Darbar Restaurant Reviews Summary

Category: Persian restaurant

Address: 135 Cheetham Hill Rd, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M8 8LY, United Kingdom

Phone: +441618325383

Rating: 4.6
based on 199 reviews.

Food Quality and Taste

Pros:

  • "The halloumis were the best we had ever tried."
  • "The chicken was just so juicy."
  • "The lamb just fell off the bone and the rice was so good."
  • "The meat served was tasty and succulent."
  • "The grilled meat was the most succulent tasty meat I have ever tasted."
  • "The koobideh and chicken were both soft, moist and brimming with flavour."
  • "Meat was very tender, juice and with full of its own taste."
  • "The chicken tikka in particular is in a league of its own."

Cons:

  • "The food itself is a bit basic when eaten on its own, in terms of its taste profile."
  • "The fesenjoon was extremely bitter and I wasn’t able to finish it."
  • "The meat didn’t taste fresh at all, as a pro meat-eater I could tell this one was re-heated."
  • "One of the dish had burnt taste but we couldn't be asked to have returned or complained."
  • "For rice comes with crispy part (tahdig) you should wait 20 to 25 minutes which was annoying me."
  • "The koobideh was not fresh at all, especially the koobideh kebab it was smelly."
  • "The fesenjoon wasn’t taste good and the drink was warm as well."
  • "Very ordinary restaurant for the price you pay... Food is okay, not notably good."

Service and Staff

Pros:

  • "Excellent service by the waiters and waitresses."
  • "The staff was very welcoming and friendly."
  • "Service was impeccable, though some staff do struggle with English, so please be patient with them."
  • "The lovely waitress moved us to the back area as it was busy at the front."
  • "The staff are really helpful, honest and friendly."
  • "Staff made us feel very comfortable & served us food with warmth."
  • "The staff were very polite and attentive."
  • "The customer service by Sam at Darbar was spectacular."

Cons:

  • "My only suggestion is if rice can be cooked with saffron flavour."
  • "Poor customer service. Waiter came and said we are busy no management involvement & we have to leave."
  • "Inside was cold, food was cold and tasteless, serving terrible and staff unfriendly."
  • "Constantly disregarded small requests such as 'can we have some chilli sauce' or 'is it possible to have a knife?'."
  • "The fact that the sign hasn’t been changed from 'Mediterranean cuisine' is a pity."
  • "Terrible kitchen staff, they were constantly making wired noises."
  • "The food was so nice but that 1 waiter was so rude and show no respect to customers."
  • "The staff was very unwelcoming. It felt very intimidating."

Ambiance and Decor

Pros:

  • "The interior is cozy and full of beautiful cultural designs."
  • "Welcoming decor and great atmosphere!"
  • "The ambiance of the restaurant added to the overall experience, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere."
  • "The lovely restaurant. The staff are really helpful, honest and friendly."
  • "I really enjoy eating in this Iranian restaurant. This place is so cozy."
  • "Very nice, high-quality Iranian cousins. We had kashk-e-bademjoon with freshly-baked naan."
  • "The restaurant had nice decor and atmosphere."
  • "Cozy restaurant makes you feel like you’re at home - your Persian home."

Cons:

  • "It's not the nicest looking place from the outside, it's pleasant inside."
  • "The restaurant is registered for eat out to help out scheme on the government website and they are on the list, that's why I went there today to use it but surprisingly I've been told there has been a mistake and they never registered for this scheme."
  • "This was the place we used to go often if we fancied Persian food and never was disappointed, but unfortunately in our recent visit we were very disappointed and unsatisfied."
  • "Although a little out of the way I will definitely be making this my go-to Iranian restaurant."
  • "Just came in and was immediately greeted with very bad attitude and unprofessionalism."
  • "Food was perfect and I really enjoyed. The venue is placed on Cheetham Hill Rd."
  • "Gorgeous place, with significant staff and delicious food."
  • "The restaurant is a little weird with the entrance but it's not hard to find."

Portion Size and Value

Pros:

  • "Did I mention about the size and portion? Omg, they have doubled up the portion since I last came."
  • "The portion sizes were big and well presented."
  • "Price might seem a little steep for the meats but the portion sizes will shut you right up!"
  • "Food has always been great and the service. The bread with the hummus starter has been slightly crispy on 2 occasions, needs to be softer and maybe 1 extra piece of bread as 2 isn’t enough for the hummus portion."
  • "Excellent value. Friendly staff. Wide choice of genuinely authentic Persian cuisine."
  • "The food was seasoned extremely well and everything was full of flavour."
  • "Food is fabulous, great portion sizes, well priced and the meat is excellent quality."
  • "The best Persian restaurant in Manchester. Good portion. The staff were really friendly and made sure you got looked well after."

Cons:

  • "I was so full that I couldn’t try Persian ice cream."
  • "The food itself was fairly priced and the portions for the main meal were really good and extremely filling."
  • "The sitting spaces are alright, nothing outstanding or worth commenting on."
  • "The fact that the sign hasn’t been changed from 'Mediterranean cuisine' is a pity, and goes to show how lacking in pride for their own heritage the owner is."
  • "Constantly raising prices, quality is low and very inconsistent."
  • "One of the best restaurants in Manchester, the rice with zershome, lamb ribs, and kobidah is awesome... Highly recommended"
  • "Having dinner at Darbar restaurant, Cheetham Hill road. Enjoying dinner with my wife & friend."
  • "Came here yesterday for the first time with my mrs, had an amazing experience."

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