Persia Restaurant, Santa Clarita

At Persia Cuisine, variety is key: kebabs come with lamb, chicken, or salmon, and there’s specially steamed basmati rice seasoned with saffron, plus sour cherry rice, or lima beans with dill rice. While variety defines the appeal of the eatery’s kebabs, a special process defines the signature taste and texture of its rice. First, the staff boils away the starch, then, they steam the rice to make it fluffy. With all the menu options, though, guests always find one constant—the dishes are healthy, containing antioxidant-packed sumac spice, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Persia Restaurant offers special events at certain times, too, whether a simple lunchtime buffet showcasing a slate of hot options or Saturday nights when belly dancers entertain guests by teaching them what was once thought to be impossible: how to look elegant while belly-flopping into a pool.