Starched white tablecloths, ornate antique looking goblets filled with pomegranate wine and the serenade of Persian music and gentle singing are but a few of the really fine attributes of The Persia Restaurant in Saugus. Start your meal with the hummus (a blend of chick peas, garlic, lemon and olive oil) and lavosh bread. The chef holds the rights to the hummus recipe and it truly is the finest around, seriously.
Let the flicker of the stained glass table candles hypnotize you as you indulge in the finger food. Their other dips include cucumber, tabouli and shallot and are equally as tasty.
The thick Persian noodle soup is a perfect warming second course. It’s a hearty soup and a large enough portion to share between two people.
The crowning glory at The Persia Restaurant is the kabobs expertly prepared with the finest quality meats. It’s no wonder the meat is choice being that the owners of the Persia Restaurant are also the owners of the successful Mom and Pops Deli and International Market located on the same block as the restaurant.
It was only three months ago when Homayoun and Mandana Daryani took over The Persia Restaurant and they have already seen a 30 percent increase in sales during the second month.
It’s no wonder they are seeing regulars developing rapidly. The service is top-notch and the accompanying kabob side dishes include the usual saffron steamed basmati rice but, there is nothing usual about it. It is perfectly prepared to a tasty texture and flavor and comes as a very generous helping. Barbeque tomatoes round out the plate that happens to be over-sized white modern and curved.
The flavors of the dishes are definitely addicting. That must be why the restaurant phone lines are kept abuzz with callers ordering take-out. It’s only natural since once you’ve eaten in, you crave the taste of The Persia Restaurant.
“Right now, 40 percent of our business is people ordering take-out. People love to eat our food at home,” says Homayoun Daryani.
Then again, if you want a memorable candle-lit dinner, this is the place to visit. Don’t forget to admire the enchanting wall hanging at the restaurant, a depiction of the Queen of Iran 2500 years ago, a cherished gift from Homayoun’s father.
To celebrate the Iranian New Year on March 21st, a special meal will be served for the pre-set price of $45/person at a satellite location near the restaurant. The first Monday night of the month will be a regular ladies night for women to eat, sit, dance and chat. On Sundays, senior citizens can enjoy a 20 percent discount on their food bill and Thursday nights feature live music.