There are loads of great restaurants in Souq Waqif to eat at but one of my favourites is Parisa, an Iranian restaurant.

So why do I love it?

The decor at Parisa, Souq Waqif

I think this has to be the most opulent restaurant in the souq. From the moment you enter through the mirrored corridor you are transported somewhere else. The mirrored ceiling, the mural walls and the beautiful foundation in the center make this a really stunning setting.

The beautiful ceiling

The beautiful ceiling

the beautiful Parisa Souq Waif restaurant

Service at Parisa

The staff are always attentive and willing to bring out more bread even after I Have consumed my own body weight in the stuff! They are also really friendly and great with small talk and recommendations.

The food at Parisa

You can’t go wrong with a kebab but Parisa excels at them. We love getting the sharing platter so we can try them all as I can never decide which one to order!

I also love their sweet walnut and pomegranate chicken stew which is like nothing else I have ever eaten.

But the star of the show is their rice. They do different kinds, saffron and dill being my favourites. It is truly the fluffiest rice I have ever tasted.

Kebab

Atmosphere at Parisa, souq Waqif

In the evening there are usually a couple of musicians playing traditional music which really adds to the ambiance.

Desserts 

I usually haven’t left nearly enough room for pudding but I always managed to force myself to have one. I particularly love the pistachio ice cream with saffron biscuits

Yummy pudding – photo credit my lovely friend Jen

When to go 

Parisa is great all year round but can’t be beaten when it’s hot and you need interior seating. But in truth go anytime you won’t be disappointed!

There is a second branch of Souq Waqif at the Sharq hotel but Parisa Souq Waqif has to be my favourite.