Alwatan Restaurant in Santa Clara, CA: Middle Eastern & Persian Cuisine

Alwatan Restaurant: A Taste of Iran in Silicon Valley

Located in Santa Clara, California (not New Zealand), Alwatan Restaurant specializes in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine with a strong Persian (Iranian) focus. It is known for its extensive buffet and à la carte menu featuring traditional Iranian dishes.

Signature Dishes

• Kabab Koobideh: Minced lamb/beef skewers grilled over charcoal.
• Joojeh Kabab: Saffron-marinated chicken skewers.
• Khoresht Gheymeh: Split pea and lamb stew with dried limes and tomatoes.
• Tahchin: Saffron rice cake layered with chicken, yogurt, and egg.
• Zereshk Polo (Barberry Rice) with Chicken: Tart barberries, almonds, pistachios over basmati.
• Ghormeh Sabzi: Herb stew (parsley, cilantro, fenugreek) with kidney beans and lamb.
• Gheymeh Bademjan: Lamb and eggplant stew with split peas.

Dining Experience

• Daily lunch/dinner buffet with 20+ hot items, salads, sides, desserts.
• Family-style portions for takeout/catering.
• Casual, welcoming atmosphere; popular with local Iranian community and tech workers.
• Halal-certified meats.

Why It Stands Out

Alwatan offers authentic, home-style Persian cooking at scale—rare in the Bay Area. The buffet format lets diners sample multiple khoresht (stews), rice dishes, and kebabs in one visit.