We had a business lunch at Cafe Vanak in Belmont and were extremely pleased with our overall…read moreexperience. Vanak is small, with only 6 tables, though we noticed a brisk take out trade during our 3 hour visit. Vanak is not fancy and one needs to know that a visit here is entirely about great Persian fare. Be prepared to either wait for a table or to settle for take out. Reservations are strongly recommended. Vanak has an impressive menu covering beef, lamb, chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes. Everything is authentic and is served with a more than generous portion of rice. The difference in dishes isn't just the protein; there are at least ten different seasoned rice on offer. Our entrees were shared by four people and three dishes were more than enough. The Lamb Shank with Fava Bean and Dill Rice is exceptional. The shank was slow simmered and the ample amount of meat was melt-in-your mouth delicious. The Dill Rice is uniquely seasoned and we highly recommend this dish. Chicken with Barberry and Saffron Rice is another interesting dish. The quarter chicken is also slow cooked and nicely savory. The Barberry adds an interesting taste profile to what would otherwise be a standard Persian dish. No Persian meal would be complete without Koobideh Kababs and Vanak's rendition is very nicely seasoned. The Kababs were served on a bed of Sangak, the rustic Perisan wheat bread. We finished with baklava which was topped with chopped pistachios and Saffron ice cream. The servings here are authentic and generously portioned. Vanak offers a unique change of pace for lunch which we recommend.

I was genuinely looking forward to trying Cafe Vanak today, especially because I've enjoyed Persian…read morefood for years through close friends and had heard great things about this place. Unfortunately, my first experience did not reflect the many positive reviews. When I walked in, the first thing I was asked was "pickup?" I politely said no, that I wanted to place an order. I had to repeat myself several times, and the older woman at the counter either seemed frustrated, distracted, or maybe just having a rough day. There was little direction given to a first-time customer, and I found myself awkwardly trying to figure out where the menu board was and how the ordering process worked. Eventually, I stepped aside to look over the menu. The older woman continued helping the customers in front of me, which was completely understandable. What confused me was that the younger employee made eye contact with me, nodded toward me as if acknowledging I needed help, then asked if anyone had helped me yet. I explained that the other employee was probably about to, but needed a moment. Before I could even finish, she cut me off and said, "Oh, she can help you then," and immediately went back to scrolling on her phone while I continued standing there waiting. That was the disappointing part for me. If you ask who's next at the register, acknowledge someone is waiting, and another employee is already busy helping others, it creates a poor first impression when the available employee chooses not to assist and instead goes back to their phone. It came across as a lack of urgency and customer service. Maybe it was just an off day. I'm not writing this to attack the business because the food may very well be excellent, and clearly many people love this place. But first impressions matter, especially for new customers walking in excited to try your establishment for the first time. I truly hope the service experience improves because I wanted to like this place a lot more than I did today.

This spot is run by a kind older gentleman. There are about 8 tables. There are huge windows and…read morelots of light. It is table service. The food is cooked to perfection. The chicken is juicy and flavorful. Rice is delicious and the yogurt dip was perfectly seasoned.

Got one steak kebab and one chicken kebab. Rice. Roasted tomato…read more Steak was well done and as Anthony Bourdain would say, NEVER cook steak well done. Dry over cooked chewy. Chicken was ok, still over cooked but not as bad. I know people like it to LOOK done. But you're missing all the flavor of medium which is PLENTY hot. Pilaf was ok. I would add a dash of very fine diced onion and Parsely. Use a meat thermometer? I will request medium next time. Was tasty but average.

Only reason anyone would know this place exists is either they stumbled on it or someone told them…read moreabout it. It is unassuming and semi-tucked away; you wouldn't actually notice them unless you're actively looking. However, that unassuming feeling disappears once you find yourself inside the establishment. There is this feeling that I cannot explain that sends shivers up my spine. One can't help but feel welcome here. Rose is an amazingly friendly soul that just puts you at ease with the tone of her voice. Even the other customers are friendly with the way they acknowledge you as you walk by towards wherever you're seated. There is happy banter in the air and friends of the establishment would often show up and make themselves immediately at home. You get the point. You're welcome here. But what makes it so special to me now is always the food. And for what they already offer to start, that states quite a bit to what I think of this place. There are many Persian/Middle Eastern fare in this area and most serve the usual so nothing seems to really stand out. That is, at least, until you order their Jujeh Kabob (grilled Cornish hen). Sounds simple, looks simple, but the depth of flavor and the tonguegasmic moments you have partaking of the dish changes their level in the culinary game in the area. It was so good, so so good, I felt completely blown away. I raved about it to Rose, who then told the chef-owner, and then told her I'd be back the next day just to try it again. No way it could be that good I thought. I had to come back again to make sure it was indeed the case (instead of ordering it for "dessert" right in the moment). Well, I showed up at lunch again the next day for exactly the same dish. I just had to. I was hooked. I was made a perma-fan. As I write this, I know I'm about to do what most crazy foodies do as they gain traction in their mind. Get ready and go get some more. Time to wrap this up and head there. See you around some time. Definitely recommend their Jujeh Kabob beyond words.

I hate to write a bad review, but I have to share our experience, because it was truly awful. The…read morefood was inedible. Grape leaves - paired with the fact that the oils were solidified/ congealed which is really unappetizing - had MOLD on them. The meat was legitimately mystery meat, the texture was rubbery for the lamb, and way too mushy for chicken. I have no idea where their ingredients are sourced from, but this was truly a "miss". We will never order from here again.

This place is great! In an area that's seemingly a little inconvenient to get to (close to a main…read moreintersection), but it's a great option since I work nearby. When you first walk in, it's a bit quiet and you have to wait for someone to come from the back to greet you, but be patient because once you're seated, service is attentive and available whenever you need it. There are lots of rustic-looking tables, which give it a sort of homey feel, and some tables can fit 12+, so they can definitely accommodate large groups. My colleagues always get something different, but I get the same thing every time: the grilled boneless pork shoulder and it is so good. The pork shoulder is a bit fatty and comes out juicy and flavorful from the grill - droolworthy. It comes with sauerkraut, but it's not your typical sauerkraut; it's more like a mild slaw with just enough acid to cut through the fatty pork. Also comes with your choice of side and sauce. The garlic toom is the only option in my opinion (of course, they have others), but get ready to have kickin' breath for the rest of the day. Others have gotten the lamb tongue, lentil soup, falafel, beef shawarma, borscht, pelmeni, eggplant rolls, and they have all been hits. Don't think I would ever come out of my way to this restaurant if I didn't know about it, but it's totally worth the trip!

Khachapuri (8.5/10): First time having khachapuri, so take this rating with a grain of salt…read more Without having other points of comparison, I can say this was delicious! It smells SO. GOOD. I have been running by Watertown Square for years smelling this aroma, but finally had the chance to taste the source. The cheese bread is yummy, but the egg really brings it together. Chicken Shawarma Wrap (8/10): Very solid shawarma wrap. Chicken was delicious, and ingredients were very creamy. An amazing post-run meal. Prices are fair. I'll definitely be back to try other things!

Pros: - pleasant, light-filled (full length glass on all…read moresides of dining area) ambiance - outdoor seating, albeit on rather noisy intersection - pretty good service - grape leaves were very good - grilled meats were decently prepared, tender not dry/overcooked Cons: - grilled meats were underseasoned/bland, probably in accordance with local palates - parking is a nightmare, as one would expect for Mass Avenue; non-issue if you live nearby and walk or bike instead of driving - they give you GINORMOUS piles of rice with most dishes, literally 2-3 times what most places give you. This is great if you're a famished carb-fiend; for the rest of us, expect to take most of that rice home. - all the rice made me sleepy so I ordered black coffee which turned out to be horrible: just black water with barely any coffee flavor at all...beware! I've had better instant coffee than that. - both rice and meats were sorely lacking in oil and fat, again likely another reflection of local palates It wasn't the worst "mediterranean" food I've ever had, but hardly the best. Doubt I'll be coming back, especially given the horrendous parking situation.

Corner spot with 10 or so tables. The food is fresh and seasoned perfectly. We loved all the…read moredishes we tried. Our server was kind and food was quick. The kebabs were tender and juicy.

Literally the best lamb shawarma I've EVER had hands down…read moreThe staff are super friendly and helpful The store is clean and beautiful :)

This is a cute small spot with great food, coffee/tea, and baked goods. The staff is patient when…read moreyou can't make up your mind. The portion sizes are a bit tricky; some dishes are the perfect size, while others leave you with enough room to order something else--though the food is definitely packed with flavor. And of course, if you do have that little bit of extra room, try one of their baked goods. It's worth a visit; keep in mind that finding a seat won't be easy.

Ariana has ann array of choices of appetizers and entrees. Everything we ordered was delicious…read more The staff and owner are wonderful and welcoming. This is definitely a restaurant I will continue come to and bring my friends. The outside patio is such a pleasant place to eat in the summer.

OMG. Will 1000% be back. Everything from food and service to atmosphere was 10/10. A group of 7 of…read moreus came here on a Monday evening for dinner and staff at Ariana took great care of us. I ordered the Qabili entree and a shared a side of the lentils. Both so yummy. The lamb shank was tender, moist, and just perfect. I wish I hadn't ordered the lentils to share, because I could've eaten the plate all on my own. Portion sizes were huge as one entree was enough to have a full meal the next day.

One of my favorite local places for take out…read more Everything is always so fresh and the quality of food is excellent. We've ordered many times from them and have never had a bad meal. Favorites include the veggie wrap, grilled chicken over salad with their delicious feta, lamb burger, etc.

Why not post on your site and app that you would be closed for 2 weeks. Or even the answering…read moremachine? Had to drive to see your sign on the door.