“AD” – Why is this here?

There has been a buzz in the Cambridge Foodies community around the mysterious restaurant due to open on Chesterton Road.

After much anticipation, Ranya Grill has finally revealed itself, bringing the exciting prospect of a Middle Eastern (Kurdish and Persian) grill to Chesterton. This is a first for the area and a fantastic complement to the ever-growing Mitcham’s Corner food scene. Eager to see what it had to offer, I made sure to pop down as quickly as possible and check it out.

The Restaurant

Stepping inside, you are immediately struck by how light and spacious Ranya Grill feels. The expansive dining area offers enough room for any size group and the floor-to-ceiling windows not only flood the space with natural light but also offer a prime spot for people-watching on Chesterton Road. As you enter, your eyes are drawn to the impressive grill, showcasing a wide selection of meats patiently awaiting their turn.

Towards the rear, Ranya Grill offers three semi-private cubicles, providing a more intimate and authentic dining experience. These spaces feature low-level tables and comfortable floor cushions – reminiscent of Nosche on Mill Road. While it certainly tested my flexibility (and perhaps reminded me of my age!), it was an immersive way to embrace the culture. This communal setup fostered a closer, more social dining atmosphere, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend opting for the cubicle on the right, as it has a glass wall that offers not only excellent light but also a captivating view.

Milkshakes

Ranya Grill operates an alcohol-free policy, and interestingly, hot drinks were also unavailable. Fortunately, they offer a refreshing selection of five milkshake flavours, which proved to be a welcome treat on another muggy summer’s day. I opted for the nut flavour, while my son enjoyed the Biscoff.

Every meal at Ranya Grill begins with a complimentary bowl of lentil soup – a lovely touch. I was told that it is a customary tradition for the restaurant to serve free with every meal. While I am not usually a big lentil soup fan, I was genuinely surprised by its robust and lightly spiced flavour. It was so good that I’ll definitely have it again!

Starters

To start, we were presented with a selection of homemade hummus and something intriguing called ‘mast-o-khiyar’, served alongside freshly made pita bread. It was my first taste of mast-o-khiyar – a wonderfully refreshing blend of chopped cucumbers and herbs mixed with thick yoghurt, truly the perfect summer snack! The hummus was equally delightful, with a buttery-smooth, delicate, and light texture that made it ideal for scooping.

The Spread!

As I was invited to Ranya Grill for this review, I simply asked them to present the dish they were most proud of. Clearly, their culinary pride extends to every dish, as I was wonderfully surprised by a magnificent spread – a feast that I could only assume encompassed their entire menu!

It is a hard job but someone has to do it 😂

Lamb Shank

My personal highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the tender lamb shanks. And when I say tender, I mean it literally fell off the bone, a testament to hours of slow cooking. Infused with Kurdish spices for a robust flavour, these were served alongside warm naan bread and a rich Kurdish stew, creating a truly balanced and satisfying dining experience.

The Grill

At the very heart of the platter was chargrilled lamb chops, sheesh kebab, and chicken joojeh. Each succulent piece was cooked fresh to order over an open flame located in-house, then served atop a fluffy bed of rice with a generous helping of mixed salad.

I absolutely adored the smoky taste – a flavour only a grill can truly impart. Every single piece of meat was beautifully soft and tender, with a lightly spiced kick that truly brought it to life. The sheesh kebab was an absolute monster and the lamb chops were wonderfully fatty and unapologetic in being so. This was, without a doubt, the ultimate meat-lover’s paradise!

The chips were perfectly thin-cut and incredibly crispy, making them a versatile and moreish accompaniment to the platter. While the rice was a touch bland for my palate, its inclusion was still appreciated as an alternative. I did find myself wishing for couscous as an option, which I feel would truly complete the spread. Nevertheless, I couldn’t resist continually picking at the green olives, generously scattered across the board which was a truly welcome addition.

A selection of sauces, including Tzatziki, ketchup, and a rich BBQ sauce, further enhanced our dining experience, offering even more customisable options. There was so much happening at once, which only added to the exciting, bustling atmosphere. Now, just imagine all of that, shared with your closest friends or relatives, dining around a table in a private cubicle, nestled amongst a bed of cushions. Pure bliss!

Bringing Chesterton Road To Life!

Ranya Grill is a fantastic new addition to the increasingly vibrant Chesterton Road food scene. Gone are the days when an authentic experience meant battling through Cambridge city centre and the often inhospitable Mill Road. Conveniently located in the north of the city with free evening parking, Ranya Grill is ideal for residents of Chesterton, Arbury, and King’s Hedges, as well as visitors from outside the city.

While daytime parking presents a minor challenge with cash-only Pay & Display or uncooperative apps, the promise of a spacious, comfortable, and inviting atmosphere serving genuine Kurdish cuisine makes it well worth it. The lamb shanks and lamb chops were standout dishes, and with a tempting array of options, I’m eager to revisit and explore their menu further.

It looks like I will be back again soon!

Thanks for reading