Lounge

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The latest addition to Tehran’s sophisticated restaurant scene lies behind a discreet red door in the northern reaches of the city, in posh Niavaran. Lounge is another restaurant that would be equally at home in a European city’s trendiest districts, opened up this time by a family team who recently moved back to Iran from Copenhagen.

The interior is minimalist with low lighting and music ranging from cool south American jazz to classic rock. The long space is framed by stark walls, the top half painted white and the bottom half finished off with a brushed chrome section. The clean sleek lines of the furniture are a medly of dark wood and dark leather, all stark clean lines. Plates are large and square and come laden with food, all of the Western/Asian fusion variety which you can choose off a menu written in English. Choose between seasonal soup such as carrot and ginger, or bruschetta and move on to a wide choice of pastas, salads and sandwiches which even give options for vegetarians. Other main dishes include delicious medallion steak (you can’t beat good Iranian meat) and a spicy Thai green curry. Desserts change regularly but it’s a safe bet to say you can’t go wrong with whatever you choose.

The illusion of being elsewhere than the Islamic Republic of Iran is bolstered by the variety of cocktails on offer, from a mojito to a caiparinha. OK the cocktails are all virgins – alcohol is still prohibited, no matter how chic the establishment or how cool the waiters – but anyway they are a nice touch.

Perhaps best of all is the establishment’s positively anti-rush philosophy. In direct contrast to many of Tehran’s food joints, where you are not encouraged to linger, at Lounge, they really do want you to lounge around, welcoming lingering lunchers and dallying diners. For Iran it’s not cheap, but for Europe, it is a bargain!

Lounge is at No. 17, Erfani Alley, , Mojdeh St, Niavaran Ave, Tehran, Iran; Tel: +98 (0)21 2271 5953

4 / 5 Review by member kamin

‘Simply the Best’

I absolutely adore Lounge. For one thing, the food is delicious, presentation executed to perfection and the deserts are to die for. The restaurant itself ... Read more »

5 / 5 Review by member Mahshid J