"Located in a plain, single-story building along Encino’s bustling Ventura Boulevard, I was greeted by a manager in a crisp black button-down who offered a slight bow; under wide brick archways a guitarist strummed “Bésame Mucho” and a single red rose sat in the middle of each table. Families and friends fill the brightly lit room, sharing rows of succulent kebabs, mountains of steaming basmati rice with crispy tahdig, and aromatic, comforting khoresht stews that the restaurant offers even in vegetarian versions. The menu reflects owner Sadaf Salout’s aim for a modern Persian dining experience—keeping her father Ali’s sacred recipes (kebabs and salmon filets are marinated in Ali’s saffron-based sauce and grilled over an open flame) while adding kebab wraps, vegan and gluten-free options—so diners can enjoy traditional flavors in a contemporary, family-oriented setting." - Melody Barooni