Persian restaurant Lavash returns after two-year closure

Lavash has re-opened after a kitchen fire forced the Inner Sunset restaurant to close in 2018. Lavash has re-opened after a kitchen fire forced the Inner Sunset restaurant to close in 2018. Photo: Photo By Wing L. On Yelp Photo: Photo By Wing L. On Yelp Image 1 of / 48 Caption Close Persian restaurant Lavash returns after two-year closure 1 / 48 Back to Gallery

Nearly two years after a kitchen fire forced popular Persian restaurant Lavash to close their doors, the Inner Sunset restaurant at 511 Irving St. is back and ready for business.

Last Friday, the Inner Sunset restaurant welcomed guests for the first time since their closure as part of a soft opening, until the restaurant reopens officially in the coming weeks.

“We’ll probably have a grand opening towards the end of January, closer to the official two-year mark,” said Kaivon Talai, staff and son of Lavash owners Nazila Talai and her husband and Saeed Talai. “We’re still trying to work out all the kinks and get back in the rhythm of things, hire staff, and making sure our kitchen is where we want it to be.”

Talai said during their soft-opening phase, the restaurant will have limited hours and a limited menu as they establish their weekly needs. Customers can expect the same menu that features Persian entrees like koobideh, ground beef and lamb skewers served with basmati rice, and fesenjan, a stew served with chicken, ground walnuts and pomegranate.

The restaurant has been renovated and includes a newly remodeled kitchen and expanded dining area. But getting the business back on track was a difficult and lengthy process, Talai said.

Back in January 2018, a fire that began in the kitchen caused structural damage when it scorched interior walls. The closure was a setback for the Talai family who posted a message on Facebook that stated Lavash would remain closed “until further notice.”

“We are a family owned and operated restaurant and we don’t have a lot of financial backing or investors like the other restaurants,” Talai said. “It took us a really long time to find financing, dealing with insurance, dealing with our landlord, and obviously reconstructing.”

What Lavash had and continues to have is support, both from customers and the neighborhood. It’s something Talai said has been really nice to see. Since their reopening date on Dec. 27, 2019, Talai said they have been fully committed every evening.

“That’s been a test for our kitchen but also for our staff as well. We’re looking to hire as fast as possible.”

Lavash is located at 511 Irving St. and open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. On Saturday they are open at 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday.

Susana Guerrero is an SFGATE digital reporter. Email: Susana.Guerrero@sfgate.com | Twitter: @SusyGuerrero3