I finally scored a reservation at the Persian restaurant generating lots of buzz.
Picture this, it’s a rainy Sunday evening and you are of the first to arrive for dinner at Sofreh. This cozy townhouse style Persian restaurant is right off Flatbush Avenue and is serving up shareable dishes in a way that is imaginative and satisfying.
Was the dining experience worth me constantly refreshing their page on Resy? Ahead, read my review of Sofreh.
The Meal
At first glance I noticed the selection of nuts, grains and fruits incorporated into many of the items on the menu. These are food combinations that I was not readily accustomed to, yet the pairings made me hopeful and curious.
For starters we had the Shallots and Yogurt which was paired with a toasty flat bread. I enjoyed this pairing and found it to be a great starter while we enjoyed our drinks. Next we had the Tahini and Date Salad. If you like a salad with crunch and earthy flavors then this can be a worthwhile choice. While this wasn’t a personal favorite, the grains and the tahini dressing complimented each other nicely.
Pay attention to the rice selection because some options may pair better with your main dish than others. Our waitress suggested the Herb Rice to go alongside the Lamb Shank – to which we had no regrets. The lamb was tender and flavorful. The butter beans were familiar, and yet provided a new take when combined with the other flavors in the broth. I’ve had butter beans before, and I’ve had lamb before, but not like this. I felt as though I was experiencing these flavors for the first time.
The best part of the meal? Dessert. I cannot believe how amazing the ice cream was. We ordered the Traditional Persian Ice Cream and again, we were taken back by the thoughtful pairing of the ingredients. Made with saffron, rosewater and pistachio, this ice cream awakened my palette. To my knowledge, this was my first time having ice cream made with rosewater. Initially, I wasn’t too sure about the saffron – but the flavor profile completely surpassed my expectations.
Related: 4 Desserts Sure to Ignite Your Sweet Tooth At This Popular Bakery in Williamsburg
Was it worth the visit?
In a city where Middle Eastern cuisine is not too hard to find, Persian food specifically remains underrepresented in the sea of NYC eateries. If you are on the hunt for a Persian restaurant or interested in sharing an inventive meal with friends, I would definitely recommend Sofreh. Needless to say, the flavors, price point and ambiance make it a visit to remember.
Live abundantly,
Bethany
