Restaurants

Many of the capitals Iranian restaurants have spent decades slaving over hot clay ovens, yet its taken newcomer Mahdi just four years to endear itself so deeply to Londons Iranian expats that few would be happy letting anyone else cater at their daughters wedding. The reason is simple: Mahdis dishes are the most authentic, generously portioned and jaw-droppingly delicious youll find anywhere in the city. Thats not to say the place will appeal to everyone: the ten-minute walk from Hammersmith tube and absence of alcohol (BYO or otherwise) may deter lazybones and booze-hounds but its all part of what makes Mahdi so irrefutably Iranian. The same is true of the cheerfully functional aesthetics (bright lighting, plastic tablecloths, a smattering of Persian posters on the walls) and fleet of polite, white-shirted waiters. An extensive menu lists plenty of unusual dishes a starter of tah chin, for example, with oblongs of crispy rice bound with eggs and sweetened with barberries while standards were cooked to perfection: lamb and chicken kebabs were richly flavoursome, stews packed with ingredients that others tend to skimp. Giant portions mean almost everyone can be seen scooping leftovers into plastic tubs at the end of the evening, smiling at the thought of tucking in for a second time.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008