Restaurant Reviews · Navid Azari · 8 July 2026 · 7 min read
Hidden Persian Gems in London: Our Top Picks for 2026
London has one of Europe's largest Iranian communities, and its Persian restaurant scene has never been better. From Kensington to Stoke Newington, here are the spots worth your time.
London's Iranian community is estimated at over 70,000 people, and it is no surprise that the capital's Persian restaurant scene is the richest in Europe. But navigating it can be overwhelming — there are dozens of establishments ranging from fast-food kebab shops to Michelin-contender fine dining.
After months of eating our way across the capital, we have selected the establishments that genuinely represent the breadth and quality of Iranian cuisine available in London today.
Shiraz, Kensington — For the Grand Experience
If you want to understand what Persian hospitality at its finest looks like, start at Shiraz. The gold-leafed interiors, the extraordinary Fesenjan, and the house-made rose water ice cream tell a complete story about Iranian aesthetics and culinary ambition. Book weeks in advance for weekends.
Khorasan Bakery, Stoke Newington — For the Purists
For Iranians in London, Khorasan is a pilgrimage. Ali Shirazi's stone-baked sangak bread is the most authentic in the city, and the morning ritual of watching it pulled steaming from the oven before dawn is something you will not forget. Get there before 9am — it sells out.
What to Order Everywhere
Wherever you go, order the mast-o-khiar (yogurt with cucumber), the koobideh kabab if it is on the menu, and always finish with a glass of doogh. These three things will tell you everything about the quality of any Persian kitchen.