Experience the Ultimate Flavor Explosion at the Top 6 Persian Restaurants in Ottawa
I’m sitting at my usual lunch spot, minding my own business, when I overhear a couple debating whether Ottawa even has good Persian food. Cue my dramatic eye roll.
I couldn’t resist chiming in with my unsolicited (but oh-so-expert) advice because let’s be real – I’ve eaten my way through more Persian kebabs than I care to admit.
That’s when it hit me – why not spill the beans and share the absolute best Persian spots in the city with you guys?
So, if you’ve ever wondered where to find that perfect kebab, fluffy rice, or a dish so good it’ll make you question every takeout decision you’ve ever made, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into Ottawa’s top Persian restaurants that’ll have you saying, “Where have you been all my life?” to a delectable barg kebab.
1. Persis Grill
— Media credit: persisgrill
Website: https://www.persisgrill.ca/
Address: 360 Moodie Dr, Nepean
Contact details: +1 613-824-9978
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday – 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Tuesday – closed
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Persis Grill is a Nepean gem that stands out for its authentic Persian flavors, boasting punchy bites and an irresistible aroma.
The barg kebab is a bestseller for its incredibly juicy tenderloin marinated to perfection with a variety of spices. To make it more filling and exciting, this crowd favorite is served with Persian rice, salad, and charbroiled tomato.
I still remember my first bite – the tender meat practically melted in my mouth, and I couldn’t help but sneak a second serving of that perfectly fluffy rice.
2. Saffron Kabab Restaurant
— Media credit: saffronkababottawa
Website: https://www.saffronkabab.ca/
Address: 1729 Bank St Unit 105
Contact details: +1 613-260-2229
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 8 PM
One of the best spots for adventurous foodies exploring the famous Bank Street, Saffron Kabab Restaurant is a must-try for its wide array of kabob flavors.
The barg kebab is the star for its tender, flavorful meat, but the chef’s special – a crowd-pleaser among my co-workers – is a delightful choice that earned rave reviews.
Made with one skewer of koobideh and half skewer of chicken barg and barg, it’s the perfect dish to savor if you want to sample Saffron Kabab’s best hits.
3. Cafe Tehran
— Media credit: cafetehran.ca
Website: https://cafetehran.ca/
Address: 470 Rideau St
Contact details: +1 613-860-8000
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday – closed
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Cafe Tehran is an unassuming gem located in Downtown Rideau that’s renowned among locals for its koobideh kebab.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of trying this dish before, it’s a flavorful and juicy plate made out of seasoned ground meat, which Cafe Tehran manages to craft perfectly.
Whenever I find myself here, I always make it a point to order a glass of yogurt drink too, which pairs well with any savory dish they have.
4. Chelochi Grill
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Website: https://www.chelochigrill.com/
Address: 2900 Gibford Dr UNIT #8
Contact details: +1 613-736-1141
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 Am to 10 PM
Chelochi Grill is a bit new to the scene – if you can call 2021 still new – but they’ve already managed to attract many discerning local foodies and turn them into regulars. I guess you could say I’m one of them!
You’d see me ordering the saffron chicken kebab all the time that the person behind the counter almost practically begged me to try another dish.
But what can I say – the tenderness of the chicken and the aromatic saffron Persian rice just keep me coming back for more!
5. Silk Road Restaurant
— Media credit: silkroadrestaurantottawa
Website: https://www.silkroadkabobhouse.com/
Address: 1021 Cyrville Rd, Gloucester
Contact details: +1 613-741-7888
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Hidden in the suburban gem of Gloucester, I bet you didn’t expect to find a culinary treasure in this part of town. But it’s true – Silk Road Restaurant is one of the best Persian restaurants in the city, particularly renowned for its kebabs and salads.
The lamb tikka kebab is the scene stealer for its juicy, perfectly spiced chunks of tender lamb that practically melt in your mouth, paired with a smoky char that’s so irresistible you might just order seconds – or thirds!
Oh, and make sure to try out their soups as well. It’s like the cherry on top of my whole experience!
6. Explosion Persian Style
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Website: https://explosionpersianstyle.com/
Address: 293 St. Laurent Blvd
Contact details: +1 613-741-2323
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 1 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 1 PM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 1 PM to 11 PM
In Ottawa, you can also enjoy the vibrant allure of Persian fast food by heading to Explosion, a delicious laid-back spot where classics and playful interpretations of Persian favorites are all the rage.
A visit to Explosion wouldn’t be complete without trying their subs, available in both cold and hot options. The chopped cheese is a comforting choice, especially for those who don’t want to venture into the unknown.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you should order the Explosion.
Named after the restaurant, this decadent sub is filled with a mouthwatering mix of fresh ingredients, but the star of the show is their own sauce concoction that brings a burst of flavor to every bite.