As a big fan of Persian food, I am always happy to try restaurants serving the cuisine. Sasani in Riyadh’s Hittin neighborhood makes a strong case for adding Persian food to your regular dining rotation.

A little way away from the city center, it is worth the drive. Persian rugs hang from the ceiling, while the contemporary decor offers a subtle nod to the cuisine, creating a setting that feels polished and connected to its Persian heritage.

The menu is extensive, with plenty to choose from, whether you are after small plates, slow-cooked stews or charcoal-grilled meats.

What I particularly liked about Sasani was the generous approach to sharing. This is not really a restaurant where you order one dish and call it a day. The menu lends itself to a table filled with different flavors, from smoky kebabs and fragrant rice to rich stews and tangy sides.

We started with some of the lighter options, including Shirazi salad for SR34 ($9) and mast khiar, a Persian yogurt, walnut, raisin and cucumber dish, for SR32.

Hot starters include kashk Bademjan, a rich eggplant dish, and original lamb sambosa.

For the main event, the charcoal grills are where Sasani really comes into its own. The joojeh kebab is made with saffron, lemon and yogurt-marinated chicken breast, but if you want something a little more indulgent, the soltani kebab combines tenderloin and minced lamb kebab.

There is also a mixed grill for two priced at SR248, which is a good option for anyone who wants to sample several of the restaurant’s grilled specialties in one sitting.

The stews are equally worth exploring. The ghormeh sabzi is a slow-cooked lamb stew with kidney beans and herbs, while the bamieh is a lamb and okra stew cooked in tomato sauce.

And then there is the rice. Persian food is not complete without it, and Sasani offers three varieties including saffron rice and baghali rice. 

The team are also on hand to recommend dishes according to your tastes, which is useful if you are unfamiliar with Persian cuisine.

Service is attentive without constantly interrupting the meal, and the staff allow the experience to unfold at a comfortable pace.

For Persian food lovers, Sasani is an easy recommendation. Come hungry, order for the table and do not be afraid to try something beyond the usual kebab.

The charcoal grills may draw you in, but the stews, rice and smaller plates are what make the meal feel complete.