“Taste of Tehran” is a beloved Persian restaurant in Westwood, LA founded by Chef-Owner Saghar Fanisalek. An Iranian immigrant, Le Cordon Bleu–trained and former Top Chef judge, Saghar founded the café in 2013 to share her heritage through food. The restaurant’s menu features classic Iranian dshes like grilled kebabs, stews, salads, and vegetarian dishes all made with authentic ingredients. The brand story is warm and community-focused, casual storefront highlighting Persian hospitality, tradition and cultural connection. In short, Taste of Tehran is “food as cultural storytelling,” driven by Saghar’s passion for sharing Iranian flavors and values.
⟢ Social Media Management
⟢ Event Planning
⟢ PR Communications
The photography approach for Taste of Tehran was vibrant, warm, and focused on authenticity. I oversaw food shoots that emphasized the rich colors of Persian cuisine – the deep reds and golds of slow-cooked stews, the vibrant greens of fresh herbs, and the textured saffron rice – all styled in a way that felt both elegant and homey. We styled images to evoke the cozy, family-style atmosphere of the restaurant: for example, long communal tables set with bowls of mast-o-musir (yogurt and shallots) and glowing string lights overhead, reminiscent of the warm courtyard described in reviews. The imagery balanced polished editorial looks (for digital menus and press) with candid shots (for social media) to showcase both the beauty of the cuisine and the inviting restaurant environment.
For Taste of Tehran, I made short-form videos that brought the kitchen to life. I opted for a warm, cinematic style that captured slow-motion sizzles of kebabs on the grill and close-ups of the prep process. The narrative tone was both personal and authentic: videos often feature Chef Saghar guiding the viewer through a traditional cooking process, grounding the content in her passionate & expertise. The goal was to make viewers feel like they’re stepping into her kitchen, blending authentic Iranian cooking with aesthetic visuals.
I strategically used Instagram Stories to give followers a day-in-the-life glimpse at the restaurant. Stories often showcased behind-the-scenes moments – for example, Saghi selecting fresh produce, our team plating the special “Tehran Plate,” or warming up the courtyard patio for a cozy evening service. We also used Stories to announce daily specials (like saffron-infused stews or limited-quantity sides) and to share customer testimonials in real time. By highlighting timely events (such as Persian holidays or pop-up tasting events) and real patron reactions, our Stories created an engaging narrative thread that kept the community connected to the Taste of Tehran brand.
This is not included in this client's package.
This service is not included in this client's package.
Earned press is a powerful stamp of approval. For a beloved spot like Taste of Tehran, being featured in major outlets and local blogs served as an affirmation that this restaurant stands tall amongst the competitive dining landscape in Los Angeles.
My role was to foster their existing reputation. I connected with editors and occasionally host them in the restaurant with Saghar to highlight what regulars already know: this is a cornerstone of authentic Persian cuisine in Westwood. This consistent recognition, like its place on the LA Times 101 Best list, reinforces its status and continually draws new guests to experience it for themselves!
Hall of Fame restaurants: These timeless classics define L.A. dining
Los Angeles Times | Dec 3, 2024
We think of the Hall of Famers as restaurants so vital to the marrow of Los Angeles dining that they transcend the whims of list-making and rankings. They’ve earned a place in our lives for all time. Five new luminaries enter the echelon this year, joining the 33 previous inductees beginning in 2019
The Best Restaurants In Westwood
Infatuation LA by Nikko Duren & Brant Cox | September 5, 2024
This tiny, order-at-the-counter shop makes our favorite kabobs in the neighborhood. They’re juicy and tender, while still maintaining a light crunch, courtesy of the grated onion inside. And at $15 for a full plate with rice and tomatoes, it's a solid quick lunch option that also isn't going to put a hole through your debit card. While the meats are a priority here (their citrusy cornish hen kabob is another standout), we recommend getting involved with the dips, too. The mast-o-mousir, which is strained yogurt mixed with chopped shallots, is tangy, sour, and thick. We usually order one for the meal itself and then another for the road to spread on everything else we eat throughout the week.
The Best Persian Restaurants in Los Angeles, According to Eater’s Local Dining Expert
Eater LA by Melody Barooni | June 14, 2024
Opened in 2013 by chef Saghar Fanisalek, Taste of Tehran has mastered the art of Persian kebabs. Skewers of marinated kebabs are charbroiled to perfection and served with saffron-drizzled rice and charred tomato. Vegetarian options include ash reshteh (bean soup with noodles and fresh herbs topped with caramelized onions, yogurt, and dried mint) and maust o khiar (yogurt mixed with chopped Persian cucumber and mint).
The Best Persian Restaurants In LA
Brant Cox, Arden Shore, Garrett Snyder & Sylvio Martins | March 18, 2024
You’ll find the minced meat kabob known as koobideh on the menu at almost every single spot on this guide, but the best ones are served at Taste of Tehran. This tiny, order-at-the-counter Westwood shop seasons their kabobs to perfection, making sure they’re plump and tender while maintaining that slight snappy texture. While the meats are a priority here (the citrusy cornish hen kabob is another standout), we also recommend getting involved with their dips. The tangy, thick mast-o-musir—strained yogurt mixed with chopped shallots—improves anything it touches. In fact, we usually get two orders: one for the meal itself and another to spread on everything we eat the rest of the week.
Restaurant Review: Taste of Tehran
Time Out LA | March 28, 2024
In the heart of Tehrangeles, Saghar Fanisalek’s fast-casual eatery serves some of the best Persian kebab in the city, minus all the bells and whistles. The simplified menu includes salads, wraps and a few homey dishes like tahdig (crispy rice) and ash reshteh (a vegetarian soup topped with caramelized onion, yogurt, and dried mint), but the primary reason people come is the kebab. Served with rice and a grilled tomato, cuts like beef and chicken koobideh (ground meat kebabs) always come juicy, well-marinated and perfectly seasoned, with just the right amount of onion. While the portion sizes here may not be as grand as other Persian restaurants, you won’t leave hungry. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, pairs can share the generously portioned Tehran plate special, which combines both types of koobideh with filet mignon shish kabab and full plates of rice and salad.
10 of L.A.’s best Persian dishes, from kebabs and sandwiches to ice cream and spiced cookies
Los Angeles Times | Jun 29, 2024
On an early evening in mid-March, I relaxed into a dinner that has become an annual tradition. The meal — celebrating Nowruz, the ancient rite of the vernal equinox, rooted in Zoroastrianism and observed as the most important event on the Persian calendar — began with sabzi khordan, a platter arranged with halved walnuts, sprigs of herbs, radishes and a small rectangle of feta alongside warm barbari, the flatbread that is equal parts crunch and plushness.
Taste of Tehran: A Culinary Journey Through Persian Delights
Hungry Ghost | Jan 20, 2025
Taste of Tehran is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The flavors transported me to the streets of Tehran, where food isn’t just nourishment—it’s a celebration of culture and community. The Boneless Chicken Kabob Wrap is a must-try for anyone looking to savor authentic Persian cuisine in the heart of Los Angeles.
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