Massimo and the Rose of Gilan

Massimo, a young craftsman from Tuscany, travelled east through Anatolia and the Zagros Mountains until he reached Gilan, beside the Caspian Sea—a land of rain-soaked forests, tea gardens and green ricefields.

In Lahijan’s old bazaar, he met Shirin, a merchant’s daughter wearing a green scarf embroidered with red roses. He asked for directions in hesitant Persian; she answered with a few words of Italian. They both laughed, and their story began.

Shirin introduced him to the Gilaki language, local traditions and everyday life: fishermen returning from the Caspian, families planting rice, and Rasht’s lively market, fragrant with fresh herbs, garlic and olives.

But her family’s kitchen truly won his heart. Baghala ghatogh with fava beans, dill and garlic; torshi tareh; walnut-and-pomegranate kabab torsh; stuffed chicken; and dokhtare loose were prepared with patience and love. His favourite was mirza ghasemi, made with aubergines roasted over a flame until soft and smoky. Local rice, smoked fish, zeytoon parvardeh and aged sir torshi completed the table.

These meals reminded him of Tuscany, where there was always room for another guest.

One evening, he looked at Shirin’s scarf and smiled. “Those colours remind me of home.”

“Perhaps home isn’t as far away as you think,” she replied.

Love for Shirin and life in Gilan gave his journey new meaning. Today, that love for Gilan and its food inspires Massimo Restaurant in London—a place to share the flavours of northern Iran and the warmth of Persian hospitality.

Massimo Restaurant is an independent Persian restaurant in North West London, at 16 Pennine Parade, NW2 1NT. Our menu brings together traditional Iranian cooking and the regional flavours of Gilan: smoky Mirza Ghasemi, Baghala Ghatogh, Morgh-e Torsh and walnut-and-pomegranate Fesenjan, alongside Persian grills, fish dishes and comforting stews from across Iran.

Explore our Persian and Gilani food menu, book a table at Massimo or plan your visit to our NW2 restaurant.