To dine is an act of consumption. To dine with understanding is an act of connection.

For years, the story of Persian cuisine has been told in broad strokes, often limited to the rustic, the nostalgic, or the comfortably familiar. While this has offered warmth, it has also placed a ceiling on how the world perceives the true depth, diversity, and artistry of the Persian table.

A culinary tradition rich with poetic ingredients, guided by a philosophy of balance, and rooted in a hospitality so profound it is woven into the social fabric, this tradition has been waiting for its next chapter.

That chapter begins at Perse.

Perse is not simply a restaurant. It is a curated lens through which Persian cuisine is refocused, reinterpreted, and elevated. Our name, drawn from the ancient and evocative French term for Persia, signals our perspective: one of deep respect, deliberate intentionality, and a desire to present this magnificent culinary heritage within the context of global gastronomic excellence.

Perse is the vision of a group of Iranian Americans who saw an opportunity to introduce Los Angeles to a more diverse expression of Persian cuisine. For the past fifty years, the Persian food scene in California has rightfully celebrated a beloved collection of classic dishes. However, Persian cuisine has much more to offer—flavors, ingredients, and traditions from different regions of Iran that are rarely explored on local menus.

While we have tremendous respect for the many Persian restaurants that serve our community, Perse was created to offer something different: an upscale, refined dining experience highlighting the rich diversity of Persian cuisine, from the Caspian region to the Persian Gulf.

Our founders and investors are distinguished Iranian Americans from various professions, ethnicities, and faiths, including Muslim, Jewish, and Christian, all united by a deep passion for Iranian culture and cuisine. Notably, our operating partners, Farinaz and Farbod Pirshirazi of Toranj restaurant, have been instrumental in bringing this vision to life through both their expertise and personal investment. We are deeply grateful for your support and enthusiasm for our cuisine.