The 5 Best Persian Restaurants in KL That Do Middle-Eastern Cookbooks Justice
My introduction to Persian food started with a melt-in-your-mouth kebab, and I’ve been head over heels with the cuisine since then.
Malaysian cuisine aside, it’s probably at the top of my faves because its combination of spice and sweetness keeps pulling me in. Oh, and best of all, it’s halal-friendly!
With that said, you can count on me to find the best Persian restaurants in KL, as I visit them whenever I have an excuse to eat out. Combining my personal experience and my team’s research expertise, the definitive top five is set, and all you have to do is continue reading!
What is the average cost of Persian restaurants in KL?
The average cost of Persian restaurants in KL ranges from RM25 to RM100 or more, depending on whether the place offers casual-style dining or a more sophisticated buffet set-up.
1. Lalezar Restaurant
Highlights: Baked lamb kebab, grilled seabass, Anatolian mix kebab, chicken schnitzel
Location: Jln Ampang, 2A
Contact: +60 12-430 9125
Business hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Lalezar Restaurant is one of the most famous Middle Eastern spots in KL, with bestsellers such as baked lamb kebab and beef stew. As firm believers of dining as a complete sensory experience, however, what makes this place even more special is its ambience.
It features elegant decor, with golden and marbled finishes as some of its standouts. The pieces of furniture are also tasteful, featuring plush velvet sofas, wooden chairs with intricate patterns, and solid wood tables.
Of course, the main highlight here is still the food. Aside from offering authentic flavours and using fresh ingredients, their serving size is quite generous as well.
A prime example of this is their Anatolian mix kebab, which could easily feed groups of four. It consists of numerous skewered meats, such as lamb, chicken and beef, grilled to perfection, and served alongside rice and a plethora of fresh vegetables.
We’ve heard reports of delayed services from our respondents, but from our experience, it’s mainly because of crowds during rush hours.
Super flavourful and really hit the spot
“I had such a tasty Turkish meal the other day! The food was super flavorful and really hit the spot. The restaurant itself had a really nice vibe too — cozy, friendly, and just a great place to hang out. Totally a spot I’d recommend and one I’d love to visit again.”
Toni Mori, Google Review
Beautiful and cozy
“Oh man, this was my first time here. The environment is beautiful and cozy. The food portions and quality are phenomenal. The service is incredible. Overall, this is the best vibe and experience I’ve had.”
Arslan Imtiaz, Google Review
2. Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant
Highlights: Lentil soup, dlemeya, chicken biryani, tomato kofta, tabbouleh
Location: G-3, Menara Prestige
Contact: +60 11-1110 0092
Business hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Samad Al Iraqi Restaurant became one of our favourite Persian spots in KL because of its Instaworthy interior. It prominently features Middle Eastern decor, such as colourful stained glass and low-hanging lights, but what elevates it further is its floor-to-ceiling windows.
We’re also pleased with their Middle Eastern menu, as it features a solid selection of Persian dishes, as well as Iraqi and Turkish classics.
These dishes offer authentic flavours and spices that the cuisine is famous for using. For instance, one of their bestsellers here is the kibbeh labanieh, which features an authentic yoghurt sauce, and various spices including saffron.
We also appreciate how friendly their staff members are, offering a cosy and welcoming ambience for all guests. They could slow it down by serving food; however, as some customers pointed out, their dishes would often be slammed on the table.
Lastly, we highly recommend this place because it offers great value for money. Their dishes sit at reasonable price points, but their serving sizes are quite generous.
The flavours were rich and authentic
“Outstanding food and service! The flavours were rich and authentic — exactly the Middle Eastern fix I was craving after so long. Loved the family-style dining; everything came out perfect for sharing.
The staff were super attentive, always smiling, and even offered free soups and teas, which was such a thoughtful touch. Warm, welcoming vibes and delicious food — highly recommend if you’re looking for real Iraqi/Middle Eastern cuisine in KL!”
K K, Google Review
The food was excellent!
“The restaurant was completely packed, but the very helpful staff got us a table after a short wait. The food was excellent! The tabbouleh was so fresh and tasty, and the hummus was the best I’ve ever had.
The tashreeb lamb and chicken kebab were perfect, and all dishes are reasonably priced. Highly recommend the avocado cocktail!”
Michael DiSarro, Google Review
3. Shisha Lounge
Highlights: Adana kebab, kofte, Persian olives, tabuleh, chicken kebab
Location: J-01-01, Block J, Soho KL
Contact: +60 3-6211 2338
Business hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM to 2:00 AM
One of the things that struck us about Shisha Lounge is its lively ambience. We visited during the weekends, and we were surprised by how many patrons were dancing and jiving to the live music, courtesy of the Persian DJ.
We also reached out to their regulars, and they told us that this is their favourite place to hang out during the weekends because of the great hookah and shisha packages. However, we do wish that these areas were separate from those of non-smokers.
Shisha Lounge also features an in-depth Persian menu, featuring staples like lamb kebabs and Persian green beans rice.
Furthermore, we like how each dish features fresh ingredients, whether it be from the cucumber on the yoghurt to the Persian olives and the vegetables served alongside their kebabs. Regulars also praised their dessert selection, especially the fruit platter, because of its freshness.
Customer service was also ace during our experience, as their staff members were quick to provide us with our orders, and instantly made us feel welcomed with their smiles.
Outstanding Persian food
“Absolutely outstanding Persian food, words can’t do it justice. If you’re a fan of high-quality kebabs, this place is a must-visit. The flavours, tenderness, and authenticity are on point. Highly recommended!”
Soheil Haddad, Google Review
The food was delicious
“I had a great time at my first Persian restaurant experience. The food was delicious. It was a bit challenging for non-smokers because they allowed hookah smoking indoors.
Also, they have live music on Saturday and Sunday evenings starting from 11 PM, which was lively and enjoyable. I even got excited, dancing and singing along at the front!”
Jane L, Google Review
4. Tarbush Gourmet Restaurant JW Marriott
Highlights: Kabsa pot, macaroni bechamel chicken, tarbush mixed grill, mandi lamb
Location: Upper Ground (UG) Floor, JW Marriott Hotel
Contact: +60 3-2715 2785
Business hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Tarbush Gourmet is definitely one of the classiest choices out of this review, and it’s one that got a divided response from our interviewees. Some were telling us that it’s a bit too expensive for their taste, while others shared that it was worth every penny.
Regardless of which side of the coin you choose, however, there’s no denying the premium quality of their dishes. They use authentic Persian spices, fresh ingredients, and fine choices of meat, from prawns to lamb, chicken, etc.
Their kabsa pot is one of the bestsellers, which features tender chunks of lamb, original basmati rice, and a wide variety of Persian spices and fresh vegetables.
Our waiter also did a spectacular job at explaining dishes we weren’t familiar with and recommending ones that would fit our tastes based on simple questions.
What seals this as a must-visit place is its elegant interior. It doubles down on luxury with its high ceilings, plush leather seats, beautiful arches, and Persian decor elements such as geometric patterns.
It was a true gem
“We found an amazing restaurant while out with friends, craving a different kind of meal, and it was a true gem. The entrance alone exuded an air of leisure and luxury.
The staff were all incredibly kind, meticulously explaining the menu and genuinely asking for our food recommendations and taste preferences.
The service was truly outstanding. The manager’s constant smile and considerate demeanour really stood out. This was hands down the best meal of our trip.”
Yu Young Ko, Google Review
A refreshing delight
“Tarbush at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur offers a memorable dining experience with its exquisite cuisine and exceptional service. Highly recommended for those seeking authentic Middle Eastern flavours in a luxurious setting.”
Yeong Summer, Google Review
5. Fari & Ali’s Kitchen
Highlights: Cream puffs, traditional Persian breakfast, shakshuka, kale and lentil salad
Location: 65G, Jalan Medan Setia 1
Contact: +60 11-2408 9838
Business hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Fari & Ali’s Kitchen was one of our favourite picks early on because of its cosy cafe-like ambience. This also explained why most of our respondents said that this was their favourite hangout spot for slow mornings and brunch dates.
We were also impressed with their extensive Persian menu. Previous customers highly recommended the kashke bademjan on toast, which featured an eggplant, pomegranate and cream cheese, leading to a rich dip-like dish best served alongside sourdough.
They also offer a complete Persian breakfast, which features a generous serving of barbari flatbread, hard-boiled egg, cheese, fresh vegetables, and walnuts. It’s an interesting combination of flavours and texture that’s best paired with their authentic Persian chai.
Fari & Ali’s Kitchen also offers a wide array of desserts, including their famous cream puffs.
However, the Persian love cake is a better representation of the cuisine because of its inclusions of fresh fruits and rosewater.
We only wish that they’d open on Sundays, as this is when most people have their free time.
Friendly and welcoming
“We thoroughly enjoyed the Persian cuisine at this restaurant. The Joojeh Kabab and Gheimeh Badenjan were particularly delicious. However, the lamb shoulder was not up to par. We also had the dough and Noon khameyi, which were equally tasty.
The staff, especially Ms Samira, was friendly and welcoming, making our dining experience pleasant.”
Ali T, Google Review
Healthy, flavourful, and a feast for the eyes
“Yummy Persian breakfast and an assortment of light bites in a prettily decorated cafe. Service is reasonably prompt, and the food is healthy, flavorful, and a feast for the eyes. The place was almost full on a Saturday morning, which means parking could be a challenge.”
A K Ariffin, Google Review