Kateh is, without doubt, the best Persian-Iranian restaurant I have been to outside Iran. It’s miles better than anything we’ve got in Dubai. Located in one of the side streets of picturesque Little Venice, its petite ground floor and basement interior is the epitome of smart casual. It’s beautifully Parisian and Persian at the same time.
What I like most about Kateh is that it makes a clean break from the stereotypical kabab and rice mould, offering a broader spectrum of Persian culinary delights. Owner Bijan Behzadi, whose wholesomeness and positivity are infectious, stresses that only the freshest, finest locally sourced ingredients are used in Kateh’s kitchens, something obvious from the first bite you take.
All that said, I ended up ordering what turned out to be an amazing Kabab Torsh but only because the person who introduced me to Kateh made me promise I would. Although slightly overcooked for my liking (my fault because I forgot to ask for it medium rare), I enjoyed it because it had balance and wasn’t overbearingly sour as some tend to make it.
Our table, eager to sample Kateh’s unique menu, ordered a number of starters and non-kabab mains. Standouts for me were the signature Stuffed Calamari, pan-fried chicken liver (Jigar) and the insanely good Salad Dezfouli.
My wife, Negin, makes the best Fesenjan in the world with Roya Banan’s and Mariam Djazayeri’s coming a tied second. So, for me to say that Kateh’s Anar Avij, a close cousin of Fesenjan, slots in somewhere in-between my all-time favourites is paying them a HUGE compliment. Their Anar Avij really is superb.
Downs? A couple, starting with the Koobideh which, with so many amazing dishes to choose from, I wouldn’t waste time with. The Faloodeh isn’t worth ordering either. Everything else we ordered, however, was amazing.
Service at Kateh is friendly, professional and accommodating. The waiters are well-trained and well-versed on the menu. Prices are a bit steep but not ridiculously so…like Anar and Enigma in Dubai, especially when you consider the quality you’re getting. And if you’re lucky enough to bump into Bijan while you’re there, you’re in for a treat as delicious as the food itself. Kateh, the best Persian-Iranian restaurant I have been to outside Iran…and well worth a detour.
Waste NOT. Want NOT.
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