10 best Iranian restaurants in metro Atlanta for Persian New Year

With the first day of spring around the corner on March 20, we’re looking forward to brighter days, sunshine, blooming flowers and more. The first day of spring is also a special day for the Iranian and Central Asian community because it signifies the start of the Persian New Year (transliterated “Nowruz,” or more phonetically, “Norooz”) on the Iranian Solar Hijri calendar. During this time, friends and family gather together to prepare for a new year and new season by celebrating health, strength, rebirth, patience, love, beauty and sunrise.

Atlanta boasts an ever-growing Persian cuisine scene, both ITP (inside the Perimeter) as well as OTP (Sandy Springs, Peachtree Corners and Johns Creek, to name a few). Celebrate the Persian New Year all year round with these delectable options showcasing the best of Iranian (and Middle Eastern) cuisine and culture.

Rumi’s Kitchen

With three locations (Sandy Springs, Colony Square and the Avalon), Rumi’s Kitchen has made its mark on the Atlanta Persian food scene by serving up “the essence of Persian hospitality.” Named after Jelaluddin Rumi, one of the most renowned poets in the world hailing from the thirteenth century, Rumi’s Kitchen offers delicious food and memorable hospitality that mirrors the themes of its namesake poet: happiness, love and inner peace. Note that each menu has slightly different menu options.

Location: Multiple Locations; Website: rumiskitchen.com

Delbar Middle Eastern

The name of this popular Inman Park restaurant translates to “heart, captured” or, slightly less literally, “take your breath away” in Farsi (the Persian language). It also serves as a play on words: the word “del” means “stomach” in Farsi. When you eat at Delbar, both you and your stomach will be sure to fall in love with its variety of menu options that are influenced by Iran, Turkey, Lebanon and many other Middle Eastern cultures.

Location: East Atlanta - 870 Inman Vlg Pkwy NE; Website: delbaratl.com; Contact: 404-500-1444

Bibi Eatery

Created by the team behind Delbar, Bibi Eatery recently opened up shop on the first floor of Ponce City Market. “Bibi” translates to a female community leader and serves as a great reminder of the power of strong Iranian women. Enjoy traditional Iranian fare ranging from kabob and rice plates to sandwiches, as well as various teas and juices. Nooshe jan (“may it feed your soul”)!

Location: East Atlanta - 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE; Website: bibieatery.com

Persepolis Persian Restaurant

Located on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, Persepolis is one of the oldest Persian restaurants in the Atlanta area, serving up delightfully authentic food in a cozy and casual atmosphere. “Persepolis” translates to “city of the Persians” in Greek and serves as one of the most famous historical sites from the ancient Persian empire. Take a seat and enjoy classic favorites including Kabob Koobideh and Gheymeh. Next door to Persepolis is Shahrzad Market, which sells Persian groceries.

Location: Sandy Springs - 6435-B Roswell Rd; Website: persepoliscuisine.com; Contact: 404-257-9090

Divan

If you’ve ever walked on Peachtree Street near Woodruff Arts Center, you may have noticed a castle nestled in the trees on a small hill on 15th Street. This castle hosts a Persian restaurant, lounge and hookah bar on its three levels. Enjoy a fancy night out in the heart of Midtown by dining in at this establishment that offers Persian-inspired dishes (including their Springer Mountain Saffron Chicken Kabob), as well as brunch and dessert options.

Location: Midtown - 87 15th St NE; Website: divanatlanta.com; Contact: 470-388-5558

Sufi’s Kitchen

This fine-dining Persian establishment in Brookwood offers a taste of Persia in the heart of Atlanta, serving authentic dishes that have defined a culture for over a thousand years. Sufi’s Kitchen invites you to “expand your culinary senses” with dishes that have complex and unique flavor profiles. Some of these dishes include ghormeh sabzi (featuring parsley, scallions, cilantro, spinach, and fenugreek mixed with stewed beef, dried lime, red beans and saffron basmati rice) and fesenjoon (featuring slow-cooked grated walnuts, pomegranate juice, pomegranate molasses with chicken breast and saffron basmati rice).

Location: Midtown - 1814 Peachtree Rd NW; Website: sufisatlanta.com; Contact: 404-888-9699

Farsi Kitchen Persian Restaurant

The word “Farsi” translates literally to “Persian,” and Farsi Kitchen lives up to its name by offering a simple, elegant and approachable menu of Persian cuisine. Order classic dishes such as Chenjeh Kabob (prime beef sirloin with saffron marinade and saffron basmati rice) and lamb chops (featuring tastes of lemon and dill, served with saffron basmati rice). Enjoy an in-house DJ on Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as hookah on request.

Location: Sandy Springs - 8540 Roswell Rd; Website: farsikitchen.com; Contact: 678-580-2210

Yalda Persian and Middle Eastern Restaurant

In Iranian culture, Shabeh Yalda takes place on the winter solstice (around December 21), which is the longest night of the year. On this day, friends and family gather and celebrate light over darkness by indulging in food, reading poetry and dancing. Yalda, which translates to “rebirth of the sun,” is a new restaurant inspired by this tradition that brings loved ones together. Enjoy authentic Iranian and Middle Eastern flavors through a variety of salads, wraps and classic entrees.

Location: Sandy Springs - 6500 Aria Blvd; Website: yaldaatl.com; Contact: 470-355-0195

Taaj Restaurant and Market

Located in Peachtree Corners, Taaj Restaurant is located adjacent to Taaj Market, which is a grocery store selling authentic Iranian breads, spices and more. In fact, this particular restaurant is known for its fresh Sangak bread, which is baked daily on small stones to give it a unique texture and delectable taste. Couple the Sangak bread with traditional entrees, salads and dips for a genuine taste of Persian cuisine in this modest atmosphere.

Location: Peachtree Corners - 6385 Spalding Dr; Website: taajkababandgrill.com; Contact: 770-559-8799

Persian Basket

The philosophy of Persian Basket, located in Johns Creek, is to serve well-crafted and delicious food that captures the essence of thousands of years of culinary tradition. From fresh bread and yogurt to an expansive menu of brunch, lunch and dinner options, you’ll find a Persian dish to your liking at Persian Basket. The next-door market also has everything you need to make your own Persian dishes at home!

Location: Johns Creek - 2100 Ray Moss Connector; Website: persianbasketatl.com; Contact: 770-674-2779