There are some restaurants where the moment you walk in, the energy shifts in that soft, familiar way that makes you relax without thinking about it. Shiraz is one of those places. We came in early on a weeknight, not expecting anything dramatic, and instantly felt pulled in by the warm spices drifting from the kitchen, the soft glow of the lights, and the quiet hum of people settling into their dinners. It is the kind of restaurant that does not shout for attention. It wins you over slowly, the way all genuinely good places do.

Shiraz has been around long enough to feel like part of the Sherman Oaks fabric, but it still surprises you. The space is simple but elegant, the hospitality is warm without being overbearing, and the menu has that comforting Persian depth that makes you hungry before you even sit down. It feels like a place families return to year after year, and we immediately understood why.

The Vibe

Shiraz has a calm, grounded energy that makes you want to take your time. The space is cozy without feeling cramped, with warm earthy tones, soft lighting, and that subtle restaurant buzz that lets you relax into the moment. It is not flashy. It is not trying to compete with trendier spots on Ventura. It has its own lane, and it stays there confidently.

We saw everything from couples on casual dates to families sharing big platters to solo diners who clearly come here often enough that the staff knows their order. There is something special about restaurants that make you feel welcome regardless of how dressed up or down you are. Shiraz has that.

If you want a restaurant in Sherman Oaks that feels real, grounded, and full of heart, Shiraz is exactly that.

The Food

Persian food is all about fragrance, patience, and balance, and Shiraz hits those notes beautifully. The portions are generous, the flavors are layered, and the whole meal feels like something you should savor instead of rush through.

Here are the dishes that stood out:

Ghormeh Sabzi
Rich, aromatic, earthy, and comforting. This is one of those dishes you plan to try a bite of and suddenly half the plate is gone. The herbs, the slow-cooked flavors, the tenderness of the meat, it all works.

Chicken Koobideh
Juicy, seasoned perfectly, and served with that mountain of fluffy saffron rice that you can smell before it even hits the table. A staple for a reason.

Beef Koobideh
Tender, smoky, and packed with flavor. Easily one of the best koobideh plates in Sherman Oaks.

Shish Kabob
Charred slightly on the outside, tender inside, and served with grilled vegetables that are simple but so good.

Chicken Barg
Delicate, soft, and incredibly flavorful. If you want something lighter, this is it.

Tahdig (if available)
Golden, crispy, unbelievable. Ask for it. Beg for it. This is the crown jewel of Persian cuisine.

The Rice
Persian rice deserves its own category. Perfect texture, aromatic saffron, and that beautiful steam cloud that hits you with turmeric, butter, and sunshine when the lid lifts.

Shiraz is the kind of place where you keep saying, “Just one more bite,” long after you are full.

The Drinks

Shiraz leans into classic, refreshing drinks that pair well with Persian food.
Mint teas, doogh, iced beverages, and simple wines. Nothing pretentious. Everything balanced.

The mint tea is especially comforting. Order it at the end. Trust us.

The Experience

The hospitality at Shiraz is one of the highlights. The servers are warm, attentive, and genuinely kind. Food arrives steadily, the pacing is smooth, and the whole experience feels thoughtful.

There is no rush here. No pressure. No sense of being just another table they need to turn. It is the kind of restaurant where you find yourself leaning back, taking a breath, and thinking, “Why don’t we do this more often?”

Shiraz feels like a place that knows exactly who it is. And we love restaurants with that kind of confidence.

Who This Place Is For

Shiraz is perfect for
• people who want comforting Persian food in Sherman Oaks
• casual date nights
• family dinners
• anyone craving koobideh, shish kabob, or rich stews
• low stress meals
• locals wanting a reliable neighborhood spot
• anyone who appreciates warm hospitality

Probably not ideal for someone chasing trendy aesthetics or loud nightlife energy. Shiraz is calm, grounded, and soulful.

Final Verdict

Shiraz is one of the most genuine, comforting restaurants on Ventura Blvd. The food is rich, flavorful, and made with care. The atmosphere is warm. The service is kind. Everything about this place reminds you why family run restaurants are so important to a neighborhood.

If you want a meal that feels slow cooked, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying, Shiraz should be at the top of your Sherman Oaks list.