Situated just 2 miles outside of the ever-bustling and tourist-filled Harvard Square, is Cafe Vanak, a tiny Persian restaurant on Belmont Street. But it’s not the tourists who flock there for fresh-grilled kababs, buttery rice, and ghormeh sabzi, it’s the locals, and a few very prestigious food connoisseurs.
As a result, Condé Nast recognized Belmont’s Cafe Vanak on their annual “map of the world’s best restaurants.” The publication released a list of only 106 restaurants for North America, and Cafe Vanak is New England’s only restaurant to make the list. Lucky for us, it’s just on the outskirts of Boston!
Cafe Vanak among ‘world’s best restaurants’
The spot was put on the map (literally) when Mina Stone, author of Cooking for Artists and owner of Mina’s in Queens, highlighted Cafe Vanak as one of those restaurants you can’t help but think about months after dining there. The map is a compilation of hidden gems, $1 eats that will leave you speechless, and tasting menus that are worth the splurge. Cafe Vanak is among the hidden gems, taking up a small share of Belmont Street:
This family-owned authentic Persian eatery is right next to the totally inspiring Persian grocery store by the same owners (and the same name). It is brightly lit with bright posters of Persian food on the walls, and you will usually find family and friends of the owners eating happily right next to you! I ate chicken kabab (Joojeh), grilled tomatoes, saffron rice, and a Shirazi salad—all delicious, juicy, and perfect, notes Mina Stone.
The halal Persian eatery opened in 2021, with an adjacent market, Super Vanak occupying the space next door. Cafe Vanak specializes in authentic Persian food. The menu offers grilled kabobs, traditional Persian stews, saffron chicken, homemade Persian ice cream, and more! If you fall in love with the flavors, the next door Super Vanak market is a one-stop-shop for Persian spices, oils, breads, pastries, essences, and more to bring the flavors of Cafe Vanak home.
Find Cafe Vanak at:
271 Belmont Street, Belmont, MA