Lucas CloutierThe first time I tried Persian food, it was in this little hole-in-the-wall spot out of town that looked like it hadn’t changed since the 80s. I had no idea what to order, so I just pointed at something with a name longer than my own.
What arrived was saffron rice, skewers so juicy I questioned everything I knew about BBQ, and a side of yogurt so good it felt like it could broker world peace (okay, slight exaggeration—but still).
Ever since that meal, I’ve become lowkey addicted to Persian cuisines. And luckily, Vancouver has no shortage of incredible Persian restaurants that deliver the same kind of magic.
Whether you’re in search of a plate of crunchy tahdig or just want to eat at more halal restaurants, here is my personal list of the best Persian restaurants in this city.
- 1. Diyar Persian Restaurant
- 2. Miraas Restaurant & Bar
- 3. Delara Restaurant
- 4. Cazba Restaurant
- 5. Khaghan Restaurant
- 6. Sahel Market & Restaurant
- 7. Diba Restaurant
- 8. Tops Chef Persian Restaurant
- 9. Mehman Restaurant
- 10. Tanje Takehout Persian Food
- 11. Akbar Joojeh
- 12. Parse Persian Food
- 13.Kolbeh Restaurant
- 14. Shishlik Grill House
1. Diyar Persian Restaurant
– Media credit: diyar_restaurant_northvan
Address: 1480 Pemberton Ave
Hours:
- Monday & Tuesday & Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Wednesday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 11:30 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +12364296202
Price: $$
Diyar Persian Restaurant is the destination for those who are serious about kebabs (particularly lamb).
Their lamb barg is hard to beat: a tender fillet marinated to perfection and grilled until it’s juicy and full of flavor. The saffron rice is beautifully buttery and fragrant and delicious, a perfect complement.
If you’re not feeling kebabs, go for the ghormeh sabzi. It’s an incredibly rich and satisfying slow-cooked herb stew with beef and kidney beans that’s really comforting when paired with barberry rice.
| Pro Tip: For something different, come back for a Persian breakfast and order kale pache kamel. It’s a traditional dish made from slow-cooked lamb head and feet. It’s rich and full of collagen—a bold, hearty way to start your morning that regulars love. |
2. Miraas Restaurant & Bar
– Media credit: miraas.restaurant
Address: 1579 Bellevue Ave
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +16049028085
Price: $$
Miraas Persian Restaurant & Bar is meant for people who want to elevate their Persian dining experience.
If you’re feeling adventurous, I recommend trying their beef tongue. It’s slow-cooked until tender and served in a full-bodied, garlicky mushroom gravy.
As for me, I usually stick with the skewers, with the Ghafghazi Kebab being my favorite. It’s a juicy chicken breast and beef tenderloin dish that’s grilled with sweet bell peppers and onion.
I also recommend trying the Baghali Pol. It’s an intoxicating rice with fava beans and dill, finished with tender lamb that falls off the bone, sweet caramelized onions, and garlic.
| Pro Tip: Miraas’ classy bar is home to fabulous mixologists who whip up signature cocktails and serve top-shelf liquor. Make sure to try some of their drinks if you’re looking for an extravagant night out! |
3. Delara Restaurant
– Media credit: delararestaurant
Address: 2272 W 4th Ave
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +16047304325
Price: $$
Delara is where Persian flavors meet West Coast freshness. Whether you’re eating solo or with friends, you’ll taste the difference in every bite.
The khagineh is a must: a Persian pancake stuffed with walnuts and dates, kissed with cardamom and rose, then drizzled with grape molasses. It’s sweet, nutty, and just floral enough to feel fancy.
For dinner, I’d recommend getting the grilled beef ghalieh. It features tender beef in a tangy herby stew, topped with crispy shallots and sesame seeds. It’s always served with a golden shard of tahdeeg (that crispy rice is irresistible).
| Pro Tip: Whatever you do, save room for dessert—the saffron ice cream is creamy and floral, paired with a pistachio-cardamom cookie. |
4. Cazba Restaurant
– Media credit: cazbarestaurant
Address: 1103 Davie St
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Phone: +16044284747
Price: $$
I go to Cazba when I want to eat well and feel good about it. The vibe is casual but thoughtful, and the focus on organic, local ingredients is obvious.
The Kashk-e Bademjan here is a pretty good appetizer. It’s a silky and savory eggplant dip with creamy kashk and mint. Their truffled hummus, another side dish, is the kind of thing you’ll be dreaming about for days.
For mains, the Vaziri plate is my go-to. It comes with one juicy beef skewer, one tender chicken breast, and is served with fluffy rice and a charred tomato.
If you’re with a group, I recommend trying the Cazba Royal. With this, you get to try a bit of everything from the grill—perfect for sharing and arguing over your favorite.
| Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying the Persian ice cream. It’s loaded with pistachio, saffron, and rose water, giving it a creamy and fragrant flavor. |
5. Khaghan Restaurant
– Media credit: khaghan_restaurant_vancouver
Address: 851 Denman St
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Phone: +1 604-620-7688
Price: $$
Khaghan is the spot to go when you’re craving classic Persian comfort food. The smoky aroma from the grill hits as soon as you walk—an early hint that you’re in the right place.
I find the Special Bakhtiari the best option here. It includes two skewers: marinated chicken and lamb barg, both hot off the grill and piled high on fluffy rice.
On Fridays, dizi is available, and I recommend trying it. It’s a slow-cooked stew of meat, chickpeas, and potatoes, served with sangak bread. There’s something so satisfying about mashing it all together and scooping it up with warm bread.
| Pro Tip: Halim is a great choice for breakfast. It’s a warm, cinnamon-dusted wheat and beef porridge that’s filling and comforting, especially with a sprinkle of sugar. |
6. Sahel Market & Restaurant
– Media credit: sahelfinedining
Address: 3207 W Broadway
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +1 604-423-4117
Price: $$
Sahel is for when you want Persian food with a bit of a special-occasion vibe. The dining room feels lively but never pretentious.
My go-to is the Lamb & Beef Donair Plate—the meat is sliced thin, with crispy edges and juicy centers. Plus, the buttery rice and warm pita are perfect for scooping up every last bit.
The hummus is silky smooth, and the shirazi salad adds a fresh, tangy crunch that wakes up your palate.
For dessert, I usually split the pistachio and raspberry mousse cake. It’s light, creamy, and never too sweet.
| Pro Tip: If you’re with a group, try the Royal Sahel Platter—just be ready to debate which kebab is best. |
7. Diba Restaurant
– Media credit: diba.vancouver
Address: 1795 Pendrell St
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday -11:30 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +1 604-365-7973
Price: $$
Diba is my go-to when I want a really good kebab sandwich. Their loghmeh sandwich is my favorite: juicy minced beef kebab in a crusty baguette topped with onion, parsley, and sumac.
If I want to mix it up, I’ll get the chicken or the egg sandwich—both are lighter but still super good.
If I’m in the mood for something more traditional, I go for the salmon fesenjoon. It’s crispy on the outside and tender inside, served with roasted veggies and a lemon butter sauce that’s bright and rich.
| Pro Tip: I always recommend trying the Persian drinks here as well. The sekanjabin syrup is sweet, tangy, and minty. |
8. Tops Chef Persian Restaurant
Address: 530 Hornby St
Hours: Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 3 PM
Price: $
Go to Tops Chef when you want big portions and bold flavors without any preservatives. There hasn’t been a single time where I haven’t left with no leftovers.
I recommend starting with the mast-o-mossir—a creamy yogurt dip with shallots that’s tangy, a little garlicky, and perfect with warm bread. Their hummus is smooth and lemony, and I can never resist it.
For mains, the koobideh is my must-order. It comes with two huge skewers of juicy ground beef that’s charred just right and served with fluffy rice and a grilled tomato. I like to mix everything together for the perfect bite.
| Pro Tip: Their ghormeh sabzi is a favorite too—herby, rich, and just the right amount of tang from dried lime. |
9. Mehman Restaurant
– Media credit: mehmanrestaurant
Address: 1451 Lonsdale Ave
Hours:
- Monday – 11 AM to 7:30 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +17783400200
Price: $$
Mehman is my choice when I want a meal that feels a little special but still relaxed. The dining here is very classy and has that quiet elegance, but it’s the food that really keeps me coming back.
The Choopan Kabab is memorable. It features lamb shoulder chops that are marinated with garlic and grilled until tender and smoky. It’s then served with fluffy rice and a grilled tomato. I
When I can’t decide, I order the Chenjeh Soltani. It has juicy chunks of grilled steak and a skewer of koobideh, so you get the best of both worlds.
| Pro Tip: Mehman also has private dining rooms and catering, making it a great pick for celebrations or group dinners. |
10. Tanje Takehout Persian Food
– Media credit: tanje_takeout
Address: 1366 Marine Dr
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 11:15 to 8:40 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11:15 AM to 9:40 PM
Phone: +12365512230
Price: $
Tanje Takeout is my absolute go-to spot when I’m craving Persian stew. Their stews are seriously so good that you’ll be kicking yourself for not trying Persian stews sooner!
Their walnut stew (fesenjoon) is a trusted choice for me. They slow-cook chicken breast in this crazy good walnut sauce with just a hint of pomegranate sweetness.
Then there’s the yellow pea stew. It comes with beef and split peas swimming in this amazing tomato sauce, all piled on top of fluffy basmati rice that I could honestly eat any day.
| Pro Tip: Whatever you do, don’t walk out without snagging some of their homemade baklava! It’s perfectly flaky, packed with nuts, and just sweet enough to hit the spot without going overboard. |
11. Akbar Joojeh
– Media credit: akbarjoojeh_canada
Address: 1604 Lonsdale Ave
Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +16047701010
Price: $$
If you haven’t yet, try the akbar joojeh (Persian fried chicken) at Akbar Joojeh on the 16th. Simply put, they have the best akbar joojeh.
They use young, tender chicken marinated in saffron and a hint of citrus before frying them. On the side comes a tangy pomegranate sauce that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
If you are more of a kebab person, try their Soltani Steak Kebabs. It’s a combo of juicy grilled steak and koobideh (seasoned ground beef) on one skewer. The steak is so tender and flavorful, while the koobideh is juicy and bursting with spices.
| Pro Tip: Be sure to try their yogurt drink (doogh). It’s cold, slightly salty, with a refreshing tang. |
12. Parse Persian Food
– Media credit: parsefood.co
Address: Located in the back corner of the plaza, 1588 MacGowan Ave
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 10:30 PM
Phone: +16047804090
Price: $$
Parse Food is the spot to hit when you crave authentic Persian food straight from someone’s home kitchen.
One dish that stands out to me is the Zereshk Polo, a fragrant basmati rice mixed with tart barberries and saffron. It’s topped with tender chicken that’s stewed in a rich tomato sauce.
The barberries offer a tart note that mellows the savory flavor of the chicken perfectly.
If you want to get a little wild, try the Koofte (Jumbo meatball). Each bite presents different textures and flavors, from the tender meat and sweet pops of prune to the crunch of walnut.
| Pro Tip: Don’t skip out on their Aash e Reshte (Persian Noodle Soup). This hearty, herby soup includes a nice amount of noodles, beans, and greens. |
13.Kolbeh Restaurant
– Media credit: kolbeh_restaurant
Address: 731 Lonsdale Ave
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 7 PM
Phone: +1 604-990-0062
Price: $
Kolbeh Restaurant is the spot for Bandari hot dogs. Their Persian-style hot dogs are simmered in a spicy, tomato-based sauce that gives every bite way more flavor and a hint of fire. They usually serve it up on a baguette with a pile of fresh veggies.
If you’re in the mood for something classic, their donairs always hit the spot. You get to pick between chicken, beef, or lamb (I usually go for the lamb).
They wrap it up in a soft pita with crisp veggies, creamy tahini, and their homemade tzatziki. It’s fresh, filling, and makes for the perfect grab-and-go meal.
| Pro Tip: If you want a serious challenge, try the Maghz. It’s slow-cooked lamb brain. I know it sounds weird, but if you’re into bold flavors and unique textures, it’s totally worth a try! |
14. Shishlik Grill House
– Media credit: shishlik.grillhouse
Address: 1629 Lonsdale Ave
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +17783406888
Price: $$
Shishlik Grill House is where you go when you want to treat yourself to seriously good Persian grilled meats.
Their specialty? The famous Shishlik kebab—think juicy, marinated lamb racks grilled to perfection. You can smell that smoky goodness as soon as you walk in.
If you’re new, start with the Chenjeh Kebab: saffron-marinated beef fillet, grilled and served with rice. Simple, classic, and always hits the spot.
But the real star here is the Special Shishlik Lamb Racks—six pieces of tender, chef-marinated lamb done Shandiz-style, served with a plate of rice on the side. It’s the kind of dish you’ll be thinking about long after you leave.
| Pro Tip: Got a crew? Go for the Shahi Shishlik Combo. It’s a feast for 6 to 8 people with a bit of everything: loghmeh kebab, chicken breast kebab, shishlik lamb racks, and their special spicy bonab kebab. |
