Berenjak

The Verdict

Berenjak is the celebrated London-born Persian grill that chef Kian Samyani brought to Sharjah in 2023, opening within the Aljada community's Zaha Hadid–designed Madar entertainment district. The London original — Berenjak Soho — transformed the British capital's understanding of Iranian cuisine, and the Sharjah branch has, in the two years it has operated, become the single most consistently recommended restaurant in the emirate by the UAE's food writing community.

The menu is organised around the Iranian grill tradition. Kebab koobideh (minced lamb and onion) is the counter staple; the more involved preparations include kebab vaziri (a two-skewer combination of chicken and minced lamb), jujeh tond (the spicier of the two Iranian chicken kebabs), and chelo kebab — the classical rice-and-kebab preparation that Iranians consider their national dish. A selection of khoresh stews — ghormeh sabzi, fesenjan, gheimeh — and a thoughtful menu of mezze and vegetable dishes complete the offering.

The Aljada room is larger than the London original and notably more beautiful — the interior references Tehran's traditional tea houses while leaning modern in materials and lighting. The outdoor terrace sits on the edge of the Madar central plaza, one of Sharjah's most architecturally distinctive public spaces, and the sunset tables are a genuinely special seat in the emirate. Service is handled by a staff trained at the London original and at Iranian restaurants across the UK.

Berenjak was included in Gault&Millau UAE's first Sharjah selection in 2025, and the restaurant is now part of Sharjah's arguments — along with Casa Samak and Shababeek — that the emirate has its own dining identity distinct from Dubai's. The pomegranate-and-rose cocktails, which use Iranian-style syrups rather than spirits, are a standout in a municipality where licensed dining is restricted.

Why It Works for First Date

Berenjak is the Sharjah first-date and birthday restaurant for diners who want something more specific than generic Middle Eastern fusion. The cooking is culturally precise, the aljada location is visually striking, and the outdoor plaza tables are exactly the right level of public — seen but not observed. A strong team-dinner option for six to eight diners willing to share the mezze generously.

Also in Sharjah

For travellers building a longer Sharjah itinerary, see the full Best Restaurants in Sharjah index and the dedicated First Date occasion page. Related regional itineraries include the full Cities Directory and — for readers planning a longer Asian swing — the Impress Clients and Proposal global lists.