Take one look at Kian Samyani’s CV and it’s not hard to see why his first solo venture has such rave reviews.
After stints working for Jamie Oliver, as well as at Benares in Mayfair and The Bingham in Richmond, Kian continued to climb the ranks at JKS-owned Gymkhana and Brigadiers. Seeing a spark in the Iranian-born chef, the restaurant group helped Kian to launch his Soho eatery, Berenjak in 2008, which is inspired by his childhood memories of visiting Tehran.
Enter the restaurant through a reimagined Iranian shopfront and you could easily be in one of the city’s hole-in-the-wall kebab houses. Inside, an open kitchen, complete with a flaming tandoor, mangal barbecue, and vertical rotisserie, sits amidst a candlelit, exposed-brick dining room, lined with stained glass windows and softened by a Persian-inspired mosaic floor.
The menu uses seasonal British produce to create a twist on traditional Iranian cuisine, while mazeh-style small plates reflect the nostalgic joy of sharing food with friends and family. Guests are given the option to try the chef’s recommendations or select from the a la carte.
Berenjak has been featured on Michelin's Bib Gourmand list for 2020.
berenjaklondon.com/
