In the far west of the US, there are eateries where you can enjoy Persian foods in San Francisco that smell and taste like the food in your home country. Nazdikia’s list of popular Persian restaurants in San Francisco can save you from the trouble of researching where to go for authentic Iranian food in San Francisco.
Lavash Restaurant
Business Description
Looking for Persian Kebabs in San Francisco cooked to perfection? Lavash is one of the Persian restaurants in San Francisco that specializes in Authentic Persian cuisine. The decor is stylish with a sweet brown ambiance and plants on every corner. The food tastes as delicious as it looks and smells. You can choose among 16 appetizers, 4 stews, 3 rice dishes, and 14 various juicy Persian Kabobs. Just a heads up, it’s going to be hard to make a decision about which one to have.
Persian Nights Oakland
Business Description
A Persian restaurant with outside seating for those who prefer to have their food out in the open. The menu isn’t that complicated either. It lists popular Persian foods like Tahchin, Ghorme Sabzi, Koobideh, Barg, Joojeh, plus some iconic Persian dishes like Sabzi Polo Ba Mahi, and Fesenjan. Overall, Persian Nights resembles one of those Iranian eateries where people go when they crave an old-school eating experience. Don’t forget to try their signature drinks after the meal.
Daryoush Restaurant
Business Description
Daryoush restaurant (founded in 2025) is a good-sized Persian restaurant with an uncomplicated interior design, which is decorated with pictures of Pasargad. If you go there as a couple, you should order the Daryoush plate for two that includes one skewer of Joojeh, Koobideh, and Barg plus two servings of saffron rice. Daryoush restaurant also serves vegetarian and vegan dishes like Khoresht Bademjan, Fesenjan, and veggie kebabs. Reviews generally show satisfaction with the food and service, and this is great considering that the restaurant was founded just recently.
Shalizaar Restaurant
Business Description
Shalizaar is a homely Persian restaurant where you feel a sense of belonging, with the aroma of Persian food filling the place and Persian expats chit-chatting about their lives. Special options at this restaurant are private dining rooms and great cocktails. Reviews show immense satisfaction with the food, the staff, and the banquet service. A reviewer wrote, “The food was absolutely amazing… The price point was perfect.” If you want to invite someone to an authentic Persian restaurant in San Francisco and you want them to remember this night, you should invite them to Shalizaar.
Chelokababi Persian Cuisine – San Francisco
Business Description
Chelokababi has made it possible to simulate the experience of having Persian food in San Francisco in a restaurant that reminds you of traditional restaurants in Iran. The interior boasts the tasteful Persian-style decoration. For over four decades, Chelokababi has been a beacon of generational Persian recipes, where fresh-baked bread and slow-simmered stews create moments of pure delight. A reviewer wrote, “If you’re seeking an exceptional Persian dining experience in the Bay Area, Chelokababi in Sunnyvale is a must-visit.” Overall, this place has brought authentic Persian decor and cuisine together.
Everything You Need to Know About Persian Restaurants in San Francisco
Nazdikia connects Persian clients abroad with local businesses offering authentic products and services, including top dining spots. This guide highlights popular Persian restaurants in San Francisco, focusing on their unique taste of Persian food.
Location and Accessibility
Finding a Persian restaurant near me in San Francisco is easy with options like Lavash. Its proximity to the N-Judah line makes it highly accessible, though street parking can be competitive during peak hours.
Persian Nights offers a scenic lakeside view and street parking, ideal for those willing to take a short drive from San Francisco. Shalizaar provides free parking in a spacious lot, easily reachable via Highway 101 for those south of the city. Chelokababi in Sunnyvale also offers free parking within a shopping center, though it’s a bit farther from central San Francisco. Daryoush is about 30 minutes from downtown and has paid street parking, costing around $8 for two hours.
For those seeking the closest Persian restaurant to downtown San Francisco, Lavash stands out. Delivery services like DoorDash and Grubhub are available at most of these restaurants, ensuring convenient access to Iranian food in San Francisco for those who prefer dining at home.
Menu Highlights and Recommendations
Exploring a Persian restaurant menu in San Francisco unveils a rich array of authentic dishes.
- At Lavash, diners frequently recommend the Koobideh, a juicy ground beef kabob, paired with vegetarian options like Mast O Khiar, a refreshing yogurt and cucumber dip.
- Persian Nights excels with its Zereshk Polo, featuring tart barberries and fragrant saffron rice, alongside vegan-friendly grilled vegetable plates.
- Shalizaar’s Shislik lamb chops, served with fluffy rice, are a must-try, complemented by vegetarian eggplant stews for diverse dietary needs.
- Daryoush is celebrated for its special platter for two, brimming with kebabs, stews, and the highly praised Lamb Shank.
- Chelokababi’s Kabab Torsh, with its walnut-pomegranate sauce, is a standout, and its lentil-based vegan stews cater to plant-based diners.
These restaurants offer a wide variety of Persian foods in San Francisco, with classics like Joojeh Kabob for chicken enthusiasts and Fesenjan for those craving a nutty, sweet-tart stew. Shalizaar and Chelokababi provide particularly extensive menus, ensuring options for every palate.
Pricing and Practical Information
Dining at a Persian food restaurant in San Francisco is both flavorful and budget-friendly, with dinner costs typically ranging from $20 to $40 per person. Lavash offers fair pricing, with kabobs around $25 and lunch specials under $20, including rice and salad, making it a great value.
Shalizaar’s entrees, priced between $18 and $30, deliver generous portions, while Chelokababi’s dishes range from $20 to $35, noted for their quality in reviews. Daryoush’s platters, around $50 for two, provide excellent value for sharing, and Persian Nights aligns similarly with entrees at $20 to $35.
Reservations are advised, especially at Lavash and Shalizaar, which accept bookings via OpenTable or phone, particularly for busy weekend evenings. Operating hours generally span from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., with Lavash and Shalizaar offering lunch specials like discounted stews or kabob combos.
Catering services are available at Lavash, Shalizaar, and Chelokababi, ideal for events, and while no specific kids’ menus exist, sharing large plates accommodates younger diners. Most restaurants support delivery, making it easy to enjoy Persian food in San Francisco at home.
Atmosphere and Dining Experiences
The ambiance at a Persian restaurant in San Francisco caters to a range of occasions, from intimate to festive.
- Lavash creates a cozy, stylish setting with fresh flowers and warm lighting, perfect for date nights or small family dinners.
- Persian Nights offers a casual yet elegant vibe with its lakeside patio, ideal for romantic evenings or celebrations, occasionally enhanced by live music.
- Shalizaar leans upscale with its elegant decor, stone oven for fresh bread, and wine awards, making it suitable for family gatherings or special events.
- Chelokababi’s intimate space, adorned with Persian designs, is a cozy choice for quiet family dinners or meaningful date nights.
- Daryoush’s open kitchen adds lively energy, perfect for group meals or casual outings with friends.
Outdoor seating is available at Persian Nights, and most venues support venue bookings for events, with catering options enhancing off-site celebrations. None are overly luxurious, but Shalizaar’s refined atmosphere makes it a standout for upscale dining. These restaurants blend tradition and comfort, ensuring memorable experiences for those seeking Persian foods in San Francisco.
To explore more Persian businesses and stay connected with the Persian community in San Francisco, revisit Nazdikia for fresh discoveries soon.