB crowds. Beef Koobideh in New York from Eyval blends tradition with local innovation. Lamb Koobideh in New Jersey at Kabob on the Cliff remains homemade and tender.
Unique fusions keep things interesting. Koobideh in New Jersey at Marjan complements stews perfectly. Persian kabob restaurants in New Jersey, like Kabob on the Cliff, offer combo plates at a great value. Chicken Koobideh in New Jersey from Rayhoon fluffs up through attentive preparation. Persian kebab restaurants in New Jersey, such as Negeen, draw comparisons to LA hotspots. Koobideh in New York varies by borough, from casual bites in Astoria to refined plates in Manhattan.
Dining Experiences and Practical Insights
The atmosphere adds to Koobideh meals, with Ravagh’s family-run vibe creating a warm gathering place. Persepolis offers an elegant setting for date nights or quiet lunches. Shiraz Kitchen features chic wine pairings that balance the grill’s intensity. Nasrin’s Kitchen, located in a historic space, whispers stories through every bite. Family-owned gems like Negeen create intimate settings perfect for sharing plates.
Menus go beyond kebabs, featuring stews like Ghormeh Sabzi that pair well with the grill. Vegetarian options like Mirza Ghasemi cater to mixed groups.
Delivery is available through apps, but in-person grilling adds excitement. Weekends fill up fast, so reservations are a good idea. The ambiance varies from casual BYOB spots in Ridgewood to candlelit environments in Gramercy.
Pairings, Evolution, and Tips for Enjoying Koobideh
Side dishes pair nicely with yogurt dips like Mast-o-Khiar, which cools the spice. Crispy Tahdig soaks up juices beautifully. Grilled tomatoes and onions bring char and acidity. Zereshk Polo’s barberry tang cuts the richness. Sprinkling sumac adds a lemony lift without overwhelming the dish.
The Persian dining scene in New York and New Jersey has evolved from family-run spots in the 1980s to vibrant hubs today. Early arrivals like Ravagh built loyal followings with their comforting kebabs. Waves of newcomers, like Sofreh’s upscale dishes since 2018, have earned acclaim. Today, over 50 eateries blend tradition with new ideas. Immigration and food media have brought Koobideh from a niche item to a widely celebrated dish.
For those trying it for the first time, start with beef or lamb for a classic flavor; chicken suits milder tastes. Squeeze fresh lime over the dish for brightness, and wrap it in lavash for easy handling. Enjoy it while it’s warm, and consider pairing it with tea afterwards. If you’re grilling at home, rotate skewers frequently to prevent sticking.
Visit Nazdikia again to discover more spots and plan your next meal.