Just like the rest of what they do then…

Bibi Persian Cuisine, 157 Heath Road, Twickenham TW1 4BH    Tel: 020 8892 1018

Bibi apparently still say it’s in order to BYO if you wish. You might wish to phone to check that before taking any wine along. Their contact details are on my post of a couple of weeks ago (click the tag “Bibi” to go straight to the earlier post)

This Persian restaurant at the end of Heath Road is a little-known gem.

Mr and Mrs Riversniffers were tipped off by people who’d already been. So we turned up one Sunday lunchtime.

From the outside, BiBi looks like a café; the external appearance, taken with the constant traffic and the cash machine and phone box right outside do not lead one to expect much.

However, inside the décor is more like a restaurant, with large tables generously spaced.

The décor was a clue to what followed. From the moment we entered the service was attentive and courteous.

We’d been advised to go to town on the starters, so we did. Between us we had stuffed vine leaves, sliced cucumber in yoghurt, vegetable and herb frittata, feta cheese and walnut salad and Persian unleavened bread.

The starters lived up to their billing. They were all wonderfully fresh and really tasty, perfectly complemented by the Persian bread (which should not on any account be missed).

By the time we finished the starters we didn’t have much room for a main course, so we ordered one dish between two – lamb kebab with rice. After a short wait an oval plate arrived bearing two large kebabs, a huge portion of rice and a spare plate for sharing. Accompanying the lamb was mint sauce and an interesting Persian spice, which we were told was made from pomegranate seeds.

The lamb kebabs were great and the rice was fresh, fluffy and separate; but despite that we could barely finish it all. In fact, all we had room for at the end was a coffee and some Persian tea, both of which were excellent.

The bill for this wonderful, fresh and satisfying Sunday lunch for two? £22.75. When the bill came, we thought there had been a mistake. But there was no mistake in the adding up. It’s just very, very good value.

We added a good tip – the service had been faultless.

The Verdict

There aren’t many places where you can have dinner for two, including a bottle of wine (BYO, as they’re not licenced) for about £30.

Don’t be put off by the café appearance and the location at the nether end of Heath Road.

Catch it while you can.

Other Notes

Parking can be difficult around Heath Road. If you want to leave the car at home, these bus routes go past the door: 110, 267, 281, 290, 490, H22, R70

The menu is on their website here, so you can have a great time choosing what you’re going to have, even before you go.

Bibi Persian Cuisine, 157 Heath Road, Twickenham TW1 4BH    Tel: 020 8892 1018