"Bandar is a "port" of Persian Perfection"
Wolfgang D. Verkaaik

"Bandar prepares the finest Persian Food in the City"
Eleanor Widmer

The former careers of restaurant owners are often interesting and that of Behrooz Farahani, owner of the downtown San Diego Persian restaurant, Bandar, is no exception. He graduated with a degree in architecture, soon owned his own architectural firm, was married, and had twin daughters. On a visit to San Diego in 1986, he decided he could provide his family with a better life. His parents, especially his mother, wept over the move but that did not prevent the young Farahani family from emigrating.

Behrooz and his wife Shokooh purchased the historical building in San Diego's renowned Gaslamp Quarter. Bandar soon became an overnight phenomenon. Recently they also opened their second venture called the B-Lounge. Personally designed by Behrooz and Shokooh, the atmosphere is truly chic and unique, offering a classic scene with a distinguished ambience. Featuring polished wood ceilings that travel in dramatic waves from wall to wall, the entire room is suffused in a warm tangerine glow.

Behrooz Farahani has raised Persian dining to new heights with authentic marinades for his signature beef, lamb, chicken, and fish entrees. Behrooz is committed to serving only the finest meats, and insists on personally choosing each cut that is served in his restaurants.

Bandar is best known for its use of fresh healthy ingredients and bold complex flavors from the classic to the contemporary. Its delectable dishes, elegant architecture and warm ambience have helped to make Bandar a staple in San Diego fine dining for more than a decade.

Now in its tenth year, Bandar has garnered hundreds of excellent reviews and awards, and its no surprise that it has become known as Southern California's most elegant Persian restaurant.

"Persian cuisine is exotic, healthy, and combination of rice and filet mignon beef, lamb, chicken, fish, garlic, onion, vegetables, nuts, pomegranate, and herbs.

To achieve a delicious taste and a balanced diet unique Persian spices such as saffron, limes and different vegetables are mixed delicately, Persian food fits perfectly with today's lightened eating style.

From cultural point of view Persian food has always been considered to be an art providing enjoyment to both body and mind.

The techniques have been passed down generation to generation.