Reasonably-priced Persian eats with carpets to match

Noteworthy for: Though there are several outlets of this Iranian mini-chain, the Satwa branch is the one to go to. It eschews tables in favour of private, cushioned platforms.

Nothing beats Pars in the spring when the gentle weather makes dining in the outdoor booths a delight. The Persian ethos is very much about sharing, which makes this a good dining option for large groups, who can lounge on the large, carpeted seating areas in this entirely al fresco restaurant.

Mezze and mixed grills are the specialty, and as is traditional, Pars' drooling kebabs are always accompanied by a mountain of saffron rice. Fish lovers do well to order the seafood platter, which comes with juicy, lemon-kissed prawns and grouper, all amounting to a very reasonable bill. A post-dinner shisha helps the food go down smoothly.