. "2017-03-14T00:00:00"^^ . "5"^^ . "1"^^ . "1"^^ . . . "This is my favorite restaurant in Toronto. Every time we visit we try to get a reservation in advance (we are not always lucky, and those visits suck). They have an amazing menu, and their specials are so unique and delicious!\n\nEvery aspect of dining here is excellent. The decor, music and ambiance transport you to the middle east and create an exotic backdrop for your dining experience. \n\nThe service is solid, even when they are very busy (which is pretty much always). Every time we have dined here we have been one small table in a full dining room, with only two servers working the room. Amazingly the food comes out pretty fast, and the servers are very attentive. \n\nOn my last visit, we were there for Valentine's weekend (the weekend before Valentine's day). Not only was the place totally packed, but we witnessed 6 couples get turned away because reservations were full. So, reservations are HIGHLY recommended. \n\nI have eaten most things on the main menu, but here are the stand-outs for me personally:\n\n--The 'noon-o paneer-o gerdu' appetizer is so delicious! Enough for two people to share, it is basically, olives, cheese, herbs, walnuts and bread. I try to take a little of everything in each bite to savor how the flavors all meld together. This appetizer, versus some of the others, which are mostly dips, has more depth and complexity, with a variety of textures and ways to combine the various items on the plate in each bite, which means as you eat through it, you can constantly experience something new. Love, love, love.\n\n--The 'fesenjaan', which is a traditional walnut-pomegranate stew with chicken (you can also get a vegetarian version) is amazing. When the nightly specials don't grab us, this is our go-to. The portion is generous, and you get their saffron rice and a side salad on the plate. The entire dish is a feast for the eyes as well as your taste buds. If you aren't sure what to get, get this.\n\n--The 'baqali polo' is basically the Pomegranate-version of braised lamb shanks. The shanks are cooked to perfection, meat falling off the bone, and the rice, combined with the dill and fava beans provides a rich, tangy and just delicious backdrop to the velvety meat. Yum! Makes my mouth water now, weeks later. \n\nWhatever you do, MAKE SURE you leave room for the ice cream at the end. They have this rosewater-saffron-pistachio ice cream which is a great way to end the meal. The serving is large, definitely enough to share. And it is really well balanced between the rose water and saffron flavoring. \n\nPomegranate also has a great wine list, and the servers are extremely knowledgeable: tell them what you like or ask them to make a recommendation. We have always been very pleased.\n\nLast comment, and perhaps the most important for those of you looking for an outstanding dining experience without breaking the bank: this place is a GREAT value. Most dishes are $16 or under, and for the amount of food you get, the atmosphere and food quality, there is just no way to go wrong. Don't forget to make your reservation though!"^^ . "0"^^ .