"Strictly speaking the name Alborz refers to a mountain range in the north of Iran although I 'm told it is also a male name that means 'the highest one '. Not that any of that is relevant to a restaurant in Kensington. Probably the best thing this eatery has going for it is its location, situated as it is opposite the well known Olympia exhibition centre. So it was an obvious choice when I visited with a colleague recently, having completed a day exhibiting at an event at the venue opposite. The place was quiet when we visited on a Friday evening, although it did fill up while we were there. Actually it was a little airy, and generally the decor appeared in need of refreshing, although the artwork on the walls was certainly a point of interest. Service was polite and friendly, though not overly enthusiastic. The menu was interesting a fairly simple selection of cold appetisers and salads and main courses that were largely variations of kebabs (marinated lamb, chicken and fish) not that I object to a kebab. I like that there was a Persian translation of the menu, which I hope was an indication that this restaurant is favoured by the local Persian population always a good sign. On the downside I was disappointed that they don 't serve alcohol but I respect that, and it wasn 't really a deal breaker for me. To be fair they will allow you to bring your own wine. The starters, when they came, were reminiscent of Greek/Lebanese cuisine, with the ubiquitous flatbread, hummus, stuffed vine leaves and aubergine dip (see pictures). we opted for the selection of 4 mixed starters for £14.50, which is good if you have difficulty choosing or wish to try a variety. The mains were perhaps too ambitious a mixed grill for 2 consisting of skewers of minced lamb, chicken breast, shish lamb fillet, tomatoes rice (see picture), which proved rather too much even for us. At £30 I do think it was overpriced for what was served, but it was nice though, well cooked and beautifully presented. Coming in at nearly £60 for two, considering there was no alcohol, is not cheap. But having to wait rather too long for the bill was a bit of a spoiler, and at a time when the restaurant wasn 't even that busy. This lackadaisical approach compelled me to ask again for the bill something I dislike doing tremendously for fear of appearing pushy or impatient. But that is a minor niggle. It wouldn 't prevent me from visiting again for what I now know is genuine Persian cuisine."
