B T.
Yelp
First time trying Jino's Pars. It was recommended by an Uber driver who is Persian. I am very glad I ate here. I visited early evening around 430pm and only 2 tables were filled. So glad I came early as more people arrived at 5-530pm. Note that the private parking lot in front fills fast since it shares with 3 other businesses.
A spacious interior with some booths, plenty of tables, the atmosphere is quiet and great for conversation and family gatherings. A tv monitor hangs in one corner broadcasting a game on a sport channel but is muted.
Service by a young fellow was prompt, and courteous. He checked frequently and answered my questions about the menu items. Water and dishes were brought by another staff member, also courteous.
I ordered two favourite dishes to compare with my usual Persian Restaurant in Torrance. The lamb shank comes with generous amount of the stew gravy. The sour cherry rice is fluffy enough with a very mild smattering of saffron liquid. The basmati rice or long grained rice used here had a very mild aroma. To boost the overall rice flavour, the sour cherries were plentiful with its sweet & sour juices, a bright contrast to the fall-of-the-bone lamb meat. The meat was rich, moist and tender. You get one leg here whereas for similar pricing, my other Persian restaurant includes two legs. Note that Jino's Pars does not make my go-to Adas Polo rice dish (lentils & raisins & dates) however the sour cherry rice here was delicious.
My other favourite is the kashk-e bademjan appetizer served warm. It was steaming when brought to the table. It was aromatic with spices and onion, moist but not swimming in oil. Topped with a generous amount of kashk. It is a huge portion, easily for 2-3 people, served with five pieces of thin dry pita wedges and butter. Entrees come with a choice of salad or lentil soup. The chopped salad is of fresh cucumber, tomatoes, onions and dry mint.
The rose and pistachio ice cream is served as an ice cream sandwich the size of a fist (my small fist that is). I would have preferred two scoops (as from Heidar Baba in Pasadena). I can't comment on the taste as I gave it to my daughter.
I would definitely return to try other dishes