Glendale Kabob Guide to Raffi’s Place

February 8, 2026

Raffi’s Place is an iconic restaurant in Glendale serving the finest chargrilled kebabs. This is as authentic as you can get to Persian cuisine, whether you’re looking for beef, lamb, chicken, fish, or traditional appetizers. This restaurant is perfect whether you’re here for casual dining or for a special occasion.

The Raffi’s Place Experience

Raffi’s Place can be quite popular; tables fill up quickly, and take-out can leave you waiting 30-90 minutes from order to pickup. The experience is totally worth it! Despite the restaurant being busy, you’re never left feeling slighted with its service. The staff will always make sure you’re greeted with a simple basket of lavash, garnishes (radish/cilantro/onion), and butter to start as you browse through the menu. If you order soda, they will always make sure your glass is full.

The menu item pricing is more than fair; you get a BIG portion that will last you 2-3 sittings, so always expect to leave this restaurant with a takeout box.

You have plenty of options when it comes to parking, whether you choose one of the many parking structures, streets, lots, or valet. The parking structures closest to Raffi’s are free for 90 minutes, and even longer if you decide to park at the Galleria a few blocks away. Valet parking is $12 as of February 2026. This makes it ideal and easier to get to Raffi’s than to eat out in Hollywood.

The Dining Experience

The appetizers are ideal to share across the table. My favorite is the tahdig, which is a rice crust from the bottom of the pot. It is very crispy and goes great with any garnishes and other side dishes like hummus and mast-o-khair. Mast-o-khair is yogurt mixed with cucumber and herb, which is DELICIOUS – you HAVE to eat this with the lavash. My other favorite is the Tourshi (pickles), which has pickled carrots, cauliflower, celery, cabbage, and garlic. Don’t skip out on the Ikra (eggplant dip) either, which has charred eggplant, blended with tomato sauce and garlic. Another great combo to eat with lavash.

Raffi's Place Glendale Appetizers Tahdig Hummus Mast-o-Khair

The menu selection is so vast that you’ll always have a hard time deciding every time you dine at Raffi’s Place. I find myself struggling between the beef dishes – “Maybe I’ll try the Soltani kabob this time…” All of the beef items, whether it’s Soltani (filet mignon and ground beef kabob), Barg (thin filet mignon), Shish (chunked filet mignon), or the classic Koobideh (ground beef). These meats are typically paired with traditional Basmati rice and a sprinkle of saffron rice on top. If you’re fancy, you can also substitute your rice for a speciality Persian rice, such as rice mixed with barberries, herbs, dill/lima beans, or black cherries. It adds a bit of sweetness and a bit of savory to your experience. I’m simple enough that I still enjoy plain rice (default option).

My go-to order at Raffi’s Place is always the Shish Kabob, chargrilled medium rare. This plate comes with skewered chunks of filet mignon with onion and green bell peppers in between. The entrees also come with grilled tomato and Anaheim pepper. In short, you’ll never leave this restaurant hungry. I love putting a mini stick of butter into my basmati rice while it’s still hot to add a bit of milky flavor and moisture.

If you’re not into beef, there’s always chicken, which is just as delicious. It is NOT dry, and they have chunked options and koobideh (grounded and mixed with spices). If you choose to share a plate, there is a $5 (or so) surcharge. Otherwise, you’re better off ordering your own and taking leftovers home to enjoy for another meal.