Shiraz

This restaurant is another one of those places that is so treasured by those that know it exists, and for Shiraz… that number is quite a few, mostly because they have been around in Manchester for the last 33 or so years, but also because the experience compels your return at some point. … including me, I have been at least 6 times now! Shiraz is also a family run business (I have since discovered) where they specialise in Persian cuisine, and it shows that years of love and tradition have passed down into the menu. The restaurant itself is for me a magical cavern of coloured decorations, the windows are set with stained glass panels, the walls covered with tiles depicting archers and warriors from the region’s medieval past and Iranian artwork depicting images of nature.
I love so many dishes on the menu at Shiraz and simply find it hard to list all with the glowing reference they deserve without turning my review into a novel! My personal favorite starter is the khufta… an orange-​sized ball of succulent minced lamb, but it was also flavoured with ingredients such as chickpeas, plum, and walnut… and for a main the Ghormeh Sabzi tops my scoreboard, it is a traditional lamb casserole with fresh herbs, red kidney beans and omani lemon, and particular favourite with the Iranian community.
I really wish I could give Shiraz six stars! I know that if you like Persian food, or have indeed travelled to where these dishes originated and what to get the same (and best) in Manchester… Then you will be so glad to have found Shiraz.