Shiraz

This Chelsea wine bar smells like an especially appetizing candle store, with the scent of wine, saffron, and rose mingling in the air. There are around 100 bottles here to go with the big flavors in their Persian food, whether that’s the tart yogurt on top of the mast bademjoon, the puckery pomegranate molasses covering the meatballs, or the orange zest in the rice pilaf. (There’s also a sumac shaker on every table for some extra zhuzh.)

Shiraz is a good spot for some small plates and wine, but you can also eat a full dinner here. Just keep in mind that it isn’t as much of a family-style spot, so each person should order a plate for themselves. The lamb chops, for example, are no more than two-or-three bites each, but you get five and they come with a side to round out the meal. And every table gets a free plate of pita and olives to start. Add to that the quiet calm of Shiraz’s warm, homey dining room, friendly service, and jazzy covers of Justin Bieber songs, and you’ve got the perfect oasis to escape to after work downtown.

Food Rundown

photo credit: Alex Staniloff

Mast Bademjoon

Can’t decide between the yogurt and eggplant dips? This one has both. Shiraz decorates their eggplant with heavy dollops of yogurt, until it's completely covered. It’s a nice, chunky starter when you mix it all together and eat it with the complimentary pita.

photo credit: Alex Staniloff

Lamb Chops

Every kebab and lamb chop plate comes with your choice of saffron rice, salad, or french fries. These chops are pretty well-seasoned, but they’re even better with a couple shakes of sumac and their house hot sauce, for an extra vinegary element.

Wine

They’ve got around 100 options on the wine list. Ask what goes best with lamb.