Sumac Restaurant

Londoners with a taste for the exotic have found a gem in Sumac Restaurant, a Persian kitchen that brings the warmth of Iranian hospitality to the capital. With a spotless Food Hygiene Rating and a fiercely loyal following, this place turns out fragrant, flame-kissed dishes that feel both rustic and refined. The menu reads like a love letter to saffron, turmeric, and slow-cooked meats.

Start with the signature saffron chicken, its golden skin crackling under the grill, or dive into a mountain of jewel-toned rice topped with barberries and pistachio. The koobideh—minced lamb kebabs with a whisper of sumac—are a masterclass in texture. Each plate arrives with charred tomatoes and fresh herbs, a reminder that eating here is a ceremony, not just a meal. Order ahead for takeaway; the aromas will fill your kitchen long before you start.