Sadaf Restaurant (Garden)
Persian restaurant · Holland Park ·
Clay oven naan, juicy koobideh, flavorful biryani, and hearty portions
Clay oven naan, juicy koobideh, flavorful biryani, and hearty portions
"This airy Persian spot off Kensington High Street is spacious and call-ahead-as-you’re-parking-up kind of casual, which is ideal for an easy-go-lucky (read: extremely disorganised) group. Start by getting double the amount of freshly baked naan you think is necessary—you’ll smell it as soon as you walk in—and a mixed mezze starter. The chicken biryani is one of our favourite things to eat here, as are the charred lamb chops. But the koobideh is some of the juiciest around, and what you don’t want to miss." - rianne shlebak
"Happily, there’s no need for a reservation at this airy Persian spot off Kensington High Street, which is ideal for impromptu group catch-ups. Start by getting some freshly baked naan—that you’ll smell as soon as you walk in—and a mixed mezze starter. The chicken biryani at Sadaf is also great, as are the charred lamb chops, but the koobideh is some of the juiciest around. The hefty portions are a happy takeaway late-night snack waiting to happen." - rianne shlebak, jake missing, sinead cranna, heidi lauth beasley
"Contrary to what the name of this Kensington restaurant would have you believe, you’re not here for Sadaf’s garden. You’re here for huge portions, aromatic biryani, and the welcoming feel of the place. It’s our go-to spot when we’re in the mood for Persian, but whoever we’re with isn’t big on grilled meats. With a hefty biryani filled with tender vegetables and peppery chicken, plus rich stews on the menu, this is a restaurant with something for everyone. And you should bring a group so you can try a bit of everything." - rianne shlebak
"You just inadvertently worked up an appetite chasing a stranger's springer spaniel around a pond, now it’s time to fill up at this inviting Persian spot on High Street Kensington. Happily, there’s no need for a reservation. Start off by getting some freshly baked naan—that you’ll smell as soon as you walk in—and a mixed mezze starter. The chicken biryani and tender koobideh skewers are also really great. It’s the perfect meal before getting back out there to gawk at every dog you see. Except we don’t know how much you’ll be in the mood for running after one of these hefty portions." - rianne shlebak, sinead cranna
"What celebration is complete without a portion of chicken biryani the size of a small country? Not this one. Perfect for big groups and that cousin who refuses to eat anything that didn’t come off a skewer, Sadaf’s Persian menu has something for everyone. Excellent dips, grilled joojeh, buttery kebabs, and freshly baked naan on demand—you’ll be spoiled for choice. And the best part is you’ll almost always have some left over to take home from the charming Kensington spot." - rianne shlebak, jake missing, heidi lauth beasley, sinead cranna
