Looking for a delicious Persian and Iranian meal near you?

Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Persian and Iranian restaurants around Denver, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to satisfy your cravings. 

1. Shondiz

Topping the list is Shondiz. Located at 480 16th St. downtown, the food stand is the highest rated Persian/Iranian spot in Denver, boasting 4.5 stars out of 133 reviews on Yelp. It also has a popular, newer restaurant location at 8000 E. Quincy Ave.

On the menu, you'll see options like the shawarma sandwich and the signature döner kebab plate (choice of lamb/beef mix or chicken) with lettuce, onion, tomato, pickled red cabbage, pita bread, tzatziki sauce and red chili sauce, served with your choice of side.

Yelper Temperance J. wrote, "You might be surprised by this quality of food coming from a street vendor. The döner kebab was beyond filling and could easily be split between two friends. The hummus was fresh and the consistency was perfect for dipping!"

2. Sweet Tryst

Next up is Sweet Tryst, situated at 4101 E. Evans Ave., Unit G, in southeast Denver. With five stars out of 28 reviews on Yelp, the Persian bakery, which offers desserts, coffee and tea, has proven to be a local favorite.

You'll see options like the zardeh (rice pudding with saffron and cinnamon), halva (baked flour with cinnamon, almonds and pistachios), Honey Tongue puff pastries, baklavas, cookies, cakes and more.

Brian T., who reviewed it on Aug. 19, wrote, "Great selection of sweets, pastries and chocolates. It's spotless, with an airy, bright atmosphere. The service was superb and prices were very reasonable for the quality of the product."

3. Marrakech Grill

A few blocks away, you'll find Marrakech Grill, located at 2290 S. Colorado Blvd. Yelpers give the popular Middle Eastern and Persian/Iranian spot four stars out of 209 reviews.

On the menu, look for dishes like the sambusa, a fried pastry filled with ground meat, onion, cilantro and spices; the ghormeh sabzi made with tender chunks of beef cooked in green onions, leeks, parsley, spinach, lime, kidney beans and spices; and the Fesenjan, a chicken stew cooked with walnuts and pomegranate sauce.

Mara K., who visited on Aug. 20, wrote, "The gyro was cooked and seasoned perfectly. Melt in your mouth tender. The hummus and rice were also tasty. This is not a fancy place, but they know how to cook."

4. Darya Restaurant

Then there's Darya Restaurant, which has earned four stars out of 55 reviews on Yelp. You can find the halal Persian spot at 10890 E. Dartmouth Ave.

On the menu, you'll find chicken cooked in Persian spices and saffron with currants, onion and raisins over steamed basmati rice; the Shirazi salad made with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, mint and Persian spice; and the mirza ghasemi, a traditional dish of baked eggplant with garlic and tomatoes, mixed with eggs and Persian spices. (See the full menu here.)

Jordan S. said, "Best Persian food in Denver area, hands down. Highly recommend this place, food is delicious and authentic. The restaurant is owned by a sweet couple, and their menu has a home-cooked feel that you won't find in other restaurants in the area."