Shalizaar Restaurant

The story

Shalizaar Restaurant: Award-Winning Persian Cuisine in Belmont, CA

For decades, Shalizaar has been a destination for authentic Persian cuisine on the San Francisco Peninsula. Located on El Camino Real in Belmont, this family-run restaurant draws loyal diners from across the Bay Area—over 70,000 visits last year alone.

A Family-Run Persian Kitchen

Shalizaar was first established in 1996 in Mountain View, later moved to San Mateo, and has called Belmont home since September 2007. The restaurant is led by co-founders Saeed Ayagh and Narges Ayagh, alongside manager and wine director Afshin Abbasi. Saeed Ayagh’s experience in the restaurant business stretches back to Iran in 1978; he moved to California in 1994 and opened Shalizaar two years later. Afshin Abbasi, who has worked with acclaimed chef Bradley Ogden and trained under master sommeliers, brings deep wine knowledge to the table. The staff, many of whom have been with Shalizaar for over 15 years, reflects the restaurant’s family atmosphere and low turnover.

What Makes the Food Stand Out

The kitchen bakes its own bread fresh inside the restaurant, using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Meats are ground in-house. Traditional dishes span Persian kabobs, stews, and rice plates—customer favorites include the lamb chops (shislik) and the starter plate of bread, cheese, walnuts, and fresh herbs. The elegant yet warm dining room, with its open bread oven, offers a setting that feels both refined and welcoming. For larger gatherings, a private banquet hall accommodates up to 180 guests.

Recognition That Matters

Shalizaar has earned a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, an honor it has held for five consecutive years. The restaurant is also recommended by Michelin and was unanimously praised on KQED’s “Check Please.” It has catered events at the Ritz Carlton alongside Bay Area food icon Narsai David. This recognition speaks to the restaurant’s commitment to both its cuisine and its wine program—one of the few Persian restaurants to be featured in Wine Spectator.

Shalizaar offers lunch and dinner daily, with curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, and full catering. Whether you’re coming for a date night or a family celebration, the food and service here are built around genuine hospitality and respect for tradition.