Persian Garden Cafe
Hours
Profile
$$$ - expensive
Middle Eastern/Persian
Stunning Persian cuisine in a classy, romantic setting
Featuring Persian, Mediterranean, Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine, the Persian Garden Cafe will enchant your senses, as well as your taste buds.
For appetizers, there's the familiar Middle Eastern treats of hummus, baba, and stuffed grape leaves (each priced at $10 for dinner and less for lunch). The best value is the soup: lentil, black bean, Minestrone, or Miso ($4 for a cup or $5 for a bowl).
The dinner menu includes a spectacular array of some of the best vegetarian and vegan dishes in Phoenix (and easily the biggest portion sizes anywhere - big enough for two!). You'll discover a succulent and exquisite blend of herbs and spices in each of the sensational stir-fries, stews, pastas, and sandwiches that will amaze just about any diner. (The Veggie Stir Fry and the Purpleshoots entrees are especially good.) They also have great whole-wheat flat bread, and don't skimp on giving you as much as you want. (Dinner entrees range in price from $18-$22.)
The lunch menu is very similar to the dinner menu (though less expensive), featuring hearty vegetarian soups, salads, sandwiches, and their more popular dinner entrees.
Finally, they also offer some of the best vegan desserts found anywhere such as pumpkin pie, carrot cake, and the ultra-decadent chocolate (vegan) cheesecake!
For decor, there's no shortage of ceramics and Persian tapestries and rugs adorning the walls, adding a unique touch to the place.
Service is first-rate (when they're adequately staffed).
All-in-all, Persian Garden Cafe is one of the best-kept secrets in Phoenix for outstanding vegetarian food. The prices are a little steep, but portion sizes are enormous; so you definitely get your money's worth here.
Located just east of the SE corner of Thomas and 15th Ave in Phoenix. Free parking in the lot.
- Large Group-Friendly
- Quiet
- Romantic
Added by Steve Carlson on Aug 20 04 (updated Apr 18)
Reviews
I think Persian Garden can be summed up in two words: it sucks. The prices are extremely high ($20.00 for a veggie stir fry) and the staff's attitude is downright rude. I did not care for the food that I ordered and sent it back, only to be confronted by a manager. When I stated that I did not like the dish he questioned my taste and still charged me for the dish. Avoid PG for something else that is much better, there are better options on Thomas.
Pretty good food, but not worth the prices (although their vegan chocolate cheesecake was fantastic - but not for $5!). I don't think this place is worth the visit. If you're looking for a really nice veg/vegan restaurant check out 'The Center' in Tempe.
When I visited last year, the waitress was very knowledgeable about veganism and the dishes' ingredients. There were some interesting and unique entrees. I had a spinach "burger," and was expecting a sandwich but instead was served a spinach patty and some rice. Despite the unexpected form my food took, it was absolutely delicious.
There were many vegan dessert options as well. I had a fantastic chocolate cheesecake. My companion had a slice of pumpkin pie, which was also quite good.
Ate lunch here last week. I ordered the Falafel and Dolmeh plate which comes with white and brown rice. The falafel was a bit dry, but it was all very tasty, and more than I could eat in one sitting.
The menu clearly labels what is vegan or vegetarian. Friendly wait staff.