Seemor
Shiraz Kitchen & Wine BarB+Worth Trying
111 W 17th St, New York, NY 10011
· Mediterranean restaurant, Cocktail bar, Persian restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (795 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Persian cooking with strong stews, solid kebabs, and a serious wine program in Chelsea; good overall but service consistency and hours accuracy need work.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Shiraz Kitchen & Wine Bar delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality anchored by exceptional stews and saffron rice, paired with warm, attentive service and knowledgeable wine guidance. However, quality variation on kebabs and fish and occasional service timing issues prevent grade A territory. The cozy Chelsea setting and strong wine program make it competitive with respected local favorites, though it lacks the consistency and distinction of premier dining destinations.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels cozy and lively, with a wine bar hum and the occasional jazz night raising the energy. Service is often warm and attentive, and plates land looking polished. A guest put it simply: "Stews were rich and comforting, and the team made us feel welcome." However, a few visits ran into rushed seating around music or slow ticket times. The cooking leans classic Persian with subtle personal flourishes—think lamb shank with dill-fava rice, walnut-pomegranate fesenjoon, saffron-scented kebabs, and smoky eggplant dips. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional (innovation level 5.6): heritage dishes, bright pomegranate notes, and a wine program that rewards guidance from the bar. Not every dish hits equally—stews shine brightest, while kebabs and fish have the occasional off night. Families will find kid-comfort picks like saffron basmati, kebabs, fries, and mild dips, though there is no explicit kids menu. Plenty of gluten-free and vegan options make it easy to share. If little ones are noise-sensitive, consider avoiding live music hours, and confirm hours in advance to dodge early kitchen closures.
At a Glance
- Stews and rice dishes are standouts with deep, comforting flavors
- Strong wine guidance at the bar enhances pairings
- Service consistency varies (long waits, seating disruptions on music nights)
- Reports of inaccurate hours and early kitchen closures
- Allergen handling complaint about nut-containing dessert miscommunication
What Sets It Apart
- persian_stew_mastery
- serious_wine_guidance
- dedicated_vegan_section
- live_jazz_fridays
What People Love
- Rich, slow-cooked stews that feel like home cooking
- Smoky eggplant dips with warm bread
- Attentive bartenders who match wines to dishes
- A cozy Chelsea vibe that feels celebratory
Points of Concern
- Service swings from attentive to delayed; a few orders arrived late or incorrect
- Some diners found kebabs or fish dry or underseasoned compared to excellent stews
- Pricing feels high to some, and wine list can read pricey
- Review patterns show isolated but serious allergen and early-closure reports that merit caution
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$52-70 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose a stew as centerpiece, add an eggplant dip and specialty rice upgrade
- For vegan diners: Okra Stew or Lentil-Date basmati mains
- Gluten-free: request GF crackers with dips and avoid pita
Perfect For
- Date night with a bottle of red and shared stews
- Persian food newcomers seeking approachable classics
- Small groups that enjoy live jazz energy
- Gluten-free or vegan diners wanting real choices
Location Insights
Area: Chelsea side street near 6th Ave; artsy, after-work crowd, date-night energy with galleries and offices nearby.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady foot traffic into late evening.
Nearby: Close to galleries, tech offices, and shops; convenient to 14th St transit hubs and nightlife.
ChelseaChelsea offers a lively dining scene with a mix of trendy restaurants, casual eateries, and upscale dining. The area is popular for its art galleries and nightlife, drawing a crowd interested in culture and socializing in a stylish urban environment.
West ChelseaWest Chelsea, particularly near 17th Street, is known for its concentration of contemporary art galleries and high-end dining establishments. It has a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere, attracting both locals and tourists seeking cultural and culinary experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–23:00
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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