Raffi's Place

Glendale has its share of cherished neighborhood spots, but few have earned the kind of devoted following that Raffi’s Place commands. This long-running Persian restaurant has become something of a local legend, drawing crowds who come for the legendary kabobs and leave with leftovers that’ll keep them fed for days.

The star of the show here is undoubtedly the barg kabob—thin slices of filet mignon kissed by charcoal and seasoned with a masterful hand. Every skewer arrives on a generous bed of fluffy rice dusted with sumac, accompanied by fire-blistered tomatoes and Anaheim peppers that add the perfect char-kissed counterpoint to the tender meat. While the barg is the crown jewel, the entire menu delivers consistently excellent Persian cuisine that honors tradition while satisfying hearty appetites.

The dining room presents an unexpected French bistro aesthetic with white tablecloths, wicker seating, and striped awnings—plus a tree growing right in the middle of the space that adds a quirky, memorable touch. Prices hover above $20 for most dishes, which might seem steep until your plate arrives loaded with enough food to share generously or enjoy as leftovers for the next several meals.

This is the quintessential spot for milestone celebrations with a big group, dinners with the parents, or any occasion that calls for gathering around a table full of incredible food. Raffi’s doesn’t just serve meals—it creates the kind of communal dining experience that keeps people coming back for decades.