Savor the Taste of Samarkand: A Chef's Guide to the City's Best Restaurants
Embark on a culinary adventure through the ancient city of Samarkand, where the flavors of Central Asia come to life. As a chef, I've gathered a list of exceptional restaurants that highlight the city's rich gastronomic heritage, from traditional plov to modern fusion cuisine.
1. Restaurants in the City Center
Samarkand's city center is a vibrant hub where history and modern life intersect. The area is home to a mix of traditional and contemporary dining options, offering a chance to savor local delicacies while exploring the bustling streets and historical sites.
Samarkand Restaurant
Reason for recommendation
Samarkand Restaurant is a highly-regarded dining establishment celebrated for its authentic Uzbek cuisine. It is a fantastic place to experience traditional dishes like shashlik, lagman, and, of course, the famous Samarkand plov. The restaurant's warm and welcoming atmosphere, combined with its focus on fresh, flavorful ingredients, makes it a must-visit for anyone looking for a genuine taste of the region.
Nearby Attractions
- Registan Square: An iconic landmark with three stunning madrasahs.
- Gurm-i Amir Mausoleum: The resting place of Timur and his descendants.
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque: A magnificent historical mosque.
Rating: 4.1 Reviews: 1422
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| source : unspalsh |
Platan
Reason for recommendation
Platan is a modern and stylish restaurant that stands out for its elegant ambiance and diverse menu. It offers a fusion of European and Uzbek cuisine, providing a refined dining experience. The restaurant is known for its beautiful presentation, attentive service, and a wide selection of dishes, making it an excellent choice for a sophisticated meal in a contemporary setting.
Nearby Attractions
- Registan Square: The heart of ancient Samarkand.
- Alisher Navoi Park: A pleasant park perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Siyob Bazaar: A bustling market where you can experience local life.
Rating: 4.2 Reviews: 945
Boulevard restaurant&bakery
Reason for recommendation
Boulevard restaurant&bakery is a charming spot known for its fresh pastries, delicious coffee, and a menu that blends local and European flavors. It's a great place to start your day with a hearty breakfast or enjoy a light lunch. The cafe’s cozy atmosphere and high-quality baked goods make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
Nearby Attractions
- Registan Square: A short walk away from this magnificent site.
- Samarkand National University: One of the oldest universities in Central Asia.
- The main pedestrian street: A lively area with shops and cafes.
Rating: 4.7 Reviews: 506
Old City Restaurant
Reason for recommendation
Old City Restaurant offers a traditional dining experience in a setting that reflects the rich history of Samarkand. It is highly regarded for its authentic Uzbek cuisine, including delicious kebabs, soups, and pilaf. The restaurant's charming decor and warm hospitality make it a fantastic place to enjoy a classic meal while soaking in the city's ancient atmosphere.
Nearby Attractions
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque: A magnificent historical mosque.
- Siyob Bazaar: A vibrant and colorful market.
- Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis: A stunning architectural ensemble.
Rating: 4.2 Reviews: 477
2. Restaurants Specializing in Plov
Plov is the national dish of Uzbekistan, and Samarkand is famous for its unique style of preparation. These restaurants are dedicated to this culinary masterpiece, offering a taste of the city's most beloved and iconic dish.
SAMARQAND OSH MARKAZI N1 (Центр Плова N1)
Reason for recommendation
This establishment is widely known as one of the best places to try authentic Samarkand plov. The restaurant focuses exclusively on this famous dish, and its expertise is evident in every bite. The plov here is prepared in large cauldrons, and the rich, flavorful rice, tender meat, and sweet carrots make for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Nearby Attractions
- The Ulugbek Observatory: A historic observatory built by the famous astronomer.
- Afrosiab Museum: A museum showcasing the history of the ancient city.
- The nearby residential area: A chance to see local life.
Rating: 4.4 Reviews: 464
«Джони Ош» Самарканд (Пловная «Джони»)
Reason for recommendation
«Джони Ош» is another highly-regarded plov house in Samarkand. It is celebrated for its consistently delicious and authentic plov, prepared with high-quality ingredients. The restaurant has a no-frills approach, allowing the quality of the food to speak for itself. It's a fantastic spot for a quick and satisfying lunch that is truly local.
Nearby Attractions
- Samarkand International Airport: A convenient stop for a meal upon arrival or before departure.
- The nearby industrial zone: A look into the city's modern side.
- The local market: A place to find fresh produce and goods.
Rating: 4.3 Reviews: 265
3. Other Restaurants
Emirhan Restaurant
Reason for recommendation
Emirhan Restaurant is a highly-rated restaurant known for its exquisite atmosphere and high-quality food. It is praised for its elegant decor and a menu that features a variety of Central Asian and European dishes. It's a great place for a fine dining experience, offering excellent service and a refined take on traditional flavors.
Nearby Attractions
- Registan Square: An iconic landmark of Samarkand.
- Gur-e Amir Mausoleum: The tomb of Timur.
- The pedestrian street: A bustling area with shops and cafes.
Rating: 4.7 Reviews: 2543
Restaurant "KARIMBEK"
Reason for recommendation
Restaurant "KARIMBEK" is a popular choice for those seeking authentic Uzbek and Eastern European cuisine. It is celebrated for its warm hospitality, generous portions, and flavorful dishes, including shashlik and soups. The restaurant provides a comfortable and traditional setting, making it a great place for a hearty and satisfying meal with family and friends.
Nearby Attractions
- Registan Square: A major historical site.
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque: A magnificent architectural marvel.
- The Siyob Bazaar: A vibrant local market.
Rating: 4.3 Reviews: 1159
Shokhrukh Nur
Reason for recommendation
Shokhrukh Nur is a modern restaurant that offers a mix of traditional Uzbek and international dishes. It is praised for its clean and contemporary decor and its commitment to using fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant provides a pleasant dining experience and is a great choice for those who want a more modern and casual setting to enjoy their meal.
Nearby Attractions
- Registan Square: The most famous landmark in Samarkand.
- Gurm-i Amir Mausoleum: A historical and architectural treasure.
- The bustling city streets: An opportunity to explore local life.
Rating: 4.7 Reviews: 630
아리랑 Arirang
Reason for recommendation
Arirang is a well-regarded Korean restaurant in Samarkand, offering a taste of authentic Korean cuisine in Central Asia. It is celebrated for its delicious bibimbap, kimchi, and a variety of Korean barbecue dishes. The restaurant provides a unique culinary experience, and its popularity among locals and visitors alike speaks to the quality and authenticity of its food.
Nearby Attractions
- Registan Square: A major historical site.
- The city's commercial district: A bustling area with shops and businesses.
- A nearby park: A nice place for a post-meal stroll.
Rating: 4.7 Reviews: 485
Oasis Garden
Reason for recommendation
Oasis Garden is a serene restaurant known for its beautiful garden setting and a tranquil atmosphere. It offers a diverse menu that includes traditional Uzbek and European dishes. The lush surroundings and peaceful environment make it a perfect escape from the city bustle, and the food is consistently praised for its freshness and flavor.
Nearby Attractions
- Tamerlane's Tomb (Gurm-i Amir Mausoleum): A historic landmark.
- The central park of Samarkand: A pleasant green space.
- The local market: A place to see the vibrant local culture.
Rating: 4.2 Reviews: 463
Sogdiana Cafe
Reason for recommendation
Sogdiana Cafe is a charming cafe that provides a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It offers a variety of light meals, coffee, and pastries, with a focus on fresh ingredients and simple, delicious recipes. It's an ideal spot for a quick coffee break or a casual lunch, and its cozy setting makes it a favorite among those looking for a quiet retreat.
Nearby Attractions
- Registan Square: A short distance from this iconic site.
- The bustling city center: A hub of activity.
- The nearby shopping area: A place to find local goods.
Rating: 4.2 Reviews: 407
Ikrom Shashlik
Reason for recommendation
Ikrom Shashlik is a famous spot for those who love grilled meat skewers. It is known for its succulent and flavorful shashlik, prepared with various meats. The restaurant focuses on this single dish, and its expertise shines through in every tender piece of meat. It's a great place for a no-frills, authentic, and satisfying meal.
Nearby Attractions
- The local bazaar: A place to experience daily life.
- The residential neighborhoods: An opportunity to see how locals live.
- A nearby bus station: Convenient for travelers.
Rating: 4.1 Reviews: 300
Sirius
Reason for recommendation
Sirius is a popular restaurant that offers a mix of Uzbek, European, and Russian cuisine. It is praised for its diverse menu and a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant provides a great option for groups with different tastes, and its reliable service and quality food make it a solid choice for a casual dinner.
Nearby Attractions
- The main city streets: A great starting point for exploring.
- The central park: A pleasant green space.
- A nearby cinema: A fun activity after dinner.
Rating: 4.4 Reviews: 249
Dostana Indian Restaurant
Reason for recommendation
Dostana Indian Restaurant is a hidden gem for Indian food lovers in Samarkand. It is celebrated for its authentic curries, biryanis, and tandoori dishes, all prepared with traditional spices. The restaurant provides a warm and hospitable environment, and its flavorful dishes offer a welcome change of pace from local cuisine.
Nearby Attractions
- Registan Square: A short drive from this major landmark.
- The city's commercial area: A hub of business and shopping.
- A nearby residential neighborhood: A chance to see local life.
Rating: 4.5 Reviews: 237
LA ESMERALDA
Reason for recommendation
LA ESMERALDA is a fine dining restaurant that offers a sophisticated menu of international and European cuisine. It is known for its elegant decor, romantic atmosphere, and excellent service. The restaurant provides a refined dining experience and is a great choice for a special occasion or a quiet, intimate dinner.
Nearby Attractions
- The city's central square: A short walk to the heart of the city.
- The nearby theatre: A great spot for a pre-show meal.
- The bustling nightlife: A starting point for an evening out.
Rating: 4.4 Reviews: 234
İstanbul Kebap
Reason for recommendation
İstanbul Kebap is a popular restaurant that specializes in Turkish kebabs and other classic Turkish dishes. It is praised for its delicious and well-prepared grilled meats, fresh salads, and authentic flavors. The restaurant provides a casual and friendly atmosphere, making it a great place for a quick and satisfying meal with friends or family.
Nearby Attractions
- The Ulugbek Observatory: A historic scientific site.
- Afrosiab Museum: A museum dedicated to the ancient history of Samarkand.
- The nearby residential area: A glimpse into local daily life.
Rating: 4.4 Reviews: 233