Persian Riverside Restaurant

You're walking past the usual High Street suspects when you spot Persian Riverside tucked in amongst the chain stores. Inside, it's a completely different world—warm lighting, attentive service, and the unmistakable aroma of charcoal and spices that immediately transports you. The menu reads like a proper introduction to Persian cuisine: tender lamb koobideh, saffron-infused rice that actually tastes like something, and stews that have clearly been built with patience. It's unpretentious enough for a weeknight but special enough that you'll want to bring people here specifically.