Anar Food & Grocery

As someone with family who lived/lives in Iran, I was disappointed with this place on a few fronts. The products are overly expensive, even considering the import premiums. There is very little variety, compared to typical Middle Eastern markets. A lot of the offerings here are just so marked up I found it irrational and deceitful in intent, playing off their token of exoticism…Needless to say, obviously this place offers a somewhat different variety of goods than traditional grocery stores. But surprisingly, I found many of the products here to be offered at other local grocery chains in their foreign foods/imports sections for way cheaper, and with more variety to choose from. As someone who grew up with Persian-style food, their restaurant section of store-prepared food was quite underwhelming… mediocre at best, and not really traditional in my eyes.The (rotten) cherry on top was my last visit when I left with 4 small items and was charged almost $40. As I’m leaving the store I look at my receipt and see NINE items charged as “misc.” I don’t know if this was a simple mistake or a matter of discrimination, but I was actually offended. A store owner should have recognized that error from the get-go… I returned and, instead of immediately being helped with what was almost double the correct pricing, was asked to wait behind the other few customers. The man working the counter asked to look through my bag of parchases twice, as if skeptical of my truthfulness. After scrutinizing each and every product (as if he didn’t know their pricing listed so clearly on each product), he finally admitted that he charged me way more than he should have and just handed me $20 cash, rather than an exact refund or direct refund to my cart. I don’t call this customer service, and honest mistake or not, I think this instance exemplified what might be a pattern of dishonesty towards customers.I don’t recommend you shop or eat here. Plenty of other grocery stores in the area that offer similar products and even specialized imports. That, plus the troubling customer service experience, unfortunately means I won’t be coming back here again.

I really love Persian food and my father is Persian himself. I'm hoping to come to this store next weekend with my husband to purchase some goodies. I have been here before few times and they are friendly and got a good selection.

I love this place it is one of my always to go places in Victoria. The staff are so friendly and kind. Their food is amazing. I would only recommend to have more options of food or more open menu. I highly recommend it

I can't emphasize enough how delicious the food that is offered here. Healthy choices!Made with fresh ingredients right in front of you, very reasonable prices, super easy menu but are all delicious, when you enter the store I always feel like I'm experiencing a different culture which is a really nice take away when taking a lunch break for example.It is family run and this establishment has Persian grocery options and desserts! Also the best halva and baclava I have found so far in Victoria!Great place to pick spices and herbs as well, cold drinks, candy from Persian influences.Highly recommendedMy favourite is the chicken wrap, falafel wrap, and the baclava.Both are filling, not greasy, healthy choices!If you ask about the rice pudding, it is made with saffron!Super tasty delights!

We eat linch here almost every Saturday! Have the kebab wrap with ALL the veg! Lovely people and so many fun grocery items to check out while you wait

I am so grateful to have a place such as this in Victoria. There is no better feeling than remembering it is Saturday and Kebabs are on the menu!

Food is really good! Love to grab some takeout during the week

I've been enjoying Persian food for almost 30 years as a customer and know what truly tastes good. My husband and I have been in two times for takeout. Each time the food was ok, but didn't measure up to North Toronto or Vancouver competitor standards. It's the only Persian take out, so I do appreciate it is here. But the seasoning is not as good as elsewhere I've eaten. The store is tiny. It had a big selection of boxed Noruz candies and cookies. I hope they improve on taste for their takeout . Me and hubby also were sick after eating the Gemma. The split pea stew with rice. I love Iranian cooking.

I was so overjoyed that I was able to find Sour Grapes in store. It’s the hardest ingredient for me to find for khoresh bademjan. And so happy they had Cortas Rose Water and great quality Saffron. I definitely will need to come back to try their in-house made food!P.s. Their in-house baklava is heavenly!

I've been a patron for a couple of years now and the quality and portions have always been consistent. I've tried gormeh sabzi from many restaurants in the past and didn't really enjoy it, as they made it either too sour or really acetous; but MANNN these guys have Nailed it!!! Every bite of the gormeh sabzi is divine with multitudes of flavors. Didn't think I'd ever say this but it's now my favorite dish. Need I say more?While the zereshk polo can be bit too sweet(for me), I can overlook that; the other dishes are great, like the baghali polo, kebabs, etc. Good place to satisfy my persian food cravings...