Welcome to Darband Shishkabob
-
5670 Hillcroft St, Houston, TX 77036 Hotline: (713) 975-8350
Welcome to the heart of Houston's culinary scene where Persian flavors come alive at Darband Shishkabob. Nestled on Hillcroft Street, this beloved eatery has been a staple since its inception in 1986, offering an authentic taste of Iranian cuisine that delights locals and newcomers alike. The moment you step inside, the vibrant mosaics and the soothing sounds of a Mediterranean water fountain transport you to a different world, promising a dining experience that is as immersive as it is delicious.
At Darband, the kebabs are the stars of the menu, and for good reason. Their main offerings include a variety of skewers made from succulent meats grilled to perfection. The Kubideh, a ground beef kebab, is particularly noteworthy. Customers rave about its juicy tenderness and robust flavor, which captures the essence of traditional Iranian grilling techniques. Reviewers like Michael C. describe it as “very delicious, juicy, and tender,” complemented by a charbroiled aroma that is often hard to find in other establishments.
- Dinner Special: Indulge in a perfect pairing of 1 skewer of Kubideh and half a skewer of Jujeh (chicken), served with rice and a side dish for only $14.95.
- Lunch Special: A delightful deal featuring 1 skewer of beef shishkabob and 1 skewer of boneless chicken, alongside rice, bread, and a soda for just $12.95.
- 3 Meat Special: Enjoy a generous plate of three skewers—including beef and chicken kubideh and lamb chenjeh—with all the delightful accompaniments for only $15.95.
The experience at Darband Shishkabob goes beyond just the food. The efficient counter-service style ensures that you receive your meal quickly without sacrificing quality. As you watch the chefs expertly grill the skewers in the open kitchen, the aroma fills the air, enhancing your anticipation of the flavors to come. The restaurant strikes a perfect balance between a cozy atmosphere and the lively atmosphere of shared dining.
For those seeking variety, the menu also features options like Zereshk Polo (barberry rice with chicken), Wild Alaskan Flounder, and Dizi (a traditional beef stew), catering to a wide range of palates. Vegetarian options, such as the Ash Noodle Soup, are equally packed with flavor, offering a refreshing alternative within an already diverse selection.
Darband is highly praised by its patrons, many of whom have become regulars over the years. Customer reviews echo a sentiment of nostalgia and satisfaction, with some claiming it was their first introduction to Persian food, making it a cherished spot for family gatherings and celebrations. Lourdes P. describes their beef kubideh with butter on the rice as “quickly made and filling,” showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to quality and efficiency.
Whether you're a longtime lover of Persian cuisine or a curious newcomer, a visit to Darband Shishkabob promises a delightful culinary journey filled with rich flavors, warm service, and an inviting atmosphere that makes dining here an unforgettable experience. Be sure to indulge in their house-made doogh (yogurt drink) to complement your meal. If you've yet to explore the vibrant culinary landscape that Darband offers, your taste buds are in for a treat.
I picked up a # 6 togo. The two ground beef skewers were very delicious, juicy, tender, well-seasoned and had great charbroiled flavor too. The cooking source heat, saltiness and onion vibes in the meat were all spot-on. The rice was also very fresh, loose and moist. The tomatoes were so juicy, soft without any dry or hard bites and charbroiled as well. Great, friendly service. On top of all this, this place is cheaper than all the other awful ass, unauthentic Iranian beef n lamb kabobs in the state that don't even have that charcoal / wood aroma in them as they're supposed to. It's like craving TX Bbq without the smokiness from all the others in town. Only Darband and Rumi's do it right these days, but the ground beef kabobs are even better here at Darband out of these two imo.
Love the food and have good service overall I love it a bunch of fun love this place so much
Needed some seasoning but was pretty good overall Nice place to enjoy good Persian food
Best of the best Persian food OG place since 1990's. Tastiest kaboob and chicken you will find!
Have been coming here for years with my family. Absolutely the best koubideh kabob EVER. Always so tender, juicy, and flavorful. I'm glad they expanded, it used to always be packed. The pot of tea is nice, and the house doogh is fabulous.
This was the restaurant that opened me up to Persian food. I love their beef kubideh with butter on the rice. It's quickly made and is a filling meal. They're always efficient and friendly.
Great Persian spot in Houston. It's the go to spot for me and my family. Usually always the first stop anytime we visit the city. We order the Chelo kebab dish and for $14 it's very filling and delicious. Highly recommend!
I felt in love with Darband Shishkabob on my first sight. As soon as I walked in, the atmosphere gave me a very pleasant feeling that this Is the restaurant to share the Houston pride to my foodie friends. I was told the tile mosaic and the Mediterranean water fountain were from the day this restaurant was established in 1986. The founder was an architect, not restauranteur. But they kept this place to remain nostalgic. This is a counter order service. I order at the cashier on the right as I walk in. Once ready, they call my number to pick up from the left counter or kitchen. I also love the open kitchen concept. We can see the grilling right behind the pickup counter, where the freshly stacked skewers are located. The most amazing thing is their ventilation system, I don't smell from the grilling smoke. I came back weeks later to try the food. I ordered #12 combination. I got one ground beef kabob with a beef kabob, I had a choice of lamb or beef. This is not my first time trying shish kebabs. The ground beef kebab was so juicy and tender, more than the other kabob. It made me regret I didn't order double. The basmati rice was so fluffy and tasty. The beef kebab was spaced by grilled tomatoes and onions. I later found out they have marinated salad on menu, which I would try next time. I also ordered a vegetarian dish. ASH noodle soup was on the menu board. There are others that I found on their website. I had to Google it after my first bite. I like the minty flavor but not soggy noodles. I would try their eggplant dish next time. The reason I came to Darband Shishkabob was to look for a restaurant to be featured during my UYE at Westcroft Center. I went door to door during Ramadan. My requirement was to find the flexibility for a party crowd. Once I saw their table arrangement, ah ha, that was it!