Seemor
Naroon MaryleboneB+Worth Trying
17 New Cavendish St, London W1G 9UA
· Persian restaurant
· 4.8/5 Google (2245 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Excellent Persian cooking with standout kebabs and stews, warm service for most, but space is tight and service can wobble at peak times; book and expect moderate London prices.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Naroon Marylebone delivers exceptional food quality with standout kebabs and stews that justify its strong reputation, supported by genuinely attentive service. However, inconsistent execution—occasional dry chicken and cold plates—prevents a higher grade, while tight tables and limited air circulation constrain the dining experience. A worthwhile neighborhood destination for Persian cuisine, though not yet among the region's premier establishments.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, a compact Marylebone spot where plates of saffron rice and smoky kebabs thread through a lively crowd. Servers are often genuinely attentive and quick with recommendations. One diner put it plainly: "We felt looked after even on a busy night." Cooking leans classic Persian with polish—tender koobideh, sweet-sour fesenjoon, and herb-forward sides—more elevated traditional than theatrical. A few modern touches land on the dessert list and specials, but the heart of the menu is grills and stews that reward sharing and repeat visits. For families, the food is naturally accessible: grilled chicken and lamb, saffron rice, warm bread, and simple yogurt dips. There is no formal kids menu, and the room is snug, so early bookings are kinder to little ones. Vegetarian choices skew toward starters and sides rather than mains.
At a Glance
- Kebabs, stews, and saffron rice are consistently praised
- Friendly, attentive servers elevate most visits
- Tight tables and lively noise at peak times
- Host/front-door experience can feel brusque
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- well-executed Persian grills
- generous mixed grill platters
- authentic tea and dessert offerings
What People Love
- Emotionally warm hospitality from servers
- Succulent koobideh and jujeh torsh
- Fragrant rice and bread fresh from the oven
- Sweet endings like baklava ice cream and bastani
Points of Concern
- Space is compact; tables feel tight and noise rises at peak
- Host interactions vary from polished to curt depending on the rush
- Wait times can overrun reservations on busy evenings
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (£21-£32 mains) which may surprise casual diners
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (high five-star share, occasional marketing tone) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£36-£56 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a vegetable starter (Kashk-e Bademjoon) with a grill and one stew for variety
- Dessert: Bastani or Baklava Ice Cream to finish with saffron and pistachio notes
Perfect For
- Sharing a mixed grill platter with friends
- Date night in central London without full fine-dining formality
- Out-of-towners seeking polished Persian classics
- Casual celebrations with hearty portions
Location Insights
Area: Upscale central London enclave with boutiques, clinics, and offices; draws locals and destination diners.
Safety: Well-lit, high foot traffic, generally very safe even late.
Nearby: Near Oxford Circus and Regent Street shopping; residential mews, galleries, and cafes nearby.
FitzroviaFitzrovia is a trendy and eclectic neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial spaces. It boasts a diverse dining scene ranging from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, frequented by a creative and professional crowd. The area is known for its lively yet somewhat laid-back atmosphere, with a blend of historic charm and modern urban life.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:30–22:30
Tuesday08:30–22:30
Wednesday08:30–22:30
Thursday08:30–22:30
Friday08:30–22:30
Saturday09:30–22:30
Sunday09:30–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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