A Simple Persian Delight

A few weeks back I saw some flags flying in front of a storefront on Nassau Road and Northern Boulevard. Guessing it was a grand opening of some sort, I decided to check out the place. While walking around with my son I did a quick pass by and found out it was a new restaurant named Caspian Grill. 

The flags are still hanging out front and you can either enter through the Northern Boulevard entrance that puts you right in the dining area or enter through Nassau Road where you will walk right up to a counter. We entered through Northern Boulevard and were seated by a friendly waitress. 

The dining area has plenty of seating and two flat screen TVs playing Persian music videos. In the back left is a counter with some food behind glass and across from the counter is a buffet set up for private parties.

Their menu is Persian/Mediterranean including a large selection of kebobs with varies meats and fish, pita sandwiches with the same meats, a few veggie platters and a selection of authentic Persian food.

After a few minutes we decided on some Falafel as an appetizer, a salmon kebob for my wife and Gheimeh (a Persian stew with tender cubes of beef, yellow split peas and dried lime) for me. Both of our meals come with basmati rice as well. I also ordered some Persian tea. Our waitress happily took our order and said we made two good selections especially commenting on the salmon kebob saying that it is the best around.

Our waitress came back to our table with my tea, which smelled amazing , and two small bowls of salad that we didn’t realize was part of our meal. My wife commented that it was nice to be served a salad along with a meal since many places do not do this anymore.

Next came the falafel. There were around six oval pieces — crispy fried on the outside and super creamy on the inside. Most falafel I have had has a more crumbly texture. However, this was smooth like mashed potatoes. It was extremely tasty and the two textures really worked well together.  

While waiting for our dinners I noticed a few people walking in through the Nassau Road entrance and placing or picking up take out orders. It seemed to me that they have a decent customer base already.

After the delicious falafel we couldn't wait for our dinners. Our waitress greeted us again at the beginning of our meal. My wife was served her salmon kebob alongside a mound of dill basmati rice. I was served only my mound of basmati rice sans dill. The waitress hurried back to the kitchen and fetched the rest of meal that was a bowl full of the stew I ordered. Everything smelled great and we couldn't wait to dig in.

My stew was tomato based and loaded with Persian spices. I mixed the stew with the rice and ate it with some pita bread that also came with our meals. It was as good as it smelled and ate until I couldn't fit any more in my belly.

The waitress was right about the salmon kebob, it was the best one I have tasted in our neighborhood. My wife agreed with the statement as well. The fish tasted so fresh, was perfectly cooked and some pieces had this crisp to it, which was great (It even tasted good two day later when I finished the leftovers).

The basmati rice that came with our meals was delicious as well. It was light, fluffy and very flavorful, fun to eat.

My wife and I were very happy with dinner here. The staff is very genuine and they take their food quality seriously. I do not think you will be disappointed in what you order from their grill.

Caspian Grill is located at 19 Northern Blvd. in Great Neck. Hours are Mon.-Thurs, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sun., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.