Banoo Persian Restaurant & Takeaway in Lower Hutt

"Delicious food! We had a kebab and the mandi lamb. I've never tasted meat so tender! Absolutely worth checking out. Loved the owner too. They really love the food they make and it added to an already awesome meal."

"Banoo Persian Restaurant, located in Lower Hutt, offers a delightful culinary experience that transports diners straight to the heart of Iran with its authentic Persian dishes and warm atmosphere. This charming eatery will quickly become a local favorite thanks to its commitment to quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and a welcoming environment. Upon entering Banoo, you’re greeted with vibrant decor that reflects Persian culture, characterized by rich colors and ornate details. The ambiance is cozy yet vibrant, making it an ideal spot for both casual dining and special occasions. The staff are extremely friendly and attentive, ensuring that every guest feels appreciated and well taken care of from the moment they arrive. The menu at Banoo is a true celebration of Persian cuisine, offering a range of dishes that cater to various tastes. I ordered a hearty lamb stew, Ghormeh Sabzi (a herby lamb stew) and grilled chicken wings, each dish is thoughtfully prepared, showcasing the bold flavors and aromatic spices typical of Persian cooking and served with rice. The portion sizes are generous, and the presentation is beautiful, adding to the overall dining experience. Banoo also offers Baklava and a chai whilst we waited for our meal to be freshly prepared. Dining here is not just about the food; it’s an immersive experience featuring traditional Persian hospitality. In summary, Banoo Persian Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone in Lower Hutt looking for authentic Persian cuisine. It successfully balances traditional flavors with a modern twist, making it a standout restaurant in the area. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Persian food or a newcomer, Banoo offers a memorable dining experience that will leave you longing to return for more. Indulge in their dishes, and you'll surely leave with a satisfied palate and a smile. Make sure you go into the centre as the restaurant could be missed if you're not familiar with the location."

"Came in a group of 14 pax for lunch, we got a special banquet that included shah kebab platter, lamb shanks, banoo rice, a selection of bread, Shirazi salad, saffron chicken wings—and for dessert, tea & baklava. The restaurant was located in a pretty deserted mall, but signage was clear and we could find the restaurant easily enough. Alex the chef was so inviting and generous, he threw in an additional delicious soup at the beginning to start, and extra red bean bread at the end together with dessert, we were all stuffed by the end of the lunch. I really enjoyed all the variety of meats in the kebab platter, they were all so flavourful with nice spices, and the lamb shank meat was so soft and tender, it practically fell off the bone. I also enjoyed the baklava, nice, crunchy, and sweet! Definitely recommend and would come again!"

"A bit of a hidden gem but well worth finding!! The beautiful smell of the spices and charcoal greet you as you approach the entrance and the greeting from Alex at the counter reassures you that you have made a good decision to dine here. Plenty of options to choose from so recommend you try multiple plates! The food is fresh and delicious, service was fast and all with a warm friendly atmosphere. Treat yourself, treat your friends and treat your family!"

"Food was excellent. Waiter in training ... and one could tell he has no experience. FOH constantly checked and fixed mistakes though. Lovely atmosphere with friendly happy people. We had lamb soup which was served cold... interesting but delicious taste. Saffron chicken kebab, koobideh, saffron rice, salad, pickles, yoghurt, and tea that was served with a date on the side. Every single dish had subtle flavour combinations that accompanied each other perfectly. Only downside would be that food was not hot but warm. Still delicious and still a 5 out of 5."

"What an amazing experience, way beyond what I’d expected. The food was absolutely superb - melt in your mouth lamb with an incredible rich sauce, and delicious rice. The drinks as well were superb- a really refreshing mojito and smooth creamy mango lassi. Thank you so much! Your food is obviously made with so much love"

"Absolutely stunning food. We dropped by after 8pm for dinner and had the saffron chicken wings and the Mandi rice. The food was incredible, plenty of juicy meats, fluffy saffron rice, creamy hummus and yoghurt sauce along with fresh salads. We were also served a flavourful lamb soup with lentils before we started our food and it was all kinds of amazing. Even though it’s inside a rundown mall, the place has a cool vibe to it with its simplicity and retro jazz music."

"Maybe the best chicken I’ve had in my life anywhere, any preparation. Perfectly juicy, perfectly seasoned with a bit of charcoal sear. The lamb mince kebab, rice, and sauces were all really good too, but that chicken……. The soup served with the main was also very good! Plus friendly service and food came out much quicker than expected. Will be back for sure!"