The Eight Best Iranian Restaurants in Los Angeles: A Local’s Guide to Persian Cuisine

Los Angeles is a world-class food city, but the crown jewel of its Middle Eastern culinary scene is undoubtedly its vibrant Persian food. Finding the best Iranian restaurants in Los Angeles can be a delicious challenge, with hundreds of options ranging from casual kabob houses to elegant dining rooms.

This guide is here to connect you to the very best. We’ll explore the heart of Persian Square (Tehrangeles), find the most succulent Chelo Kabob, and dive into iconic stews (Khoresh) like Gheymeh and Fesenjan.

In this local’s guide, you’ll find:

• The best restaurants specifically for Kabobs (grills).

• The top spots for authentic Khoresh (stews).

• Must-try casual and unique Persian eateries.

• Essential info: addresses, phone numbers, and hours.

• Answers to all your questions about Persian food in LA.

Where to Find the Best Persian Food in LA?

While you can find amazing spots all over the city, the highest concentration of Iranian-Americans and Persian businesses is in the Westwood neighborhood, famously nicknamed "Persian Square" or "Tehrangeles." However, don't miss the incredible restaurant scenes in Glendale and Encino in the San Fernando Valley, which also host a large and vibrant Persian community. Los Angeles's diverse culinary landscape is a key part of the broader array of fantastic dining experiences across the state. For a look at top dining spots throughout the region, check out other excellent Los Angeles restaurants.

The Kabob Kings: Best for Grills

When you think of Persian food, you probably picture Chelo Kabob: skewers of juicy, grilled meat served over mounds of fluffy, Saffron-kissed rice. Here are the spots that do it best.

1. Raffi's Place (Glendale)

Often cited as one of the largest and most popular Iranian restaurants, Raffi's Place is an institution in Glendale. It's famous for its beautiful courtyard and perfectly grilled, generous kabobs.

• Famous Dishes: Soltani Kabob (Barg & Koobideh combo), Joojeh Kabob (Chicken), Baghali Polo.

• Address: 211 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205

• Phone: (818) 240-7411

• Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

  
  

2. Javan Restaurant (West LA)

Javan is a beloved spot just outside Persian Square, famous for its consistently delicious food, family-style atmosphere, and huge portions of rice. Their Koobideh is a benchmark for many locals.

• Famous Dishes: Chelo Kabob Koobideh, Zereshk Polo (Barberry Rice), Ghormeh Sabzi.

• Address: 11500 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

• Phone: (310) 207-5555

• Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

  
  

3. Shamshiri Grill (Westwood)

Located right in Persian Square, Shamshiri is a go-to for many locals. They offer a huge menu of grilled items, including fantastic Kabob Barg (filet). They are also known for serving certified halal Persian food.

• Famous Dishes: Kabob Barg, Chelo Kabob Koobideh, Tahdig with stew.

• Address: 1712 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

• Phone: (310) 474-1410

• Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

  
  

The Khoresh Champions: Best for Stews

Khoresh is the Persian word for stew, representing the soulful, slow-cooked, and complex side of the cuisine. These restaurants offer some of the best Khoresh in Los Angeles.

4. Shaherzad (Westwood)

A classic teahouse-style restaurant, Shaherzad has been serving the community for over 30 years. It’s known for its home-style cooking, particularly its rotating daily special stews. This is where you go for a taste of a Persian home kitchen.

• Famous Dishes: Fesenjan (Pomegranate & Walnut Stew), Gheymeh (Split Pea & Lamb Stew), daily specials.

• Address: 1422 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

• Phone: (310) 470-9111

• Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM

  
  

5. Sadaf Restaurant (Encino)

Sadaf has been a staple in Encino for decades, known for its elegant, spacious dining room and a massive menu. While their kabobs are popular, their traditional stews, like Fesenjan, are rich, authentic, and consistently excellent.

• Famous Dishes: Fesenjan, Baghali Polo with Mahicheh (Lamb Shank), Albaloo Polo (Sour Cherry Rice).

• Address: 16240 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91436

• Phone: (818) 981-8600

• Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM - 9:30 PM

  
  

6. Shirin (Westland Hills)

Though less formal than Sadaf, Shirin offers reliably delicious food in a comfortable setting, making it a favorite for many families in the San Fernando Valley looking for consistent quality in their stews and rice dishes.

• Address: 21826 Ventura Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91364

• Phone: (818) 887-1010

Unique & Casual Must-Try Spots

Beyond the main courses of kabob and khoresh, these spots offer unique and casual Persian dishes that are essential to the LA food scene.

7. Attari Sandwich Shop (Westwood)

If you're looking for a "kabob near me" for a quick, casual, and iconic lunch, this is it. Tucked into a small courtyard, Attari serves some of the best and most beloved Persian sandwiches in the city. A true Tehrangeles landmark.

• Famous Dishes: Kookoo Sabzi Sandwich, Omelette Sandwich, Sosis Bandari (spicy sausage).

• Address: 1388 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024

• Phone: (310) 441-5488

• Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

  
  

8. Taste of Tehran (Westwood)

Another gem in Westwood, Taste of Tehran is a smaller, more modern spot known for its fresh ingredients and home-style cooking. It's the perfect place to grab a quick, healthy lunch or a comforting bowl of Ash Reshteh.

• Famous Dishes: Ash Reshteh (traditional noodle soup), Koobideh Kabob, Albaloo Polo.

• Address: 1915 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

• Phone: (310) 470-0022

• Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

  
  

Los Angeles is undeniably the best city in America for Persian food, thanks to the vibrant community in Tehrangeles and beyond. You can also explore a growing selection of Persian Restaurants on EasyLinkTo.com. This list is your starting point to connect with the best flavors the city has to offer. Whether you're in the mood for a perfectly grilled Soltani Kabob, a rich and complex Fesenjan, or a quick sandwich from Attari, you're guaranteed a memorable meal.

You can browse through nearly 50 listings and discover new flavors in your area. If you’ve visited a Persian restaurant that isn’t yet featured on EasyLinkTo and had a great experience, we invite you to share the restaurant’s name and your experience in the comments. Your recommendations help others in the Iranian community — and beyond — find and enjoy high-quality Persian cuisine across the United States.

Nousheh Jan! (Enjoy your meal!)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the biggest Iranian restaurant in LA? 

A: While "biggest" can mean seating or popularity, Raffi's Place in Glendale is often considered one of the largest and most prominent, with extensive indoor and outdoor seating to handle big crowds.

Q: Which LA neighborhood has the most Persian people? 

A: Westwood, specifically the area known as Persian Square (or Tehrangeles), has the highest concentration of Persian-owned businesses and residents in Los Angeles.

Q: Do Iranian restaurants deliver? 

A: Yes! Almost all restaurants on this list, and most Iranian restaurants in Los Angeles, offer delivery through major apps like Uber Eats, Postmates, and DoorDash, or through dedicated Persian delivery services. It's always best to call the restaurant directly to check their preferred delivery partner.

Q: What is Tahdig and where can I get the best? 

A: Tahdig is the crispy, golden layer of rice from the bottom of the pot, and it's a beloved Persian delicacy. Many restaurants, like Shamshiri Grill and Javan, offer it as an appetizer, often served with a stew like Gheymeh or Ghormeh Sabzi on top. Always ask for it when you order!