Darbar Restaurant in Manchester

I came here for dinner with my family and experienced such a lovely, welcoming atmosphere. The food was delicious and the overall service was unmatched. Our waiter Sam made us feel very welcome.

Lovely food, fair prices, and fabulous customer service—highly recommend.

I Always go to Darbar As They meet my taste and believe me I'm not easily pleased, whatever food I order I know it will be the best of the best. The quality and quantity are also absolutely fantastic,, if you ever want to impress your non-persian friends with A+++ food,, I suggest you try dinning at 'Darbar' Staff very polite and helpful,,, Thank you to the whole team. Mr Tehrani

I had a lovely experience at Darbar Restaurant in Manchester. The food was absolutely delicious – the Darbari Kebab and the Kabab Torsh were both outstanding! Full of flavor and cooked to perfection. The restaurant has a beautiful and cozy atmosphere, with a traditional touch that makes it feel warm and welcoming. The staff were friendly and helpful, making the whole visit even more enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to enjoy amazing Persian food in a great setting!

Fantastic Persian cuisine amazing food and 10 out of 10 customers service most recommend

So authentic and absolutely phenomenal food. A must try

Costumer service was absolutely awful. I won’t go there and won’t recommend anyone to go there and burn their money and time .

We are always happy with the delicious kebabs and great service. Will come again.

What a find. Were warmly welcomed and the staff so attentive. The food was delicious and couldn’t fault anything. Highly recommended a great place lovely surroundings and not too pricey

Amazing experience, food was amazing! Would 100% recommend to anyone, will be back soon!

Lovely little place. Authentic, the food and the ambience.

Food is good. Portions became much smaller then usual.. But the worst Part is the Service. That Guy is so rude. We wont come Here again. If He tries this Attitude in Iran they would Beat him.

I've been here numerous times over the span of about 5 years and I have loved it every time! I love that the items on the menu are so similar yet so different at the same time. My favourite is the Momtaz, option 16. If only they would stop raising the price 😅. Service was also great, we are very familiar with the staff and they always maintain an enthusiastic attitude towards their work. Particularly Sam, who nearly always takes our order. Also, we get our food quite quickly which is a great positive. The atmosphere is great, with other people and families always enjoying their time as well. Overall, I love the restaurant and I would definitely recommend it to my friends!

Always fresh & succulent. Lovely staff

Absolutely brilliant experience from start to finish. The service was outstanding , Sam in particular was incredibly welcoming, attentive, and just had such a lovely energy about him. The food was spot on full of flavour, beautifully presented, and clearly made with care. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed with great vibes all round. It’s the kind of place you walk into and instantly feel at ease. Highly recommend we’ll definitely be coming back!

The food at Darbar is a true reflection of Iranian cuisine's rich flavors and aromas. Each dish is carefully crafted to balance spices, herbs, and textures

rude cashier/manager food is good but lately the quantity is going down

Estimada Gerencia, Recientemente almorcé en Darbar el 31 de marzo de 2025 , con mi padre, y me decepcionó enormemente la fijación de precios y el servicio al cliente. Pedimos dos platos principales, un naan extra y una salsa extra, solo para descubrir que la salsa tenía un precio casi igual al de una comida completa. Cobrar un precio tan alto por una salsa simple, especialmente como una adición a una comida, no es razonable. Cuando cuestioné esto, la respuesta de su personal fue desdeñosa y poco profesional, lo que solo empeoró la situación. Le insto a que revise su política de precios y se asegure de que su personal maneja las preocupaciones de los clientes con más profesionalidad. Basado en esta experiencia, no puedo recomendar su restaurante. Espero una respuesta sobre este tema. Sinceramente, John

Complaint – Darbar Restaurant, 135 Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester I recently dined at Darbar with my father and was disappointed by the pricing policy. We ordered two dishes, an extra naan, and a naan sauce. Shockingly, the sauce was priced almost as much as a main dish. While charging full price for a standalone sauce may be reasonable, it is unfair when it’s an addition to a meal. My complaint was met with an unprofessional and dismissive response. I hope the management reviews their pricing policies and trains staff to handle customer concerns better. Based on this experience, I cannot recommend the restaurant. Thanks John

We enjoyed the food at this restaurant, but the service was poor. We were seated in a dark, uninviting area instead of the bright, spacious section. The waitstaff was neither professional nor friendly and welcoming , ignoring us completely and even they didn’t ask our order so we called them ourselves to order the food.her manner was not acceptable at all . Even when we thanked them before leaving the restaurant she showed no courtesy. Due to the poor service and lack of hospitality, we won’t be returning. A good dining experience is not just about food but also about hospitality and service, and unfortunately, this restaurant failed in that aspect.

The best Iranian restaurant in Manchester,the food was amazing and the service was great . I must come back again

Sam was a great host. The food and service were amazing

Lovely restaurant with a nice traditional atmosphere. We were served by Sam who was friendly and helpful. It has become my new favourite Iranian restaurant in Manchester.

Hi , dear Sahara joon thanks for hospitality of your place . The rest 2 star is our heart come and get it💜

I visited the restaurant because I love the Persian culture and the food. I tried Ghormeh Sabzi with rice and some Bastani for dessert. The food was very delicious, and I loved the saffron ice cream. The staff were very friendly and kind. It was a lovely experience. I will definitely return soon!

We went there with group of friends and truly enjoyed the persian foods. I believe one of the best places in Manchester if you want to have a taste of Iranian Kababs with a fair price. I loved the cultural vibe they made there and music was amazing. Staff also very friendly

Best Persian Food Outside of Iran? Quite Possibly! The Best in the UK? Definitely! My family and I have been coming to Darbar for years, and there’s a simple reason for that – their food is second to none. If you’re looking for the most incredible Persian cuisine, this is the place to be. Let’s talk about their kebabs. They’re not just good; they’re borderline life-changing. The best, most flavour-packed kebabs you will ever eat in your life. I’ve tried Persian restaurants all over the UK and the USA, searching for that authentic taste of home, and I can confidently say that Darbar does it best. If you go, you must try the Kebab Torsh. It’s a one-way ticket to flavour town! Imagine perfectly tender lamb chunks, marinated in a heavenly mix of herbs, walnuts, and pomegranate molasses – a taste sensation like no other. But it’s not just the showstoppers that impress; Darbar nails the fundamentals too. Their rice? Fluffy, buttery perfection. And the tahdig? Dare I say, better than your mum’s! If you love Persian food – or just love good food – do yourself a favour and visit Darbar. You won’t regret it.

A few days ago, I had lunch with friends at Darbar, and it turned out to be a great spot for authentic flavors. The Koobideh was definitely the highlight—perfectly seasoned and cooked just right. The Bastani Persian ice cream was another standout, with its creamy texture and delicate saffron notes making it a delightful way to end the meal. The overall experience was enjoyable, though a bit more attentiveness from the staff would enhance it further. Small details, like ensuring the right number of cutlery and plates are set and keeping an eye on guests’ needs, could make the service even smoother. That said, the quality of the food and the inviting atmosphere make it a spot worth visiting for anyone craving Persian cuisine. !

Absolutely loved this place. Some of the juiciest chicken and lamb we've had! We were served by Sam who was lovely throughout and smiled the whole time. Thanks a lot and we'll be back soon.

Delicious food and perfect atmosphere . Perfect Persian restaurand with many delicious foods .

Absolutely stunning atmosphere. Seriously the best staff a restaurant can have. Delicious food. Will definitely come again.

We ordered Koobideh kebab & Kebab Torsh Good portion and great taste specifically Kebab Torsh😋 Also the salad, Zeytoon Parvardeh, and Tahchin👌beside the food were delicious

Hands down, the best persian food I have ever had in my life.. What made the experience even better was the amazing service. Sam, who took care of us, was incredibly kind, welcoming, and always smiling. He made us feel right at home, and his hospitality truly elevated our experience. Thank you for an unforgettable meal and for making our day so special! We’ll definitely be back

I have been going there with my Iranian husband since 2021. Since then, there has been no sacrifice in food quality and taste. The staff are always welcoming us and providing us with the best service.

Delicious food. I haven't had the opportunity to taste such delicious meat for a long time. I recommend the set for 2 in which the lamb, lamb and chicken literally melted in your mouth. A place to repeat

A sweet, sweet Iranian restaurant that I recommend visiting

Amazing quality food, friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere. Highly recommended 👌

Very nice Persian food . The staff are friendly and helpful. Highly recommended.

Este lugar es una joya escondida. La comida era increíblemente deliciosa. El servicio fue muy bueno. Por la calidad de la comida el precio era inmejorable.

What a beautiful, serene, and zen place! I came here with my husband and children, and we all had such a lovely experience. The ambiance was calming and inviting, perfect for both families and couples. The staff were incredibly kind, attentive, and made us feel so welcomed throughout our visit. The food was absolutely delicious, with every dish beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. It’s clear that a lot of thought and care goes into this restaurant—from the decor to the service and the food itself. I can’t recommend it enough and will definitely be returning. A truly wonderful experience!

The best persian food I have ever tasted in my life. Really good service and fresh food.

This is by far the worst Persian restaurant in Manchester. I got a Momtaz to go and my lord the smell and quality of this food was terrible. £18.50 for what I can only describe as pet food grade meat. I ate half because I was so angry I spent even £1 on this terrible food. I left the rest for the animals on the street. You really need to get a real grill with coals/fire not a flat griddle and you really need to learn how to make a basic kebab. It's so simple. If you can't do a basic Koobideh you need a new chef. Terrible food. The only positive are the decorations inside. Unfortunately you can't eat decorations as a meal.

We have visited Darbar many times, and the food has always been amazing. The taste of the meat and chicken was absolutely delicious. I would like to extend a big thank you to the management and all the staff for making my time truly unforgettable.

unfortunately, it was a highly disappointing experience. I ordered Lamb Shank with Dill Rice and a Soltani Kebab, but the quality of the food was far below expectations. The lamb shank was incredibly tough, and it was obvious the meat wasn’t fresh. The Soltani Kebab was equally bad, with stale, low-quality meat that was hard to enjoy. The rice was also bland and tasted old, which further ruined the meal. Overall, neither the food quality nor the value for money was satisfactory. I expected much better from an Iranian restaurant but won’t be returning, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

It was very, very good, it felt like a cottage in Gilan And the quality of the food was excellent

Very very very nice food and so delicious, and sam was so polite and he is the best

We are traveling from San Francisco and we are not new to Persian food! Darbar is a great food, hospitality, great service and accommodation. Very friendly people. If we comeback to Manchester we will come here again.

10/10 for the amazing Persian experience and flavours, decent portions and first-class service. Probably my most favourite Persian restaurant 😌 Food served quite fast, and overall delicious food! Both (grill main course and starter) items ordered came with bread/naan, no need for extra add ons. The aubergine starter was delicious and the grill meat just cooked to perfection. Will visit again

Best place to get traditional Persian food from, what I like about this place the most is the high level of hygiene

Worst Iranian restaurant not in the uk even in the World. Staff behaviour worst and food tasts bad.

I am not easily impressed when it comes to restaurants, so expectations were not sky high as I walked in on a Tuesday evening to have a nice dinner with my friend. The place was full to the brim with people speaking Farsi - already a great sign of things to come. Boy was I in for a treat! Everything from the service to the food was exceptional, no less. The wings we succulent but the kebabs with the naan bread baked on the spot just blew me away. Succulent meat, perfectly spiced and complemented well by the Yoghurt drink. I have lived in a few countries and tried quite a few Persian restaurants, this one was definitely the best by a country mile. Do yourself a favour, if you're in the area, give it a go. I will definitely be coming back!

Tuve la experiencia más horrible en este restaurante. Llegamos y cortésmente pedimos una mesa, pero el servidor inmediatamente actuó como si fuéramos un gran inconveniente. En lugar de saludarnos cálidamente, gritó: “Escúchame o no te hablaré”. Quedamos completamente atónitos y tratamos de preguntarle por qué estaba siendo tan grosero, pero nos ignoró completamente y simplemente comenzó a hablar por teléfono como si ni siquiera existiéramos. No fue solo un mal servicio —fue directo— irrespetuoso. Nos trataron como si lo estuviéramos molestando simplemente pidiendo una mesa. Nunca he encontrado una actitud más poco profesional y hostil de un miembro del personal de un restaurante en mi vida. He trabajado en la industria de servicios antes, y nunca he visto a nadie comportarse así. Terminamos saliendo sin siquiera estar sentados, y honestamente, no recomendaría este lugar a nadie. Nadie debería soportar que lo traten así, especialmente cuando solo tratan de disfrutar de una comida fuera. Cero estrellas si pudiera darlo. Es terrible.

I had the most awful experience at this restaurant. We arrived and politely asked for a table, but the server immediately acted like we were a major inconvenience. Instead of greeting us warmly, he snapped, “Listen to me or I won’t talk to you.” We were completely stunned and tried to ask him why he was being so rude, but he ignored us completely and just started talking on the phone like we didn’t even exist. It wasn’t just bad service—it was straight-up disrespectful. We were treated like we were bothering him by simply asking for a table. I’ve never encountered a more unprofessional and hostile attitude from a restaurant staff member in my life. I’ve worked in the service industry before, and I’ve never seen anyone behave like this. We ended up leaving without even being seated, and honestly, I wouldn’t recommend this place to anyone. No one should have to put up with being treated like that, especially when they're just trying to enjoy a meal out. Zero stars if I could give it. Just terrible.

It was a good restaurant. The food and service were ok but not exceptional.

Exactly food and customer service is best

Best persian food I have ever tried in my life I even tried shandies restaurant in Iran but this restaurant is better and sam was very helpful.

Everything was beautiful, delicious food, sufficient quantity, and excellent service

Best Iranian food amazing portion sizes reasonable prices. Food is always fresh

The staff at the restaurant are unhelpful and do not respect the customers.

Very delicious food and great service. Very tasty rice and nice vibes. Thank you to the service from Sam, he recommended the green rice before, I was going to just get white rice but I was glad he convinced me as it was very good. The portions are very big and a cheap price for how much for get.

After being introduced to Darbars a few years ago, it is now my favourite place to eat. The food is amazing! The staff are so friendly and so accommodating! Last night our waiter Sam was amazing!! He was so helpful and patient with us. Couldn't ask for a better waiter. Will definitely be visiting again and again and again x

The food as amazing and Sam was very nice he took care of us.

Absolutely amazing food, great price for the portion size and Sam is so accomodating and friendly. Have been 4 times already and will definitely be going back again. Highly recommended!

The food is amazing as always and Sam was a wonderful host! We very much enjoyed our meal!!

the food is amazing at this place and love the service of Sam he is amazing

Worst experience had in Manchester, the staff, staff, and staff need to have customer service training. Thanks

Sloppy service but food was very good,

Good food, good portions and good prices. Great little restaurant.

From Belgium was absolutely delicious and very kind staff. Just missing Faludeh

We came all the way from sale cuz we heard the food is good. I dropped my wife and kids at restaurant door to find a parking only to get a call from my wife after couple of minutes telling me that the man in charge told her in a rude manner that if you have no reservation you’re not welcome and there’s no way for you to get a table even if you waited for hours. I think it’s not worth getting humiliated for a food that you’re going to pay for. Save your trip,money and AVOID

Very bad attitude the worse manager ever I came all over from Sale to Cheatham Hill to try this restaurant but the manager told me there is no table in such a bad way and he was so rude with me. We were eight people, and I told him I can wait and I’ve seen a couple of people they were about to leave, but still he was so rude and refused.

Amazing, we have been there a couple of times and enjoyed the taste and freshness of the food. Reliable service my wife left her purse there , was kept safe and was collected the day after.

The food was delicious & the service was amazing

I recently visited Darbar restaurant in Manchester with a friend, and our experience was beyond disappointing. We ordered soup, mezza, kebabs, and a sepzi, expecting a taste of Persian cuisine. Instead, we got cold soup, and when we politely asked for it to be reheated, the waiter rudely told us the kitchen was busy and he'd "try" to get it heated. His attitude was completely unacceptable. The mezza was far from any standard of a good mezza—more like hospital food. The kebabs were just okay, nothing to write home about. Overall, the food quality was mediocre at best. I strongly advise anyone considering Darbar to look elsewhere. There are plenty of other Persian restaurants in Manchester worth your time and money. Avoid this place.

Darbari kebab was a delicious meal

Fantastic customer service, lovely ambience, just amazing authentic food, we were made to feel so welcome, the food just melted in our mouths

My first time in this place and it won’t Be the last, nice food and service , especially Sam he was very helpful and professional

Juiciest the most delicious food ALWAYS! Been there three times, not once let down

Not the most extravagant first experience. The lamb okra dish was ok, however the kebabs, especially up to Iranian standards weren’t the best.

Terrible customer service, what's with the attitude .

Ordering from Darbar was a very good experience in terms of taste and quality. Highly recommend.

I can’t complain on food, tastes amazing But service it’s like you don’t exist for them. We had platter for 2 and it was delicious.

Breathtaking. Best Persian cuisine in Manchester. Hands down.

We enjoyed it here. Nice staff, good food, pleasant atmosphere, and very quick efficient service.

Food is delicious with massive portions, restaurant is like narnia when you walk in (in a good way). Staff are so friendly, Sam served us who was amazing and patient with us

Honestly the worst service ever I seen in my life. Usually we are going out every weekend. I googled I found the Darbar restaurant we never been before. I went with my family, waiter showed the table, and passed the menu, unfortunately after 30 minutes we didn't see the waiter again. Unfortunately table and floor were very dirty. My daughter was very sad. She decided to leave the restaurant find other one.

The food was perfect, offering the authentic taste of Persian cuisine and it was really delicious as well. We ordered chicken kebab and ghormeh sabzi, both were cooked perfectly and tasted much like homemade. The atmosphere was great, and the staff were excellent, especially Sam, who served us and was very hospitable and friendly. I highly recommend this place if you're looking to try authentic Persian food; it’s the right choice.

One of the best Persian restaurants in the UK I have been to. Definitely will come back next time we visit Manchester.

Darbar in Manchester offers delicious food with warm, friendly service from the staff. A great spot for a delightful dining experience!

Beautiful gorgeous place to eat. Food is absolutely lovely. Specially Iranian kebab and food. Highly recommend.

Darbar Restaurant is highly regarded Persian restaurant in Manchester, known for its authentic Persian dishes and warm, welcoming atmosphere. It offers a wide range of traditional Persian cuisine, including kebabs. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods to deliver a genuine Persian dining experience.

The food was amazing, and the service was great!

The high price of low-quality food, awful and low-quality barbecue Shashilak is completely burnt 👎👎

La comida era preciosa solo necesito trabajo en salsa de menta. Camarero no era muy fácil hablar o entender a otra persona que vi antes que era completamente lo contrario. Mi amiga le pidió que fuera suave pero estaba caliente.

A nice experience and a lot of food, God willing One plate can be enough for two people We ordered Kubideh and Mirza Excellent job 👍

Food is unreal - would really recommend

One of the best places I’ve been to. The food was delicious, huge portions, great staff, amazing decor. Highly recommend!!

Went in tonight, table of 8 and the service by the staff especially Sam was exceptional. Food was absolutely perfect would highly recommend !! :)

Amazing food, authentic persian taste.

Excellent food Very delicious 😋