In pictures: Iran's gourmet restaurant

The idea emerged when the Jilanchi family decided to upgrade their Tehran hotel, the Ramtin.

"I lived in the States for 18 years and came back nine months ago for this project," says Saman. "We had rooms downstairs, but the guests wouldn't react well to staying in a basement, so my dad decided to open a restaurant.

"Then I thought of bringing fine dining to Iran.

"We were never in the food business, but I've eaten at some of the most luxurious places in the world, so I knew what I wanted."