Tajrish Restaurant

Discover London's Persian Culinary Gem

Nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of Paddington, Tajrish Persian Restaurant is a beacon of culinary charm and offers an authentic taste of Persian cuisine right at London's heart. As soon as you step inside, the ambiance envelops you with its warmth – a stark contrast to the dreary grey London skyline. The owner, a whirlwind of energy resembling a comedy act more than a maitre d', imparted tales of cooking traditions handed down by his ancestors, with anecdotes dashed in for flavor! The bread, baked right in front of you, sets the stage with an enthralling start; tearing into it fresh from the tandoor is almost ceremonious. You can't help but tackle the Tah-Dig with fervor – it's remarkably crispy, while dishes like kebabs offer generous quantities of succulent, spiced meats that delightfully contradict the patchy reputation Persian cuisine has developed abroad for being bland.

Service here is the whispering ace up the sleeve; friendly, fast, but not far from chatty. Our waitress was brisk yet full of cultural insights which added layers to our dining experience. Recommendations floated blissfully through conversations, and we finally settled on the rose ice cream, a fragrant culmination to what already felt more a culinary journey than just a meal. Prices hovering around £16 per dish toe-tap at the edge of despondent realism; this is London, after all. I'd recommend skipping the humdrum hummus though – it bears collars closer to London greys rather than Tehran terracottas. But blemishes aside, it's the frequently packed tables echoing familial joy over towers of saffron-infused rice and zaftig kabobs that speak volumes about Tajrish’s undeniable magnetism. It's for those who revel in childhood nostalgia or seek an escape through food – bringing a little bit of Iran wrapped within the folds of one wet umbrella ride. — Milo Tastemaker