We always loved Hafez. It was always worth the long drive for us. However, I went in recently, not realizing they were under new ownership. The place looked good and I was willing to forgive the service being a little slower than normal (it took nearly 25 minutes from the time we ordered until we were served) . The real tragedy was the beef khoobideh was clearly overmixed which made it dry and chewy. it was a disappointment. It wasn't terrible but it certainly wasn't up to the same standard as before. read more

A bargain at twice the price. We had a wonderful meal there. The lamb chops were tender and incredibly well flavored. The rice is outstanding. The koobideh was seasoned beautifully and moist. Definitely putting this on our list to come back too frequently. read more

wow perfect food real taste one of the best services would like the atmosphere, music and a nice smile on the staff's face Don't forget to ask them the warm and delicious bread. read more

Hafez Restaurant One of the best Persian food experiences in Orange County! The staff are incredibly kind and welcoming, and they even serve complimentary chai which adds a lovely touch. We had the ash reshteh, ash jo, and koobideh kebab, everything was delicious. The freshly baked bread they make in-house is amazing. Great atmosphere and beautiful design too. Highly recommend! read more

Hafez Cafe - Khoobideh kebab , Ash Reshteh, and Barley Soup. - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

We visited today under the new ownership, and what a transformation! The décor has been completely redesigned with beautiful Persian touches, including traditional rugs that create a warm and authentic atmosphere. The food was exceptional. The lamb and koobideh genuinely reminded us of Iran, flavorful, tender, and cooked perfectly. The service was next level, with generous portions of lemons, onions, and fresh sabzi (mint and herbs) served alongside the meal. One of our favorite touches was the complimentary pot of tea, which made the experience feel even more welcoming and authentic. The ambiance was warm, relaxing, and inviting from the moment we walked in. Since we live nearby, this will definitely become our go-to Persian restaurant. No more driving all the way to Irvine! read more

Perfect Persian food came from San Diego , had beef barg . The meat super tender and juicy Definitely recommended to my family and friends read more

Simply the best! It has a luxurious atmosphere, just like "LUXE TALAEI." The service is excellent, and the food is always delicious and beautifully presented. I usually go there for breakfast and Kale-pache , every visit has been a great experience. Highly recommended! read more

Amazing authentic Persian food with excellent quality and flavor. Their breakfast is also delicious and fresh, and you can really feel the care they put into every dish. The service is warm, friendly, and very welcoming. Great hospitality and a comfortable atmosphere. We will definitely come back again. Highly recommend trying this place! read more

Hafez Cafe - Koobideh Kebab, Ash Reshteh, and Barley Soup. - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

This is the best Kaleh pache i have ever tasted in my life , i have never tasted anything like this before even in Iran. Sina was our server and he was so friendly, he made our meal more enjoyable, he is the best lemon guy read more

Hafez Cafe - Kaleh - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

Great customer service and amazing food. We ordered some food through Doordash and needed to change the order. I called and spoke with a very nice gentleman and he was extremely helpful. The food was great I definitely recommend this place. read more

We went to Hafez for dine in and the restaurant was packed. With that came slow service and a substantial wait time to get our food. We were with a group and ordered a variety of breakfast and lunch plates. Everyone was very happy with their dishes. We had Halim, eggs/cream/honey, koobideh kabob, Cornish hen, kaleh pacheh, and adasi. I had the Halim (which is my fave) and my husband had the Cornish hen that I tried as well. The hen was fantastic and one of the best I've had in a long time. The fresh baked bread is definitely the star of the show and the black tea served with the meal is a very nice touch. The negative: I don't love the atmosphere and wish all the food were served in ceramic dish-ware. The kabobs are still served in melamine/plastic plates, which is highly toxic when exposed to heat and leach into the food. I'm taking a star out for this. read more

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I really love this restaurant. Excellent food. Fast service. Amazing location, easy to park my car. Prices are very reasonable and you get excellent quality service. The place is extremely clean. read more

Hafez Cafe - Management is amazing - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

New management! .. we can in tonight to get our usual and figured we may or may not get in.. but pleased to say it was great service, better tasting food and they don't shut the door an hr before closing time ; p (like the last one) Yay! read more

Today we had sina help us out, super kind and helpful, very good and fast service, Their Kale was delicious Will come back! , definitely recommend this place. read more

Hafez Cafe - Today we had sina helping us out, super kind and helpful, very good service and their kale pache was delicious, definitely recommend - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

I absolutely love this restaurant. I ordered my usual tonight. 1/2 Salad, 1/2 rice, extra salad dressing. The delivery service did a fantastic job delivering - the food was fresh and hot as usual. Unfortunately, the Salad and salad dressing were missing. I am so bummed. The salad is just so good. I hope next time- My order will be delivered as I ordered it. read more

Hafez Cafe - Ordered my usual.... Unfortunately the salad was missing. Meal was still delicious. - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

I miss kebab express. The dark meat chicken kabab here is good tho. I thought the shish was tasty and the beef koobideh was fine. But the money maker is that chicken kabab. Didnt like the special (tanchin?) but i think thats cultural as its my first time getting that dish read more

Amazing food. Some of the best Persian food. The service was on point. Will definitely go back.

We came here from Las Vegas to visit my daughter. She took us to this amazing restaurant, food is perfect and tasty we will back again next time coming to California. read more

The Food and customer service was excellent! It was an overall great atmosphere as well

The first time I went to Hafez cafe I was at the Jordan market across the parking lot and I smelled the kabob. Hafez cafe you must try the beef khoobideh kabob (comes with 2 skewers). The ground beef is seasoned nicely and they grill it to perfection. Paired with the basmati rice and a grilled tomato it absolutely hits the spot. But my favorite part is the bread that they make in house, it's freshly baked and the butter they give you will melt away. It will take at least 15 minutes to get your order so I would recommend you call ahead. The employees are always kind and helpful. If you're in the Laguna Hills area and craving kabob, you should give Hafez Cafe a try. read more

We stop by here today for lunch looking for good chicken kabobs and kobideh . I was reminded of went to many years ago, but we haven't stopped by in a while and I remember it was really good.. They did not disappoint. The family deal was the best and it could be served in House. They started out with some flatbread and butter, which was awesome. The chicken kabob and beef/chicken kobideh where are easily the best in the area. Very moist and juicy. It came with a salad and rice. Plenty for four people. Since we ate at the restaurant, they served some Persian tea, which was delicious. The service was awesome also. Highly recommend. read more

Hafez Cafe - Chicken kebab, Chicken Kobideh Beef Kobideh with grilled tomatoes - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

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A Hidden Gem! The food is delicious. We've enjoyed their koobideh, chicken and lamb dishes and each is juicy, tender and so flavorful. They are friendly and helpful and ready with warm service each time too. Don't skip that bread either, it comes out fresh and hot every time! Take the family and friends, it's a great spot for great food and service. read more

I'm not sure if it under new management right now. Because menu a bit different and taste different for me

Hafez Restaurant is one of those places you can confidently visit at any time of day. Whether you're stopping by for a fresh, satisfying breakfast, a traditional Persian lunch, or a flavorful dinner, the quality and consistency of the food are clearly a priority. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, making it a great spot for families as well as casual gatherings. The staff are courteous and professional, and it's easy to see that care goes into both the service and the presentation. The dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients, and the flavors reflect authentic Persian cooking--something that isn't always easy to find. With a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it's natural that experiences can vary from time to time. What truly stands out about Hafez Restaurant, however, is the ongoing effort to maintain high standards, listen to customer feedback, and continuously improve. This commitment is likely why so many guests choose to return again and again. If you're looking for a place that offers great food, a comfortable environment, and reliable service throughout the day, Hafez Restaurant is a solid and trustworthy choice. رستوران حافظ یکی از آن جاهایی است که هر ساعتی از روز می‌توانید با خیال راحت به آن اعتماد کنید. از صبحانه‌های گرم و تازه گرفته تا ناهارهای اصیل ایرانی و شام‌های خوش‌طعم، کیفیت غذا و تنوع منو کاملاً مشخص است که با دقت و تجربه طراحی شده‌اند. فضای رستوران صمیمی و خانوادگی است و برخورد پرسنل محترمانه و حرفه‌ای می‌باشد؛ موضوعی که مخصوصاً برای کسانی که به دنبال آرامش و حس خوب هنگام غذا خوردن هستند، اهمیت زیادی دارد. غذاها با مواد تازه تهیه می‌شوند و طعم‌ها اصالت خود را حفظ کرده‌اند--چیزی که در همه رستوران‌ها به‌راحتی پیدا نمی‌شود. طبیعی است که در هر مجموعه‌ای، مخصوصاً جایی که در سه وعده صبحانه، ناهار و شام فعال است، تجربه‌ها ممکن است برای افراد مختلف کمی متفاوت باشد. اما چیزی که در رستوران حافظ ثابت مانده، تلاش مداوم برای حفظ کیفیت، گوش دادن به مشتریان و بهبود خدمات است. همین رویکرد حرفه‌ای باعث شده بسیاری از مشتریان به‌صورت مداوم بازگردند. اگر به دنبال رستورانی هستید که هم غذای خوب، هم محیط مناسب و هم خدمات قابل اعتماد ارائه دهد، رستوران حافظ انتخابی مطمئن است. read more

Hafez Cafe - Kaleh and Halim with one of best persian bread کله پاچه و حلیم نان لواش - Persian/Iranian Near Me - Laguna Hills, California

On our way home from the airport we stopped for dinner. First, the location is convenient and right off the freeway. Immediately we were served delicious hot tea. They make their own bread which is delicious and comes out hot and fresh. We had the lentil soup, two kinds of chicken kabob, and one beef kabob. We ended with baklava. Food and service were excellent. When in the area we will come again. read more

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Hafez is my new favorite spot to stop for absolutely delicious food. I crave the kebabs and you honestly can't go wrong with anything on the menu. The food is outstanding and the service is even better. They recently changed management and it has transformed the whole experience from the beautiful decor to the amazing service. I especially loved our server Anita. She went above and beyond in making our experience great. read more

Hafez Cafe is a gem! The Persian food is authentic and absolutely delicious. Every bite felt traditional and flavorful. The people and service are amazing, making the experience even more enjoyable. Highly recommend if you're craving true Persian cuisine! read more

The fesenjen and ash soup were outstanding! Charming intimacy and great service. Highly recommended!! read more

We love the beef stew and ashreshtah! They were very good to our kids, portion are huge. Will def drive down to eat at this place again.

Extremely Rude Manger/Owener Lady! OVERPRICED! The restaurant is consistently short-staffed, and the service is painfully slow every time.There's always no one around when you need something and you literally have to walk around the restaurant, find someone and let them know what you need. The worst part was definitely the attitude of the woman with short black and white hair (Shahnaz), who I believe she was the owner or something since I don't get the attitude. Her customer service was totally unacceptable: rude, dismissive, and just unprofessional. After breakfast, while we waited for tea, I gathered the dirty dishes and asked the lady if she could take them. She immediately rolled her eyes and, with the worst attitude, said it wasn't her job to take them back! EXCUSE ME! Could you send over your restaurant handbook, employee names, and their duties? She is absolutely unprofessional, and clearly has no idea how to treat customers. it's not worth your time and your money! read more

We had the best Persian food and the staff is so welcoming and kind. I got chicken and beef and my mom got Khale Pacheh which she loved. They were also so kind to my toddler who loved their rice and beef dish. read more

Quality of food , good service . Big portions . Good value for the amount of food . Highly recommend for Persian food read more

Today, I was craving Abgoosht, Persia's cherished national dish, an ancient lamb stew bursting with flavor. The traditional way to enjoy it is by mashing the meat into a paste and creating small sandwiches with fresh herbs, followed by alternating bites of Salad-e Shirazi and Liteh pickle. I found an amazing spot that serves top-notch Persian food, with excellent customer service, a clean and tidy environment, and high-quality dishes. The place was bustling, but the atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming. If you're craving authentic Persian food, this spot is definitely worth checking out. They even bake their own fresh bread in a traditional Tanoor oven, which is both warm and delicious. The menu offers a variety of Persian dishes, including classics like beef soltani, kaleh bareh (lamb head soup), and of course, Abgoosht. The restaurant also serves a fantastic tea blend with sugar cubes, which adds a nice touch. Hafez Cafe in Laguna Hills, California, has a family-friendly vibe with outdoor seating and plenty of parking. It's a great spot for kids and groups, and the portions are generous. The chicken is always flavorful, and they offer healthy options, plus unlimited tea. The cozy, casual ambiance and the family-owned charm make it a great spot for a laid-back meal. Other popular dishes include beef kobideh, joojeh kabob, kale pacheh, Ashe Reshteh, hummus, mast o'khiar, Persian burgers, and more. The food quality is exceptional, and the prices are very reasonable for the quantity and taste. The best part of Abgoosht is enjoying it the traditional way, which really brings a sense of nostalgia. For many, this dish is linked to fond memories of family gatherings from the past. Abgoosht, also known as Ab-goosht, Abgousht, or Dizi (after the traditional stone pot it's made in), holds a special place in Persian culture. You get to mash the meat yourself with a meat masher, combining it with beans, potatoes, and tomatoes. The ingredients meld together into a rich, hearty stew, and you get to experience it in a truly hands-on way. For me, it reminds me of sitting under the Korsi, enjoying a warm bowl of Abgoosht while the snow fell outside. Those moments are unforgettable, and they really capture the essence of this comforting, traditional dish. The mashed meat and soup are served separately, allowing you to enjoy each element on its own. You mash the meat, beans, potatoes, and tomatoes into a flavorful paste, while sipping the savory broth as a comforting soup. This separation allows you to fully savor each part of the dish in its traditional form. I even filmed the steps of how to eat it in the traditional way after you order. read more

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Wow the chicken (white breast) was so juicy and amazing. The staff here is also so sweet. I loved the warm hot bread they served and tea it was such a nice touch. The potions here are HUGE and such good quality. 10/10. Will be coming back! read more

This place is so close to my house and I was surprised I hadn't tried it before. It's right across from Jordan market so after you order, you can go grocery shopping. I ordered the ground mix which was beef koobideh and chicken kebab to go. The food wasn't quite ready in the time they quoted, so I sat down to wait and they gave me hot tea. The service was great. The food was delicious. I got kebabs and it came with rice, a tomato, and a bag that had sumac, onions, lemon, and butter. Also included in my bag was a huge piece of homemade bread. read more

Great authentic Persian food and awesome service. Staff are very nice and friendly. Highly recommended.

I visited Hafez Restaurant on Saturday with friends. It's a cozy Persian spot where you can find all the authentic Iranian breakfast dishes, from Haleem and Nan o Paneer (bread and cheese) to Kaleh Pacheh and Adasi. It really feels like home for anyone who grew up with Persian flavors. Our server, a lady, was very kind and attentive, she came by often to check on us and made sure we had everything we needed. They also served a fresh pot of Persian tea and baked their taftoon bread fresh, which was absolutely amazing. Everyone at our table enjoyed their food. Since I have high cholesterol, I wanted to order just egg whites, thinking no one could go wrong with that. But unfortunately, they said they only serve omelets and couldn't make plain eggs, so I ended up having Nan o Paneer instead. The Haleem was decent but a bit bland -- we had to add quite a few seasonings to make it more flavorful. A few of my friends didn't like the smell of the Kaleh Pacheh. While it's a dish that naturally has a strong aroma, they felt it wasn't prepared in a way that minimized it. Another small suggestion, the presentation of the Pacheh (sheep's leg) could be improved. It was served in a deep bowl, which didn't look very appealing; serving it in a flatter soup-style plate would make a big difference. Also, the Abgoosht (sheep broth) portion was quite limited. Even when two people shared one order, they didn't divide it into two servings, they just brought one bowl to share. Overall, it was a nostalgic experience and a nice spot to enjoy authentic Persian breakfast, but there's definitely room for improvement in flavor, presentation, and flexibility with orders. read more

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Amazing and Wonderful Food. Amazing Service. Welcoming Atmosphere. Nothing more to be said.

Amazing food amazing service , nice management , been coming for 2 years . UNLIMITED FREE POT OF TEA . Free freshly made bread with every meal , good prices ...you won't be disappointed . read more

One of my favorite restaurants in OC. Hafez cafe is a true gem. They have the kindest most welcoming service people, and the owner has a genuine heart of gold. The food is amazing. The juiciest most flavorful koobideh. Do not get me started on how good the fresh bread is. Every time I come here it is mandatory to get an order of the hummus and bread. The smell alone is intoxicating. The interior has a very quaint and calm vibe to it. Huge portions as well! I can split one koobideh combo with my girlfriend and still have leftovers. Also complimentary persian tea with every meal! Really such a wonderful establishment read more