Persian cuisine, like its artistry, is ancient, beautiful and woven with stories; a dome of crispy golden tahdig at the centre of a table, a khoresht passed between plates, a basket of freshly baked bread, and a plate of herbs and cheese. This is food that was designed not for restaurants but for the sofreh; with cloth on the floor, and surrounded by family. Berenjak was built to bring that feeling indoors.

Founded by Kian Samyani and rooted in the family recipes and cooking traditions of his own Persian heritage, Berenjak first opened in London before quickly becoming one of the most talked-about dining experiences in the UAE, with locations in Dubai and Sharjah earning it a devoted following. Now, in partnership with Belhasa Hospitality, it has arrived in Abu Dhabi,  opening its doors at The House, a standalone villa in Al Bateen that almost feels like being invited into someone's home.

Layered with intention, the space features warm lighting, dark oak seating, aged brass tabletops, and hand-painted ceiling details that seems to draw inspiration from Persian stories. An open kitchen puts the mangal at the centre of the experience, while a four-seater chef's table sits on mosaic tiles framed by mustard olive-green chairs. A private dining room upstairs overlooks the villa's garden, walls lined with curated Persian artworks from the 19th and early 20th centuries, and timber floors softened with Persian carpets. The feeling is reminiscent of walking into the warmth of a home that has been lived in and loved.

The menu celebrates the depth and regional character of Persian cuisine. Signature dishes that have become synonymous with the restaurant are all present, such as hummus with black chickpeas and sunflower seed tahini, Kashk-e Bademjoon enriched with fermented whey and finished with mint oil and walnuts, the iconic Koobideh Kabab shaped and grilled over the mangal, and Ghormeh Sabzi, the deeply aromatic dish of slow-cooked lamb with herbs, dried limes and kidney beans.

Food lovers in Abu Dhabi can enjoy something exclusive; the Persian Tea Ice Cream. Soft, creamy, and subtly infused with Persian earl grey, this is available only at this location, a nod to the idea that every new Berenjak should bring something of its own to the table.

"Every significant memory from my childhood involved food in some way," says Samyani. "Friends and family gathered around the sofreh, and no matter what, someone was always waiting to top up your plate. It's that feeling of home we hope to recreate at Berenjak."

 

 

Berenjak, The House, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi