I used to go to meetings at UCLA, and afterwards, we’d grab dinner at two popular spots: a yakitori place in Brentwood or a Persian restaurant in Westwood, known as Tehrangeles. The Persian spots were often chic, attracting a fashionable crowd that contrasted with the casual college students nearby.
I loved the kebabs, flavorful stews over rice, and fresh bread, eventually finding casual Persian places closer to home.
In the South Bay, most Persian restaurants are modest and call themselves “Mediterranean,” even though Persia last touched that sea in 530 A.D. So, when Toranj opened by Manhattan Beach Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, it was a big deal.
When I first stepped inside, it felt like the stylish Tehrangeles spots. The elegant decor attracted a mix of locals and community members in nicely tailored outfits. Yet, everyone was welcomed warmly, no matter their attire.
Persian cuisine has standout dishes, like grilled kebabs, rice mixed with meats and herbs, and stews served over fluffy rice or crispy tahdig. You’ll want to try some starters while waiting for your main meal. The hummus here is smooth and a bit zesty, definitely different from most Arabic versions. A friend admitted it was the best she’d ever had! The sautéed eggplant, while similar to baba ghanoush, has a distinct flavor with yogurt and mint.
If you visit Toranj on the weekend, try the tahchin. It’s a rice cake layered with yogurt and barberries, offering a tart flavor reminiscent of cranberries. The dish is usually meat-filled, but the vegetarian version here is a hidden gem.
Don’t miss the tahdig with three stews. Although on the appetizer menu, it’s large enough to share. When made right, tahdig has a delightful chew and is perfect for scooping up stew. At Toranj, they hit the mark. The stews include ghormeh sabzi, a herby bean stew with veal, gheymeh, a split pea and tomato-veal stew, and fesenjoon, made with chicken, pomegranate, and walnuts. Each offers a unique, well-balanced flavor profile.
The lentil and potato soup is pure comfort food. Though we ordered too much, we had to take this flavorful dish home.
Kebabs are crucial in Persian meals, and Toranj’s are grilled to perfection, served alongside rice and a broiled tomato. We tried lamb chops, barramundi, beef, and various chicken options. The “juicy chicken,” marinated in citrus and saffron, stood out—it was a dish I’d love to replicate.
Rice can be served plain or mixed with flavors like sour cherries, which give a nice contrast to grilled meats. We also tried dill and fava bean rice, a simple but delightful option.
Toranj’s bar features unique cocktails and a refreshing non-alcoholic drink called sekanjebin, a mix of honey, vinegar, and mint with cucumber. It’s perfect for hot days. Their wine list is decent, but a bit pricey.
Desserts caught our eye, but we always ended up overordering mains. With dishes starting around $20 and kebabs at $24, dining at Toranj feels both special and reasonably priced.
Toranj is at 1019 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. They have street parking and a small lot. You can view their menu at ToranRestaurant.com.
