We came in a half hour before they closed. First time here. No one explained the order, pay and delivery process. We were just told to sit down, only on the right side of the dining area. Thought they would bring out the food. They rang a bell and called out a number. I looked at my receipt, saw the number and told my husband that we had to pick it up. It looks like a full service restaurant, but it's not. My husband walked up to the cashier's counter, expecting the order. The cashier pointed him to the other dining area. It was just placed on top of the food case, no counter. Someone verified it was our order before he took it. I'm short and if I were picking up a bowl of their lentil soup and can't see if the soup is level, there could be a spill. The lamb shank was good, but we had to ask for the sauce that normally comes with it. She brought it. The butter was melted, so dripped over the rice easily. I guess it was too much to ask that the bread plate include feta cheese like at other Persian restaurants. I don't recommend coming in late as the bread was very hard. Dipping it in the sauce helped. read more

Darband Shishkabob - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

My wife and i and our son and grandson enjoyed everything we tried. The lunch special skewer of beef shish kabob and skewer of boneless chicken with rice and bread and a canned soda.... was tender and full of flavor....and very reasonably priced. Our son got the same thing. My wife loved her mix chelo kabob plate, one skewer of beef kubideh (ground beef) and one skewer of chicken kubideh (ground chicken) with rice and bread. We loved helping her finish it off. They brought us a small coffee pot and three cups with some sqvory coffee...on the house. The front of the building had a sign saying they are the oldest Persian grill in Texas...established in 1986. We can see why they've been around as long as they have, great food and service and prices. You order at the counter. They have olive oil and sumac at the counter, they made nice additions to our meals. read more

See all

For many of us, back in the day, our first introduction to Iranian cuisine was Garson, or, Darband. I was in Iran in 1973 and 1974. I did not know any local families and so, my dining experiences were limited to the offering in the local restaurants. They say that the best Iranian cooking is always going to be in the homes. Thus, I did not get an idea of the breadth and variety of Iranian cuisine. The places that I dined at were very utilitarian. Simple dishes of perfectly grilled meats and perfectly cooked rice and flat breads. Delicious. But simple fare for the office worker taking a break for lunch. And I loved the purity of these simple kabab dishes. The chelo kabab, chenjeh, juju, kubideh, vaziri, negini. Darband opened in Houston in 1986. And it has been one of my favorite places to eat, now going on almost 30 years. I getting an order of kubideh with grilled tomatoes on the side. And I love to dump a big old heaping of the spice known as sumac on my kabob. Now, don't worry about not knowing what is what. Darband has photos of all of their dishes to make it easy for you to order. First timers may want to opt for a simple chelo kabab with bread. The Darband. The name comes from a place near Tehran. Near to the mountains. And the weather is nice there. This makes it a perfect place for people of the town to go there for walks and picnics -- at Darband Shish kabob. If you order the chelo kebab, it may put a big smile on your face. It is good. But also, be sure to try the home made soup. Ash-e Reshteh gets my vote for being the healthiest soup in the world. Chickpeas, navy beans, red kidney beans, green lentils, beets, spinach, parsley and dill make up the vegetables and greens in this soup, to which are added the Persian noodles called reshteh and a thick and salty liquid whey called kashk. Noodles have a special significance during the Iranian New Year, symbolizing the unraveling of difficulties in the year to come. read more

Darband Shishkabob - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Went on Sunday for lunch, wanted to try a different and new place, however Darband restaurant didn't meet my expectations. They were serving food on a disposable plates which made it difficult to use. Chelo kebab course was rubbery and had burnt ends and the servings compared with other places was little. Chicken kebab was ok and marinated well, but still only 4 pieces which was not enough for one person. The only thing I really enjoyed was Mast-e-Mousir and clean environment. read more

Darband Shishkabob - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Houston, Texas

I picked up a # 6 togo. The two ground beef skewers were very delicious, juicy, tender, well-seasoned and had great charbroiled flavor too. The cooking source heat, saltiness and onion vibes in the meat were all spot-on. The rice was also very fresh, loose and moist. The tomatoes were so juicy, soft without any dry or hard bites and charbroiled as well. Great, friendly service. On top of all this, this place is cheaper than all the other awful ass, unauthentic Iranian beef n lamb kabobs in the state that don't even have that charcoal / wood aroma in them as they're supposed to. It's like craving TX Bbq without the smokiness from all the others in town. Only Darband and Rumi's do it right these days, but the ground beef kabobs are even better here at Darband out of these two imo. read more

Arrived just before closing but no worries, they were happy to serve us. Always yummy!

the worst restaurant in my life. the food tasted horrible. I ordered chicken breast with rice. the breast was cut unevenly and was dry and tasteless, more likely tasted like cardboard. the service sucked as well, the food was served in cardboard plates. they charge like a full service restaurant, but you serve yourself. would never ever return there, even the thought of that place makes me nauseous. read more

An incredible experience! Delicious kaleh pache with toasted bread, side of onions and lime! Got chai for free. Just wow! Amazing service, and such a beautiful restaurant! read more

Really delicious food and healthy meals. I totally recommend Darband Shishkabob to everyone in Houston TX. I always eat there and I love the simplicity and efficiency in their business. read more

Great Persian spot in Houston. It's the go to spot for me and my family. Usually always the first stop anytime we visit the city. We order the Chelo kebab dish and for $14 it's very filling and delicious. Highly recommend! read more

Darband Shishkabob - 6. Chelo Kabob - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Houston, Texas

good service and good food would recommend for more letters I am going to spam ejevdjhscdh

Hey guys are you looking for a good Persian food this's the place Excellent service and the food really good I recommend this place.

I've been going to this establishment for over 15 years. The food is excellent, is Halal, fresh, tasty, and you get much value for your money. It's a no frills restaurant that has been around for decades. I eat there every month enjoying it to the hilt. Service is straight forward, no servers, just order, pick up, and take out or eat there. I highly recommend this establishment. read more

I felt in love with Darband Shishkabob on my first sight. As soon as I walked in, the atmosphere gave me a very pleasant feeling that this Is the restaurant to share the Houston pride to my foodie friends. I was told the tile mosaic and the Mediterranean water fountain were from the day this restaurant was established in 1986. The founder was an architect, not restauranteur. But they kept this place to remain nostalgic. This is a counter order service. I order at the cashier on the right as I walk in. Once ready, they call my number to pick up from the left counter or kitchen. I also love the open kitchen concept. We can see the grilling right behind the pickup counter, where the freshly stacked skewers are located. The most amazing thing is their ventilation system, I don't smell from the grilling smoke. I came back weeks later to try the food. I ordered #12 combination. I got one ground beef kabob with a beef kabob, I had a choice of lamb or beef. This is not my first time trying shish kebabs. The ground beef kebab was so juicy and tender, more than the other kabob. It made me regret I didn't order double. The basmati rice was so fluffy and tasty. The beef kebab was spaced by grilled tomatoes and onions. I later found out they have marinated salad on menu, which I would try next time. I also ordered a vegetarian dish. ASH noodle soup was on the menu board. There are others that I found on their website. I had to Google it after my first bite. I like the minty flavor but not soggy noodles. I would try their eggplant dish next time. The reason I came to Darband Shishkabob was to look for a restaurant to be featured during my UYE at Westcroft Center. I went door to door during Ramadan. My requirement was to find the flexibility for a party crowd. Once I saw their table arrangement, ah ha, that was it! read more

See all

Loveeeee all the food here. My Persian go to spot. I get the chicken kababs. Friendly family atmosphere. This is a houston staple restaurant I bring all my friends too. Great service as always read more

This place used to be really good but now the meat was as thin as an onion slice. I got bigger tomatoes than kabobs. Food is dry and doesn't taste as good as before. You can tell they are trying to ration out their food with how little is provided. I prefer other places to this one, will not be coming back. read more

Darband Shishkabob - how could you serve this like this - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Houston, Texas

See all

Needed some seasoning but was pretty good overall Nice place to enjoy good Persian food read more

Although the service was quick and respectful, its a veeery busy place. Every time we pass by we end up next door because of how busy and noisy it is and thats not much of my liking. Now, when it comes to the food, it was quite bland. I ordered beef kabob combo (#6) and portions were very nice BUT the rice was very very bland, and even the meat, i truly expected a bit more flavor; the pita bread that came with it was hard like a cookie, i didnt eat it. I also ordered the chunks of lamb meal and same thing with the rice and pita. Now, the lamb was tender and properly cooked but the expected flavor was certainly lacking. Sorry but wouldn't recommend. read more

Have been coming here for years with my family. Absolutely the best koubideh kabob EVER. Always so tender, juicy, and flavorful. I'm glad they expanded, it used to always be packed. The pot of tea is nice, and the house doogh is fabulous. read more

Darband Shishkabob - koubideh - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Love the food and have good service overall I love it a bunch of fun love this place so much read more

Darband Shishkabob - A fountain - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Houston, Texas

I wish they had more veg and even vegetarian meals. Gosh, I wanted to love this place, but when the majority of everything on the menu is catered to meat-eaters, it makes it harder for those who don't eat meat to enjoy something. This was my first time trying Persian and let's just say I won't be returning. I asked the cashier if there was anything on the menu that was vegan or even vegetarian. He pointed to a cold salad and vegetable soup. I ordered the vegetable soup and had to order a side of rice with the bread. The bread was tough to chew and the vegetable soup was slimy. The rice was pretty tasty, but what rice isn't. read more

Never again. I've been a customer since the early 1990's. It's been my go-to for delicious food for both dine-in and takeout. Over the years, it didn't matter who was behind the counter/register, I was always treated courteously, often times with a smile or even with a bit of humor despite the language barriers. I always felt completely welcomed and comfortable whether dining with my husband at the time or alone. Today, I experienced a level of rudeness and contempt I never thought possible from the gentleman behind the register and not once, but twice. As a woman now in my 60's, I am not accustomed to being spoken to as if I am too stupid to know how to order and wait for takeout. I had been shopping at Phoenicia and decided I'd drive a bit further to Darband for two #6's for me and a friend. Believe me, there are multiple perfectly fine Persian restaurants in the immediate vicinity of Phoenicia, but I made the extra trip out of loyalty and warm feelings. Never again. read more

Best of the best Persian food OG place since 1990's. Tastiest kaboob and chicken you will find! read more

Darband Shishkabob - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Always go for #6 platter! 5/5 This was my favorite item out on menu. Still my to go spot for authentic Persian food. They claim that they're oldest Persian restaurant in houston. This is local hole wall joint located in heart of India Town. read more

Darband Shishkabob - #6 - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Houston, Texas

One of my favorite places to eat in Houston! Every time I go to Hilcroft, I can't resist the temptation of the beef chunks shish kabob (#4). The meat is juicy, mouth-watering, and fresh. It's my personal favorite on the menu, but the other dishes are great as well. It's served with delicious grilled veggies and freshly baked bread. Ask for tea, (it's free) which is light but flavorful, to complete your meal! read more

Darband Shishkabob - Beef chunks Shish Kabob - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Houston, Texas

If you want real, authentic Iranian Kabab Kubideh come here. I have tried kababs from other Persian restaurants in the city but none even comes close to Darband's. The place might not be as bougie as other restaurants but the great food is what keeps bringing me back here read more

Craving kabob? This is a good and fast fix. Rice is terrible. But kabobs are good! Good service, good tea and good bread. read more

This place was very hot and uncomfortable to dine in. Bread was cold and had no taste, almost not cooked. I had two stews, very bland. Paper plates. I left this place very unsatisfied. read more

1. Service - like Subway, you order and pay at the front prior to sitting down. You only deal with the staff up front, and they appear to be friendly. 2. Price - if I recall correctly, it's less than $10/plate. 3. Ambiance - this place has a ethnic vibe to it. Orange Tiled walls, and a fountain in the middle of the dining area. Come as you are, casual clothes are ok. Even stilettos and muscle shirts are welcomed here (as you may have already seen in the pictures posted here). Lol. Perfect place to hang out with friends or a meal with coworkers. 4. Food - so far I've tried #1 KUBIDEH (Ground Beef Kabob) and #10 VAZIRI (Chicken & Ground Beef). Both came out pretty good. Definitely will be back here. Persian cuisine is pretty authentic here. Or so I was told be my coworkers. 5. Cleanliness - not bad as far as the eye can see. read more

Darband Shishkabob - Kubideh (Ground Beef) - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Houston, Texas

I took my very picky kids here and I must say we all really liked it. This was my second time coming back and we all had the #10 chicken and beef. Next time I will branch out and try the lamb. The only remotely negative thing i can say is I wish they put more sauce bottles out for people to use. I didn't ask for any and I should have, so take that with a grain of salt then. The sauce is a little spicy but very good! read more

Easy simple and good. If you are looking for no frills Persian food with great flavor you've come to the right place! I was craving just meat and rice and that's what I got! The lamb was cooked to perfection and the Kefta Kabob was flavorful and tender. I've been coming here for awhile now. Highly recommend. read more

Darband Shishkabob - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Houston, Texas

Noticed they had to cut down the portions to keep their prices reasonable. This affected the overall experience.

We love Darband! It is fast, fresh, affordable and delicious! Within 10-15 minutes, you will have the best fresh kabob meat cooked til perfection, fluffy Persian rice, the best and softest light bread, paired with grilled tomatoes and fresh herbs. The flavor is always on point, and you can't beat the price. I especially love their bread. It is so soft and light, and it goes well with everything. I always order extra bread when I come here, then I can eat it with hummus, make sandwiches, flatbread/pizza for the rest of the week. The only reason for 4 star today is because we came here this past weekend, we ordered and paid for a Shiraz salad, but they forgot to put it in for our to-go order =( read more

See all

This was the restaurant that opened me up to Persian food. I love their beef kubideh with butter on the rice. It's quickly made and is a filling meal. They're always efficient and friendly. read more

I've been going to Darband for over 15 years! Great fresh healthy food for a reasonable price. read more

Darband Shishkabob - Soltani - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Houston, Texas

I'm not sure how I lived in Houston for so many years and have never heard about Darband. All of the food we ordered was fantastic! A few weeks later and I'm still craving the hot sauce they make in house. The meat is perfectly chargrilled and flavorful. Delicious rice and hummus. We look forward to going back and trying other menu items! read more

I am thinking of starting a band. Another band. We'll be the band that never tells the truth in "Truth Or Dare." We'll be called the DAREBAND. Actually we'll be rather miserable. We'll be the DOURBAND. We'll be a Dire Straits cover band. We'll be called DIREBAND. We'll sing about animal rights (actually I do), especially Stags. We'll be the DEERBAND. We'll give blood and organs while on stage. We'll be the DONORBAND. We'll eat while on stage. Big meals, too. We'll be the DINNERBAND. We'll commit cannibalistic acts during sets. We'll be the DAHMERBAND. We'll play concerts on the Aswan and the Hoover. We'll be the DAMBAND. We'll dress amazingly. We'll be the DAPPERBAND. We'll stab critics. We'll be the DAGGERBAND. And we'll be total assh*les. Even more than the Stones. We'll be the DOUCHIERBAND. But for now let's just go for amazing cheap Persian Kebabs... at DARBAND! What to get: Kobedeh What not to get: Enlisted into the Persian military Why: You'll be forced to invade, after they heard about the gold, the teachings, and everything sacred. Africa will be almost robbed naked. Slavery is money, so they'll begin making slave ships in Egypt, which was the place that Alexander the Great went. He was so shocked at the mountains with black faces, shot up they nose to impose what basically still goes on today, you see? If the truth is told, the youth can grow, learn to survive until they gain control. Nobody says they have to be gangsters. Read more, learn more, change the globe. And while you're at it, eat Kebab from Darband. Of the many Persian restaurants in Houston area - most of which are in the medium price range - there is one which shines and sparkles above all others. It is also the cheapest. By a long way. You'll pay less than half as much for the same amount of food at this place. Sure, the menu is a little bit more limited, but what they do make, they make spectacularly well. I can't imagine tastier Persian kebabs than this. They are up among the best I've had. Sure, the service is nothing to write home about, but considering the prices and the delicious product, I absolutely recommend trying some delicious Kobedeh Kabob here. The soups and stews and specials are also delicious. And this may be "boy food" because most guys I know love it more than most girls I know. Not sure. Maybe you'll be an exception, maybe there'll be so many exceptions that it'll destroy my stupid generalization. As for girl food, I have some right here. Actually no, judging by my tinder matches when I set my profile to "interested in both boys and girls", I'd say it's boy food too :) read more

See all

all i cab say is wow, that was an amazing meal. I will recommend this location to family, and friends.

I had the lamb shishkabob and beef with rice, it was excellent, the serving's were very generous. I had never been here before, and was very happy this was chosen as part of our "crawl". Looking forward to trying lots of other dishes. love the fact the restaurant is only a mile from my home, will be a nice place to visit and easy to get to. read more

One of my top five favorite restaurants in Houston. Shish kebabs are like no other. I love the water fountain in the dining area, and the staff is always so friendly and kind. read more