Raffi’s Place

For my first visit to Raffi's Place Persian Cuisine, I was there to celebrate a birthday, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. We had heard that parking could be tricky, so we opted for the valet service for $10, which was convenient since the entrance was just a few steps away. When we arrived around 7:00 PM, the place was buzzing with energy, filled with lively conversations and the aroma of delicious food. We let them know we were celebrating a birthday and were told there would be a 15-minute wait. The anticipation only added to the excitement. Once seated, our waiter swiftly took our drink orders while we browsed the appetizers. We decided on a Pomegranate Martini, Raffi’s Champagne Rassmatazz, Raffi’s Cosmo, and an Iced Tea. The drinks were all delightful, but the Iced Tea stood out as especially refreshing. To start, we were served complimentary lavash bread alongside a vibrant mix of raw greens, radish, and onions, perfect for pairing with the meal. For appetizers, we chose Tadig, a crispy rice crust that was crunchy and satisfying; Mast-o-Khiar, a creamy yogurt with cucumber and herbs that was cool and refreshing; Hummus, rich and smooth with a perfect balance of tahini and lemon; and a Greek Salad, a zesty blend of feta, olives, tomatoes, and crisp cucumber, all topped with a tangy house dressing. Each dish was a burst of flavor, setting the stage for what was to come. When it came time to order our entrées, the waiter suggested we mix things up with both fluffy basmati rice and specialty Persian rice. We couldn’t resist. We shared the Chicken Barg Kabob, tender and juicy with a subtle char, paired with Albaloo Polo, a vibrant rice dish mixed with tart black cherries. The Chicken Koobideh Kabob was equally delicious, seasoned perfectly, and served with Zereshk Polo, a delightful rice mixed with barberries. The Fresh Scottish Salmon, marinated and charbroiled to perfection, was complemented by Baghali Polo, an aromatic rice with dill and lima beans. Each bite was a revelation. The chicken was so tender that it practically melted in my mouth. I couldn’t resist creating a little sandwich with the lavash bread, spreading some Mast-o-Khiar, adding the raw greens, and topping it with a slice of chicken. The flavors combined in a way that was so delicious it nearly brought me to tears—a true chef’s kiss. Dessert was the perfect ending to our meal. We shared the Trio Spumoni Gelato, a luscious combination of pistachio, chocolate, and strawberry sorbet, garnished with raspberry syrup; the Coconut Sorbet, refreshing and served in a natural coconut shell; and Vanilla Gelato, rich and creamy with a drizzle of caramel syrup. Each dessert was heavenly, leaving us all satisfied yet wanting more. And then came the surprise—an enthusiastic rendition of “Happy Birthday” from the staff, complete with a plate of rich, sweet Baklava topped with a lit candle. It was a fun and memorable moment that made the celebration even more special. While I’ve heard mixed reviews about the service, our waiter did a solid job of taking our orders and delivering the food, though there was little follow-up in between courses. That said, this was just a minor note in an otherwise incredible dining experience. Raffi's Place is a must-try, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit. The food, the atmosphere, and the overall experience make it a standout spot for any occasion.

I was visiting in the US and my high school classmates treated me here. Very nice place. So many people on a Thursday night. Luckily, we only had about a 15-minute wait for a party of 8. The food was very delicious! We had the beef and chicken kebab with rice, pita, and humus. The service was excellent and the price was reasonable.

By far my favorite meal in LA. Everything was fresh and delicious. Meats were tender and grilled to perfection. The dark cherry rice was outstanding. The chicken thighs could not have been more juicy. I was full for two days after I left but would promptly go back if given the chance. This place did not dissapoint!

We were in the patio and it was raining and dripping everywhere, even with heaters it was too cold. Restaurant is very busy and serves authentic Persian food. It was very tasty and lots of different spices that I am not very used to but it was something new to try. Everything we had was very delicious, from hummus to Kabobs. Service was excellent!

Everything was top notch. The highlight of the night was the lamb, juicy and soft. I also recommend the rice crust with two stews, the cherry rice substitute and the Spumoni cake for dessert. The restaurant is welcoming to families and big parties. It’s a big space with many tables. Our server was really sweet and everything went smoothly.