Next door to sister spot Naroon, is Counter By Naroon. We prefer this daytime Persian cafe to its sibling restaurant because it’s perfect for a coffee catch-up or sit-down lunch, and you can construct your own wholesome lunch bowls. Our go-to order is the saffron rice with table tennis-sized meatballs in a rich tomato sauce. Add a couple of salads on the side, like the yoghurty mast o khair or citrussy shirazi chopped salad, and take a seat in the courtyard-like area at the back. It’s one of our favourite lunch spots in Fitzrovia, and if you’re in the mood for the evening-only mirza ghazemi alongside your lunch, they might just get you one from Naroon next door if you ask nicely.