Boulevard, Tehran, Iran

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The sophisticated exterior, with its carriage lamps and slick navy blue brickwork, might give the game away but the lack of a sign will ensure Boulevard’s exclusivity. Opened last autumn, Boulevard is the latest in the stable of chic restaurants opened in the city by the team behind Monsoon, and looks sure to replicate the older restaurant’s success. Inside, cream leather chairs, flickering candles and chocolate leather banquettes are offset by the velvety dark walls and waiters elegantly dressed in black while soft jazz courtesy of a Madeleine Peyroux CD completes the atmosphere. Best of all is the menu which is mostly Italian (and written only in English) and made from the freshest ingredients, with starters such as carpaccio of smoked salmon, herbed cream cheese and crostini and organic greens with apple, gorgonzola and candied walnuts. There are a range of pasta dishes such as fettuccine, grilled chicken with spicy lime sauce and also a small menu of gourmet pizzas. The main dishes feature a range of good meat or fish dishes with pan-European influences. All the portions are generous and there is some Iranian sensibility in the dishes, which just serves to make the food more delicious. It is buzzing every evening and the service is slick and attentive – you will only know you are in Iran because the beer on offer is alcohol free. Prices are high for Iran and you must book ahead for dinner.

Boulevard is at Vali Asr Avenue, 3 Nahid Boulevard, Tehran; phone: +98 (0)21 2205 1947

4 / 5 Review by member kamin