Alounak Restaurant

Very disappointed especially in view of the other reviews. I went with a group and we had a variety of offerings. I had the most expensive item on the menu the special. Nothing bad but really nothing to write about. Definitely nothing really Persian. None of the foods had any real taste of Persian cuisine. A real pity more especially for those unlike us who may want to know how nice real Persian food actually tastes like. A place to avoid if you want genuine Persian food.

By far, the best Iranian in town.

This is the best authentic Iranian food in the Western Hemisphere. Amazing kabobs, chelo (Persian Rice and Saffron), huge portions, great value, and a cozy atmosphere. Great location too – Westbourne Grove. You’ve missed out if you don’t try it. Its my first stop each time I’m in the neighborhood.

I have been to this restaurant for a couple of years and the food is always very tasty. The bread aroma as you enter is mouthwatering and if there are spare seats then one gets to sample the tasty bites on offer.

The service can be a little slow but i think the busy restaurant doesnt help plus is it not the largest of places so places are limited.

Beautiful/humble little resto with a really yummy menu. I've only been here once - a fact I'd like to change soon.

I have no idea how authentically Iranian the food is, but it's very satisfying and flavourful. Lots of stews and grilled meats. Great breads. Gorgeous fresh mint tea too. The dish with the okra (sorry I don't remember the name) was proper good and I'd go back just to have it again.

On a busy bit of Westbourne Grove, people watching from Alounak's giant windows is a delight. The staff are lovely too. One waitress went waaaay out of her way to make sure she was able to provide a thorough answer to a question my dining buddy asked. Prices are right considering the location and the quality of food.

I guess the only complaint that I might have during a future visit could be that there's a no-rez policy. I got lucky nabbing a table when I dined here. But by 8pm there was a queue out the door - which given it was actually freezing and snowing outside might give good indication of the kinds of crowds this place can attract!

FYI: BYOB

This place is excellent. I've been coming here since about 1997, and never really tire of it.

The only downside to the place is that it's tiny, so often difficult to get seated without having to queue. Oh and if you need to visit the toilets during your visit, be prepared for a hike up several flights of stairs along narrow winding corridors. It's quite amusing actually, but you find them eventually!

One of my favourite restaurants in London. I go about twice a month and almost always have the same thing: a combo plate with marinated and minced lamb with a mixed starter and the taftoon bread followed by a glass of Iranian tea. The atmosphere is great, the fresh bread is made right in front of you and served hot and the prices are very reasonable. The service could be probably better, but it's good.

If you are going on Saturday, make sure to have the special. You won't regret it. Also, if you can arrive before 8pm or expect a wait of 20-40 minutes.

The first time I tried thier grilled lamb I said "damn them", the taste of the is just sensational and out of this world. Thier grilled chicken we tried at that time has the same quality but it is not as good.
The restaurant itself is relatively small, but it is bustling with diners most of the time, one other nice touch is the guy who bakes traditional iranian flat bread in an oven so that you will always get some fresh bread.
Downfalls are small but in such restaurant, first, thier menu is not very extensive - and who needs it to be if thier foods has such excellency . Secondly, many of the staff are not iranian which is not something you should expect in such a themed restaurant.
Prices are very reasonable for this out of the world quality and this is why it is always packed, so to be in the safe side always book as there will no guarentee that you won't end being on the road waiting in a queue if you don't do so.

One of the gems of Westbourne Grove. This restaurant is always packed and for good reason. for less tan 20 pounds a head, you can eat some pretty good-quality Persian cuisine in a bustly and friendly atmosphere. And further to being a lot cheaper than other restaurants in that area for the food, the restaurant also allows you to bring your own booze! Well. technically you MUST bring your own booze if u wanna drink as they don't serve any :-). The bread is freshly baked in-house and on order so is amazing, as are the meat skewers. I notice some other reviewers saying it is a "middle-eastern" place. Technically, yes. But do not go in expecting Lebanese food. Persian cuisine is different. The restaurant's only drawback, aside from the impossibility of booking or getting a table without queuing at peak times, is that the menu is really not the broadest and does not cover the whole of Persian cuisine. But, for the basics, it's there and the place to go in that area!

Some friends and I went here for dinner. I have to say it wasn’t the best Middle Eastern food I have had, but it wasn’t bad. I would definately go back.

Try the kebabs they are succulent and tender. The rice was well cooked as well.

Nice area to go and have a meal with a loved one too.

This is definitely the best option for those who seek for good quality middle eastern food and reasonable prices together.
The place is always full of people, though there are at least two more persian restaurants around and they are generally empty.
As a quick tip, koobedeh (with taftoon bread or rice) is the cheapest main course. Yet, the portion is quite enough and quality is stunning.
If you’re not familiar with the persian starters (mezes), mixed meze plate offers a good option to collect four of the best ones dressed with olives, pickles, etc. It’s a pity that bread doesn’t come together with the plate, but you can order a taftoon bread and enjoy alltogether.
Alcohol is not served, yet it’s not due to its Islamic aspect but the licence. You can bring your own wine, or any other alcoholic drink (don’t forget to get some glasses as well).

Went here for an anniversary. Very romantic, and the food was delicious! I would definitely recommend taking a date here, but beware of the “doog” (salty yogurt drink) if you aren’t familiar with it: we ordered a jug, and found that it was little too salty for our liking.

Probably the best persian cuisine I have had to date in London. Service is great but the seating in the restaurant is too tight and the parking nearby isnt the best but the food makes up for the shortcomings.

I really like Middle-Eastern food because its not so hot or spicy and my most favourite Persian restaurant in town is the Alounak conveniently located in Westbourne Grove. Great meat (all of it is great, chicken or lamb, diced, sliced or minced!). Lovely saffron rice. Again great Naan bread - a must for a Persian restaurant in my view! The best of all is the Mast-o-khiar (like Tzaziki) cucumbers, thick yoghurt, garlic and mint,and the Torshi (pickles). The starters are unusual and delicious, as Persian food tends to focus more on the main course. Also try the herb salad with feta cheese and walnuts (Paneer Sabzi). I am not a great salad fan but the freshness of this was really delightful-nothing like some of the stale unappetising salads you can get in some restaurants.

A meal will cost you about 20 and its worth paying but its worth much more . Food never disappointed me, service is great, location is much more accessible and there's plenty to do after dinner in the area.

Downside? Always busy and restaurant doesn't accept reservations. Difficult to accommodate big groups but great for a date or a small group 2-6. Sometimes you have to wait outside until a table is free. Also no alcohol served.

Also if anyone is interested there's a great book shop nearby next to the Kufa Gallery called Al Saqi which has a variety of Arabic and English books centered around Middle Eastern culture