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Pars

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tamalos
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
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2
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Editor Pick

Pars

  • July 1, 2008
  • Rated 4 of 5 by fizzytom from Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Pars

It's often the case in expensive countries and cities that 'ethnic Asian' food (except for Japanese) is the cheapest way to go if you are on a budget. With that in mind we found 'Pars' a small Persian restaurant about ten minutes walk from the port in Bergen, it's distance from the main 'touristy' area may also explain why its more affordable though it's by no means out of the way.

With little lanterns lit aound the place, making the brass ornaments gleam, it certainly looked enticing on a wet Bergen night. We hadn't booked but we managed to get a table in spite of the place seeming quite busy. The atmosphere was lively with a few groups in but it wasn't overbearing.

The decor is a little over the top and a little shabby in places too. There are false Arabian arches built in everywhere and a bizarre kind of texture to the walls painted a golden yellow colour, I couldn't tell if it was meant to resemble stone or sand. The soft furnishings consisting gold embroidered satin fabrics in rich warms colours were nice but the brass jugs and plates were a bit naff. Overall it was a bit too much.

The menu was in English and Norwegian and organised so you could easily choose between starters, meat dishes, chicken dishes, kebabs and vegetarian dishes. There seemed a lot of choice but many were just permutations of the variuos ingredients; that said, I would defy anyone not to be able to find something pleasing.

We both went for beef casseroles; mine was one with lentils and aubergines, while my partner had one with okra as the main vegetable. Both came with good portions of saffron rice. The rice was served in a bowl and the casserole came in a little cooking pot, you add the casserole and sauce to the rice, adding more as you go. The subtle Persian spices used in the casseroles were delicious - cumin, turmeric, cinnamon - and so was the aroma that greeted you when the dish was placed before you. Just magical!

We didn't have starters or desserts but soups start at just 79Kr so quite reasonable really. The choice of starters is small consisting of soup, tzatziki or an aubergine dish with bread. The dessert list is longer but sticky honey and nut dishes seem to be typical of the selection.

We finished with mint teas but had drunk beers during the meal. Persian it may be but they have a full selection of alcoholic drinks including wine.

We found that just the main course with rice was sufficient and felt that at 159Kr for this hefty portion of delicious food, Pars does represent good value.

The staff speak English and were attentive when needed but not pushy and even managed to wish us a friendly goodnight as we left even though the place was busy.

I would recommend Pars to anyone looking for an interesting restaurant in Bergen. That it is reasonably priced is a pleasant bonus.

From journal Rainy Days in Bergen

Pars

  • May 22, 2004
  • Rated 4 of 5 by tamalos from London, United Kingdom
Fabulously kitted out in Persian kitsch at its best. The soups have got to be tasted to be believed - brilliantly spiced with fabulous Persian bread. A must after a hard day of walking around!

From journal The Beauty of Bergen

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