Tucked away in the heart of Soho, Berenjak is one of those places that keeps popping up whenever you search for something a little different in London’s food scene. Known for its traditional Persian small plates, charcoal-grilled kebabs, and constantly busy dining room, it’s built a reputation as one of the most talked-about casual dining spots in central London.

On a recent trip into the city, I decided to visit the Soho branch to see if it actually lives up to the hype — and more importantly, whether it’s somewhere I’d genuinely recommend adding to your London itinerary.

This post is also a bit of an experiment.

Up until now, most of my London content has focused on curated lists — like my full guide to the best places to eat across the city. But moving forward, I want to start including more in-depth, experience-based restaurant reviews like this one. The goal is simple: give you a much clearer, more complete picture of what it’s actually like to eat at these places, not just where they rank on a list.

So in this review, I’ll walk you through the full experience — from the atmosphere and service to exactly what we ordered, what stood out, what didn’t, and whether Berenjak Soho is really worth your time (and money) when visiting London.

Location & First Impressions

Right in the heart of Soho, Berenjak sits among some of the busiest streets in central London — exactly where you’d expect to find one of the city’s most in-demand casual dining spots.

We arrived slightly early for our reservation, so instead of waiting around, we headed to the nearby Coach & Horses for a quick drink — a great little spot to keep in mind if you find yourself with time to spare before your booking.

Even though we had reserved a table about a month in advance, our table was running around 5–10 minutes behind schedule due to the previous guests. Normally this might be a slight frustration, but in a place like this, it actually felt like a reflection of how busy and in-demand the restaurant is rather than poor organisation.

Once inside, it’s immediately clear why Berenjak is so popular. The space is compact and lively, with a mix of different seating options packed closely together. As a couple, we were seated at the counter — which turned out to be one of the best spots in the restaurant. From here, you get a full view of the kitchen in action, including the open grill and glowing coals, which really adds to the overall experience.

Despite the slight delay with our table, the service stood out straight away. The general manager and staff were incredibly welcoming, clearly passionate about the food, and more than happy to guide us through the menu with recommendations. That kind of energy makes a big difference — especially when you’re trying somewhere new and want to make sure you’re ordering the right dishes.

Overall, first impressions were strong: busy, slightly chaotic in a classic Soho way, but backed up by great service and a clear focus on the food.

Atmosphere & Experience

If there’s one word to describe Berenjak Soho, it’s lively.

From the moment you sit down, there’s a constant buzz — conversations bouncing around the room, plates moving quickly between tables, and the unmistakable sound of food cooking over open flames. Sitting at the counter gave us a front-row seat to all of it, and honestly, it completely changed the experience.

Watching the chefs work over the coals, turning skewers and plating dishes in real time, adds a level of energy you just don’t get with traditional seating. It feels fast-paced but controlled — like everything is happening exactly as it should, even when the restaurant is full.

The layout is tight, which is very typical for Soho. Tables are close together, and the counter seating is compact, so this isn’t somewhere you come expecting loads of space or privacy. Instead, it’s more about being part of the atmosphere — something that works really well if you’re into that kind of dining experience.

Lighting is kept relatively low, giving it a slightly more intimate feel despite how busy it gets. It strikes a nice balance between casual and date-night worthy, which probably explains why you see such a mix of people dining here — couples, small groups, and even solo diners at the counter.

One thing to be aware of is the noise level. When it’s busy (which it often is), it can get loud. Not uncomfortably so, but definitely not somewhere for a quiet, relaxed conversation. That said, it all adds to the overall character of the place.

Overall, the atmosphere is a big part of what makes Berenjak stand out. It’s not just about the food — it’s the combination of the setting, the energy, and that open-kitchen experience that makes it feel a bit more memorable than your average Soho restaurant.

What We Ordered

This is where Berenjak really starts to show what it’s about. The menu is built around traditional Persian small plates and charcoal-grilled kebabs, so we tried to cover a good mix of both.

Starters & Dips

We started with the Taftoon bread, paired with the viral black hummus and Kashk e Bademjoon.

The standout here — by a mile — was the Kashk e Bademjoon. Made with coal-cooked aubergine, whey, walnuts, dried mint, and onions, it was honestly one of the best dips I’ve had. Smoky, rich, and full of depth, it worked perfectly with the warm Taftoon bread. This is a must order.

The black hummus, which you’ll probably recognise from social media, is definitely worth trying. It’s incredibly smooth and creamy, but if I’m being honest, it didn’t quite deliver on flavour as much as expected. It’s also quite heavy — still enjoyable, just not as memorable as the aubergine dip.

Kebabs (The Main Event)

For mains, we went for two of the classics: Koobideh Kabab and Jujeh Kabab.

The Jujeh Kabab (chicken) was the clear winner. Perfectly cooked, juicy, and packed with flavour — this is exactly what you want from a charcoal-grilled dish. Simple, but done really well.

The Koobideh Kabab (minced lamb) was good, but slightly underwhelming in comparison. It’s still enjoyable, but we’ve definitely had better elsewhere. That said, this might come down to personal preference — I tend to compare it to Turkish Adana, which usually has a bit more spice and punch to it.

Interestingly, the general manager actually recommended the lamb rump chunk kebab, which we didn’t order this time — but based on that suggestion, it’s probably what I’d go for on a return visit instead of the Koobideh.

Also worth noting — while the Jujeh Kabab was excellent, next time I’d be tempted to try the Jujeh Kabab Tond, which is a spicier, on-the-bone version. If it builds on the same quality with added heat, it could easily be the best dish on the menu.

Sides

We went all in and ordered the main sides to get a full picture:

• Corn on the cob – easily the standout side and an absolute must-order. Simple, but incredibly well done and packed with flavour.
• Fried potatoes with strained yoghurt & spicy sauce – really enjoyable, comforting, and something a bit different.
• Salad – very fresh, but the portion felt quite small and slightly underwhelming compared to everything else. Probably the one dish you could skip.
• Rice – a solid addition, as expected, and works well alongside the kebabs.

Drinks

To drink, I had a Margarita, which was well-balanced and refreshing, while my husband went for an IPA, which he enjoyed. A solid drinks offering overall, with enough variety to complement the food without overcomplicating things.

Dessert

To finish, we tried one of the desserts on the menu — essentially an Iranian-style sundae.

It was nice enough and something a bit different, but if I’m being completely honest, it wasn’t really my kind of dessert. The flavours are quite distinct and not what you’d typically expect if you’re used to more classic Western desserts.

That said, it’s still worth trying if you want the full experience and to sample something a little different — just don’t expect it to be the standout part of the meal.

Overall, the food experience was strong — with a few standout dishes that really delivered, and a couple that slightly missed the mark. But that’s exactly why ordering smart here makes all the difference.

Prices & Value for Money

Dining at Berenjak isn’t cheap — but it also doesn’t try to be.

Our total bill came to £151.08 for two people, including a 15% service charge (£19.58). For what we ordered — starters, multiple mains, sides, and drinks — this definitely sits at the higher end of casual dining in London.

If you’re familiar with more traditional Persian restaurants, you’ll likely notice the difference straight away. Going all out here probably comes in at around double the price you’d expect elsewhere for similar cuisine.

That said, context matters.

Berenjak isn’t just about the food — it’s the full experience. The atmosphere, the open grill, the energy of the place, and the level of service all contribute to something that feels a bit more elevated than your typical meal.

And importantly, there are dishes here that justify the price.

The Kashk e Bademjoon, the Jujeh Kabab, and the corn on the cob were all genuine standouts — the kind of dishes you’d come back specifically for. When you combine that with the overall atmosphere and central Soho location, it starts to make more sense.

So is it good value?

For everyday dining — probably not.

But for a special occasion, a date night, or if you’re visiting London and want a reliable, high-quality meal in a great setting, it’s absolutely worth considering.

Is Berenjak Soho Worth It?

So, is Berenjak Soho actually worth it?

Overall — yes, but with a few caveats.

If you’re looking for a cheap, traditional Persian meal, there are definitely better-value options elsewhere in London. Berenjak leans more towards a modern, experience-driven take on Persian dining, and that comes with a higher price tag.

However, if you’re visiting London or planning a special meal, it’s easy to see why this place is so popular. The combination of the lively Soho atmosphere, open grill cooking, and a handful of genuinely standout dishes makes it feel like more than just another restaurant booking.

The key here is ordering well.

Go for the dishes that really shine — like the Kashk e Bademjoon, Jujeh Kabab, and corn on the cob — and you’re much more likely to walk away feeling like it was worth the price.

It’s best suited for:

• Couples (especially counter seating)
• Casual date nights
• Visitors wanting a reliable, well-known Soho spot

It’s probably not ideal if:

• You’re on a tight budget
• You’re after a quiet, relaxed dining experience

If you’re planning where to eat across the city, I’ve put together a full guide to the best restaurants in London here: Where to Eat in London 2026

And if you’re building out your trip more broadly, check out my complete London travel guide covering where to stay, what to do, and how to plan your visit: London Travel Guide

Overall, Berenjak Soho delivers a fun, energetic dining experience with some excellent food, even if not every dish quite hits the same level.

Berenjak Soho FAQ

Related Reads

• Best Restaurants in London: Where to Eat in 2026
• London Travel Guide