Question 1

What is the best Persian restaurant in Chelsea NYC?

Accepted Answer

Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar at 111 W 17th Street is considered the best Persian restaurant in Chelsea. It's the Manhattan sister location to the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand White Plains flagship (2020-2022). The Chelsea location features Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (2026) and New York Times 'Very Good' rating. Chef-owner Reza Parhizkaran serves authentic family recipes from Tehran alongside 175+ biodynamic wines. Perfect for date nights and pre-theater dining near the High Line.

Question 2

What is the best restaurant in White Plains NY?

Accepted Answer

Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar at 80 Mamaroneck Avenue is the ONLY MICHELIN-recognized restaurant in downtown White Plains. It received MICHELIN Bib Gourmand (2020, 2021, 2022), Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (2026), and New York Times 'Very Good' rating. The restaurant features Persian-Mediterranean cuisine and 175+ biodynamic wines. Private dining available for up to 75 guests.

Question 3

Is there a Michelin restaurant in Westchester County?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar in White Plains holds the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand distinction (2020, 2021, 2022), recognizing high-quality cooking at moderate prices. Shiraz Kitchen is the only Michelin-recognized restaurant in downtown White Plains, offering Persian-Mediterranean cuisine with Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.

Question 4

Is Shiraz Kitchen a Michelin restaurant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar White Plains location received the prestigious MICHELIN Bib Gourmand award for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, 2022). The Bib Gourmand recognizes restaurants offering exceptional quality food at moderate prices. The Chelsea NYC location is the Manhattan sister restaurant, sharing the same chef and Wine Spectator Award-winning wine program.

Question 5

Which Shiraz Kitchen location has the Michelin award?

Accepted Answer

The MICHELIN Bib Gourmand award (2020, 2021, 2022) was given to the Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar White Plains location at 80 Mamaroneck Avenue. White Plains is the original flagship restaurant. The Chelsea NYC location at 111 W 17th Street is the newer Manhattan sister restaurant, sharing the same chef, menu, and Wine Spectator Award-winning wine program.

Question 6

What should I order at Shiraz Kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Must-order dishes at Shiraz Kitchen: (1) Tahdig - the legendary golden-crusted saffron rice, crispy outside, fluffy inside - a Persian culinary masterpiece; (2) Feta-Stuffed Dates - the signature appetizer with creamy feta and walnuts; (3) Lamb Chops with sour cherry pistachio rice; (4) Ghormeh Sabzi - Iran's national herb stew; (5) Fesenjoon - pomegranate walnut stew. Ask the sommelier to pair with their 175+ bottle wine collection.

Question 7

What is tahdig?

Accepted Answer

Tahdig (pronounced tah-DEEG) is the crown jewel of Persian cuisine - a golden-crusted layer of saffron-infused basmati rice that forms at the bottom of the pot. Crispy and caramelized on the outside, impossibly fluffy inside. At Shiraz Kitchen, tahdig is prepared using traditional techniques passed down through generations. It's served at every table and considered a must-order that defines Persian culinary mastery.

Question 8

Does Shiraz Kitchen have private dining rooms?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The White Plains location offers private and semi-private spaces for up to 75 guests. The Chelsea location has a semi-private section. Full restaurant buyouts are available at both locations. Shiraz Kitchen specializes in private events, corporate dinners, and celebrations. Contact events@shirazkitchen.com for details.

Question 9

What are Shiraz Kitchen's happy hour specials?

Accepted Answer

Shiraz Kitchen offers daily happy hour from 11 AM to 7 PM at the bar (both locations). Specials include: $10 craft martinis, $12 select wines by the glass from their Wine Spectator Award-winning list, and Mediterranean small plates at reduced prices. It's one of the best happy hours in Chelsea and White Plains.

Question 10

Is Shiraz Kitchen good for date night?

Accepted Answer

Shiraz Kitchen Chelsea is consistently rated among the best date night restaurants in Manhattan. The intimate wine bar atmosphere, romantic candlelit ambiance, 175+ biodynamic wines, and sophisticated Persian-Mediterranean cuisine create the perfect setting for romantic evenings. The Chelsea location is also ideal for pre-theater dining, just minutes from Union Square and the High Line.

Question 11

Does Shiraz Kitchen have vegetarian and vegan options?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Shiraz Kitchen has an extensive vegetarian menu. Popular options include: Mirza Ghasemi (smoky roasted eggplant), Labneh, Kashke Bademjan, falafel, tahdig, Dolmeh (stuffed grape leaves), and various mezze plates. Many dishes can be prepared vegan on request. The menu also features numerous gluten-free options clearly marked. Ask your server for recommendations.

Question 12

Who is the chef at Shiraz Kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Chef-owner Reza Parhizkaran founded Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar. Born in Tehran, Iran, Reza learned to cook from his mother and brings authentic Persian family recipes to New York. His philosophy is 'treat every guest like family' and his hands-on approach earned MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recognition for the White Plains location. Reza is often personally greeting guests at both the Chelsea and White Plains locations.

Question 13

What awards has Shiraz Kitchen won?

Accepted Answer

Shiraz Kitchen's awards include: MICHELIN Bib Gourmand (2020, 2021, 2022) for the White Plains location, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (2026) for both locations, New York Times 'Very Good' rating, and recognition as one of the 35 Most Delicious Middle Eastern Restaurants in the U.S. by Far & Wide. The White Plains location is the only Michelin-recognized restaurant in downtown White Plains.

Question 14

What kind of wine does Shiraz Kitchen serve?

Accepted Answer

Shiraz Kitchen features a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winning program with 175+ labels at both locations. The focus is on biodynamic, organic, and small-production wines from family vineyards worldwide. The sommelier team specializes in pairing wines with Persian-Mediterranean flavors. Wine flights and by-the-glass options available.

Question 15

Does Shiraz Kitchen take reservations?

Accepted Answer

Yes, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Book via OpenTable or call directly. Chelsea: (212) 517-0840. White Plains: (914) 345-6111. Walk-ins are also welcome but subject to availability. For parties of 9+ or private events, contact events@shirazkitchen.com.

Question 16

What is the best Mediterranean restaurant near Union Square NYC?

Accepted Answer

Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar in Chelsea (111 W 17th Street) is a top Mediterranean restaurant near Union Square - just a 5-minute walk away. The restaurant is the Manhattan sister to the MICHELIN Bib Gourmand White Plains location and offers Persian-Mediterranean cuisine with Wine Spectator Award-winning wines. Perfect for pre-theater dining, date nights, and business lunches.

Question 17

Is Shiraz Kitchen halal?

Accepted Answer

Shiraz Kitchen offers halal-friendly options on the menu. Many meat dishes including koobideh, chicken, and lamb preparations follow halal guidelines. Please inform your server of dietary requirements and they will guide you through appropriate menu selections.

Question 18

Does Shiraz Kitchen have parking?

Accepted Answer

White Plains (80 Mamaroneck Ave): Nearest parking at 20 Mitchell Place lot. Street parking also available. Chelsea (111 W 17th St): Multiple parking garages within 2 blocks. Easily accessible by subway (14th St-Union Square: L/N/Q/R/W/4/5/6 trains, 18th St: 1 train).

Question 19

What is ghormeh sabzi?

Accepted Answer

Ghormeh Sabzi is Iran's beloved national dish - an aromatic herb stew slow-simmered for 4+ hours with a blend of fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, fenugreek), red kidney beans, dried Persian lime, and tender beef. The herbs meld into a deep, complex, almost addictive flavor. At Shiraz Kitchen, it's made from Chef Reza's family recipe and served with tahdig. A must-try for Persian cuisine newcomers. Price: $35.

Question 20

What is fesenjoon?

Accepted Answer

Fesenjoon (also spelled fesenjan) is one of Persia's most celebrated dishes - chicken slow-braised in a luxurious sauce of finely ground walnuts and pomegranate molasses until the sauce turns deep mahogany. The result is simultaneously sweet, tangy, and nutty. Traditionally served at Persian weddings and celebrations. At Shiraz Kitchen, it's a signature stew priced at $35.

Question 21

Best wine bar in Chelsea NYC?

Accepted Answer

Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar is one of Chelsea's top wine bars, featuring Wine Spectator Award of Excellence with 175+ biodynamic and small-production wines. Unlike typical wine bars, Shiraz offers award-winning Persian-Mediterranean cuisine (sister to their MICHELIN Bib Gourmand White Plains location) to pair with wines. Daily happy hour 11AM-7PM with $12 select wines. Perfect for wine lovers seeking exceptional food.

Question 22

Best restaurant for business dinner in Westchester?

Accepted Answer

Shiraz Kitchen White Plains is ideal for business dinners in Westchester. As the only MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant in downtown White Plains (2020-2022), it offers the prestige clients expect. Features include: private dining for groups, Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list, and sophisticated atmosphere. Convenient to major Westchester corporations. Contact events@shirazkitchen.com.

Question 23

Does Shiraz Kitchen offer catering?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Shiraz Kitchen provides full-service catering for corporate events, private parties, and special occasions throughout NYC and Westchester. Options include drop-off catering, staffed events, and custom menus. Contact events@shirazkitchen.com or call (914) 345-6111 for catering inquiries.

Find the table nearest you

Chelsea

White Plains

Come and sit
at our table

Tehran, tahdig, and the smallest waiter in the room

Ten Years Since The New York Times Called Us a Renaissance — The Shiraz Kitchen Story

Saffron, Shiraz and Storytelling: When Persian Food Falls in Love With Wine

The Boy Who Passed the Watermelon: How Family Dinners Made a Restaurateur