Persian Restaurant in New York
About the Restaurant
At Sofreh, the philosophy is simple: food should be authentic, well-crafted, and absolutely delicious. This ethos is at the heart of everything they create from their homemade yogurts to fresh-baked breads; all prepared with meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to quality.
The name “Sofreh” itself is deeply symbolic. In Persian culture, a sofreh is a traditional fabric spread used for serving food during gatherings, celebrations, and seasonal feasts. Over time, it has come to represent something larger: a space for community, sharing, and meaningful connection. That spirit of hospitality is alive and thriving at Sofreh.
Opened in 2018 in Brooklyn by chef and founder Nasim Alikhani, Sofreh is a love letter to Persian heritage, culture, and cuisine. Nasim’s food is an extension of her identity: deeply personal, nostalgic, and celebratory. In the words of The New Yorker’s Hannah Goldfield:
“In her restaurant début, Nasim Alikhani’s front-of-house style seems just as intuitive as her interpretations of a cuisine sorely underrepresented in the city.”
About the Chef
Born into a family of strong women and passionate home cooks, Nasim’s earliest memories are rooted in food. As a child, she spent summers indoors making jams, pickles, and seasonal dishes with her mother. By the time she was in law school studying to become a judge, she was already known for her cooking among friends and classmates.
Though her journey took her through many professions unrelated to food, her heart always remained in the kitchen. After decades of dreaming, self-teaching, occasional catering gigs, and culinary training including attending the International Culinary Center; Nasim finally opened Sofreh at the age of 59.
Her food is a reflection of resilience, love, and legacy; a blend of tradition and modern interpretation that invites all who visit to experience the richness of Persian hospitality.
Location
Sofreh Restaurant
75 St Marks Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
