A new Persian restaurant from two longtime restaurateurs is on its way to East Watertown.
Caspian Persian Cuisine is preparing to open in the former site of Shiraz Persian Restaurant at 72 Bigelow Avenue, according to a recent Craigslist job posting and permits filed for the space. Shiraz closed last September after 16 years in business.
The new concept comes from Mohsen “Moe” Tehrani and chef Hadi Eghbali, partners with decades of experience in the local restaurant scene. The duo previously owned Molana Restaurant, which they opened in 1999 and operated for 26 years before selling it earlier this year. Now, they’re teaming up to launch Caspian, drawing on decades of experience in Persian cooking.
In an interview with What Now Boston, Tehrani said that Caspian will focus on authentic, comforting Persian dishes. Planned offerings include classic kebabs, a variety of soups, daily stews, lamb neck, filet mignon, lamb chops, and a rotating lineup of weekend specials, along with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
“Our executive chef, Hadi, has been cooking for over 50 years,” Tehrani said. “He owned a restaurant in Iran and has been in business here for more than 30 years.”
Caspian will be a noticeably larger space than Molana was, with a single-floor layout that includes over 60 indoor seats and additional outdoor patio seating. Tehrani described the interior as modern, inviting, and designed to accommodate gatherings of all kinds.
The restaurant has undergone light touch-ups and is expected to operate daily from noon to 9 p.m., including holidays. Tehrani noted that staying open year-round has always been important to the team, particularly for students and young people who may not have family nearby and are looking for a welcoming place to gather.
Caspian Persian Cuisine is currently targeting a grand opening on February 1, 2026. Looking ahead, the owners plan to transfer a liquor license to the space and eventually introduce live music.
