New York City is home to over 8 million New Yorkers. Whether they are chasing the big dream, living life to the fullest, or looking for the perfect place to eat…residents and tourists can appreciate a great meal.
As an Iranian American woman, I feel compelled to state that no matter where I choose to eat, I am extremely finicky when it comes to Persian cuisine. If the food is awful, the entire experience is nothing more than something to write about. If the service is horrible, well I do not believe I will ever return again.
Recently, when traveling to the Big Apple, I found myself frequenting several Persian eateries. Some I loved, some I hated, and some I debated ever eating at again. One thing is certain, there were quite a few that I would dub the best. So, what are the best Persian restaurants in New York City?
Located in the heart of New York City on 1420 3rd Ave. in between 80th and 81st St. lies one of the best Persian restaurants in the big apple, Shalezeh. With everything from salads and sides to entrees and appetizers, you are destined to find what you want here. Whether you are a religious meat eater or an ethical vegetarian, Shalezeh has amazing choices for you. For more information, please call (212) 288-0012. $$$
Ravagh currently represents two locations in the big apple, one being on 11 E. 30th St. in between 5th & Madison and the other one being on 1237 1st. Ave. which is located on the Upper East Side of the city. With everything from soups, salads, sandwiches, and stews to various kebabs, appetizers, and desserts Ravagh has it all. Plus, if you are a vegetarian you will have no problems eating here. For more information, please call (212) 696-0300 or (212) 861-7900. $$$
Whether you are looking to sit down and enjoy amazing Persian food or even cook your own, Taste Of Persia is the place to go. Taste Of Persia is located on the East Village of the big apple. Not only is this amazing eatery a restaurant filled with some of the most amazing Persian delectables, but it is also a market which allows you to shop for the right ingredients to make that special Persian dinner. For more information, please call (917) 592-3467. $$$
Persian food’s acquired taste makes it even more rare yet more delicious and one of the best Persian eateries I have discovered in the big apple is definitely Persepolis. Persepolis is currently located on 1407 2nd Ave at 73rd St. in New York City. With everything from delicious Persian entrees to appetizers to salads, stews, and sides you are going to love eating at Persepolis. Three Course Meal Deals are also available, making your experience an even greater one. Whether you are a vegetarian or vegan, you will find the best selections here too. For more information, please call (212) 535-1100. $$$$
Located in the Brooklyn area on 81 Hoyt St. in between State St. and Atlantic Ave. lies Bijan’s, one of the best Persian eateries you will find in the big apple. With everything from soups and salads to an assortment of entrees Bijan’s a place you will want to frequent. If you haven’t tried Persian food, you will love this place as it is Persian, but has an American spin on the cuisine. Plus, if you are a vegetarian you will have no problems finding good eats here. For more information about Bijan’s, please call (718) 855-5574. $$$
Colbeh is located in two separate locations in New York City. The most popular location is located on 32 W. 39th St. in between 5th and 6th Ave. The other is located near the Queens area in between Melbourne and 68th Ave. on 68-34 Main St. With everything from cold and hot appetizers to pita wraps, salads, and stews, if you are looking for delicious Persian food, you will find it here. For more information, please call (212) 354-8182 or (718) 268-8181. $$$$
Firdos is located on 25-21 Steinway St. in Astoria in between 25th and 28th Ave. This Persian restaurant is one of the best in New York City today. With everything from entrees and appetizers to soups, sides, and specials you will find nothing more than tasty Persian food. Plus, if you are a vegetarian you will find great choices here too. For more information, please call (718) 777-7797. $$$
Once you discover some of the finest Persian eateries the big apple has to offer, you will then understand why the “once you go Persian, there is no other version” theory applies.
