Restaurant culture varies from place to place, but the process of entering, ordering, and paying remains fairly consistent worldwide. Going to a restaurant in Iran is no exception. However, one key cultural aspect to keep in mind is Ta’arof, a form of politeness deeply embedded in Persian interactions, especially regarding food and restaurants.

Let’s explore the steps of dining out in Iran and uncover what you need to know to navigate the experience confidently, both culturally and when ordering your meal.

Booking Your Table

In most restaurants across Iran, reservations aren’t necessary. You can simply walk in, ask if a table is available, and be seated if space allows. If the restaurant is full, staff will typically take your phone number and call you when a table is ready.

In big cities, tourist areas, and popular restaurants, wait times can reach up to an hour. However, in most places, you won’t typically wait more than fifteen minutes. In some restaurants—especially traditional eateries—guests may be offered an Iranian drink, tea, or even a small portion of the dish of the day as a warm gesture of hospitality.

Asking for the Menu and Ordering Food

Once seated, the waiter will usually bring the menu to you. In some restaurants, menus are already placed on the table, and in larger cities, QR codes and online menus are becoming more common. If you can’t find the menu or have questions about dishes and ingredients, feel free to ask the waiter for assistance.

Some establishments provide a bell on the table to call the waiter. If not, the polite way to get their attention is to raise your hand and say “bebaxšid, ye(h) lahze(h)” (“Excuse me, one moment”).

A waiter will typically take your order within a few minutes, but if you’re ready before they arrive, you can use the “bebaxšid” trick anytime. You can also ask for their recommendations.

Iranian restaurants are known for their polite and structured interactions, where waiters often use formal phrases such as:

• “či meyl dârid?” – “What would you like to have?”
• “’amr-e dige(h)-i nist?” – “May I assist you with anything else?”

Learning these expressions before visiting a café or restaurant will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

If you have a preferred order for your dishes, be sure to inform the waiter. Otherwise, your entrée will typically be served within half an hour, followed by the main dish shortly after.

Asking for the Bill and Paying

You’ve successfully ordered and enjoyed your meal—perhaps even receiving complimentary tea and sweets—and now it’s time to pay. Sounds simple, right? Just use “bebaxšid” one last time to politely ask for the bill.

But what about Ta’arof? If you’re dining with Iranian friends, expect them to insist on paying for you, sometimes even debating over the bill! If you’re alone, the cashier or waiter may say “qâbel nadâre(h)”, a polite way of implying that payment isn’t necessary. Of course, this is part of Persian etiquette, and you’ll need to firmly insist on paying, possibly multiple times, before they accept.

Another thing to keep in mind is that tipping isn’t common in Iran. It’s best to avoid it, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Iranian currency. In fact, not tipping is better than tipping too little in these situations.

FarsiMonde: Your Companion for Learning Persian

FarsiMonde is a platform designed for Persian enthusiasts eager to learn the language. We offer online Persian classes and self-study lessons to meet the needs of Persian learners.

Our “Expression” section helps enhance your Persian proficiency by introducing a diverse range of vocabulary, practical questions, and useful responses for various situations and contexts.

By mastering restaurant-related words and expressions, as well as gaining insight into Iranian cuisine and restaurant culture, you can fully enjoy your time in Iran or confidently navigate Iranian restaurants around the world.

If, after exploring this section, you require further practice, don’t hesitate to reach out to our language experts and Persian tutors—we’re here to support your learning journey!