It's no secret that we all love to eat delicious food, and each of us has completely different gastronomic preferences. For some, the height of pleasure is to pamper yourself with sushi, for others - your favorite Italian dish, for others - there is nothing tastier than a juicy hamburger with fries. But, most likely, we will agree on one thing: we all love our national cuisine, so diverse, bright, spicy. It would seem that it would be easier to find a restaurant of Azerbaijani cuisine in Azerbaijan? It turned out that in our modern and Europeanized capital there are not many such real national restaurants, but they all very carefully observe the canons of our ancient national pride - Azerbaijani cuisine.

Let's start our review of restaurants with national cuisine - a restaurant that has become the hallmark of our capital for foreign guests - the restaurant "Karvansara", located in a historical place in the Old Town. When you get there, you seem to be transported back to ancient times, fully feeling all their originality and fabulousness. The restaurant's patio is a favorite place for many regulars, especially in summer, when you can taste a variety of dishes in the shade of vine-covered trees. The main dish served here is, of course, shish kebab. Here you can also choose pilaf from a wide variety indicated in the menu, dishes on saj, and dolma. Well, it’s best to end the meal with tea, fortunately in the restaurant it is special, aromatic, and choose jam with it, not only traditional, but also more refined - made from white cherries or walnuts.

Pilaf with dried fruits

Restaurant - theater "Mugham"- the place is completely special, and cannot even be described. The caravanserai building, built in the 17th century, makes any guest feel the atmosphere of the distant past and absorb an amazing aura. Performances of the Mugam Theater take place here, and a restaurant is open here during free time from performances. Needless to say, any dish in such an atmosphere is not just a gastronomic delight, but a kind of journey into the culture and identity of our people. The surroundings of the establishment are mugham melodies, photographs of old Baku, stone vaults of ancient buildings. Incomparable dishes are served here: pilaf sabzi govurma, gyime eggplant, turshu govurma, fisinjan, cherry pilaf, sweet pilaf, chikhirtma pilaf, buglama, a variety of kebabs and kutabs.

Restaurant "Alinja" opens its doors to true connoisseurs and lovers of Azerbaijani cuisine. The interior of the establishment, made in the national style, is filled with original decorative elements that create an incredible feeling of comfort. A wide variety of pilafs, first courses (dovga, piti, signature soup “Alinja”, dushbere), juicy and rosy kebabs, dolma - this is not the entire range of this traditional Azerbaijani restaurant.

Lula kebab

“Bura Bakdr”. In this establishment they tried to create the atmosphere of our beloved city in a design stylized as a Baku cafe and views of the city. Here there is a real feast of the taste of Azerbaijani cuisine: juicy kutab with meat and herbs, lula, tik, incredible first courses (piti, dushbere, ovdukh, dovga with meat, khingal soup), chikhirtma, lamb with dried apricots, many types of pilaf, sizzling jiz- byz, and many wonderful dishes from our cuisine.

Restaurant "Fayton" made in the architectural idea of ​​medieval Azerbaijan, it is characterized by a purely Azerbaijani style - very restrained and calm - windows in the shebek, stonework of the restaurant vaults, antique dishes, small traditional interior elements, carpets. We can talk about the cuisine for a long time, fortunately there is something to describe: the most delicate dushbere, and fisinjan pilaf, and dolma from fresh grape leaves, juicy kababs, various kutabs, snacks and, what is especially tasty here, is syrdag - a dish prepared from vegetables and fish, with cherry plum and spices. And after a hearty and tasty meal, you will be offered aromatic tea, accompanied by a great variety of jams and Azerbaijani sweets.


Dolma from grape leaves

Restaurant – art gallery “Art Garden”- an amazing place of the 12-15 centuries, saturated with the breath of time, Azerbaijani history, as if created in order to plunge into the past of Baku. The ancient walls of the Azerbaijani restaurant "Art Garden", located in Kichik Karvan Sarai, and numerous national decorative elements: antique carpets, dishes, take us back to the distant past. Inside the courtyard, in the cells, there are various workshops representing types of medieval crafts: pottery, carpet weaving, forging. The restaurant serves traditional dishes prepared according to ancient recipes with great love: a variety of pilafs with lamb, beef, herbs, chicken, turkey, dried fruits, fresh hot kutabs with herbs and meat, piti, lavangi, kyukyu and many other national dishes.

Restaurant "Cidir". An excellent establishment with a varied national cuisine, an interesting concert program in the evenings, comfortable halls (European, oriental and banquet), a vast green terrace-garden, where it is especially pleasant to spend time on a summer evening. The preparation of dishes here is taken seriously and responsibly, because the opinion of each restaurant client is taken into account when ordering. From the extensive menu you can choose shah pilaf, sebzi pilaf, pip dolma, hot meat kutabs with sumac and pomegranate, dushbere, lamb or fish baked in tendir, and various types of kebabs.

Lula kebab

Restaurant "Bibi". The spacious hall, decorated in a traditional national style, is suitable for large feasts, noisy banquets and a pleasant dinner in a small company. Among the restaurant's specialties are delicious and varied pilafs, kebabs made from lamb, chicken, fish, turshu govurma, shirin govurma.

Getting to the restaurant “Gorodok”, you will feel like you are in a fairy-tale town, where in various thematic areas you can have a great time with friends and family. One of the coziest restaurants in Baku will give you the opportunity to try dishes prepared according to traditional recipes of national cuisine. Only here are the best kebabs and grilled dishes according to the original recipe from the chef. If you are a passionate lover of grilled dishes, then you should definitely try tikya, basturma, lula, kabyab made from chicken, quail, and fish - they are really excellent here. The most tender fish in pomegranate sauce, turshu pilaf, sabzi pilaf, fish buglama, dovga, dushbere, dolma are the restaurant’s specialties.

Restaurant "Tonqal" Those who are not yet familiar with this establishment are definitely advised to visit it. If we talk about restaurants with Azerbaijani cuisine and national flavor, then this is fully present here. A garden with cozy benches, tables under spreading trees, where you are literally surrounded by bright greenery, stylized attributes of village life, stone and wood decoration of the restaurant, and of course the endless richness of local cuisine. You should devote a whole day to a trip here: after all, a real Azerbaijani meal does not tolerate fuss, especially when the menu includes: an incredible variety of salads, both vegetable, meat and chicken, many appetizers and pickles, kutabs, pilafs, chicken levenga, kutum, and also dishes on saj and in tendir. Fans of outdoor barbecues should especially pay attention to the menu: chopped lule kebab, fish kebab, khan kebabs, bastyrma kebab, chicken kebab, giblet kebab (lamb, chicken), fish and potato lule, vegetable kebab, quail kebab and turkeys. Huge selection of fish dishes, starting with sturgeon on a spit, and ending with monastery-style fish. If you have not yet been tempted by this choice, then we continue our review.

Pilaf with chicken and fruit

Speaking about restaurants of Azerbaijani cuisine, I will probably remember the restaurant "Beh-beh club". Of course, we could not ignore it, since it is, perhaps, one of the most worthy and original establishments in our capital. There are two restaurants in the city: one near Fountain Square for city get-togethers, and a restaurant on Nobel Avenue, where there is an excellent summer veranda for those who like to dine in the fresh air. If Azerbaijani cuisine for you is limited to kababs and pilafs, then just open the restaurant menu and you will change your mind: on countless pages you will find both traditional and familiar dishes, as well as ancient national dishes of our cuisine. Among the first courses we can recommend arishta, dushbara, dovga. For the main course they serve, perhaps, the most delicious viper in the city, Sheki-style dolma (dolma cooked in a ceramic pot according to a special recipe), gara tava (sturgeon fish fried until red hot, with tomatoes, bell peppers, garlic), salmon in sauce “Bh-Bh” (sturgeon fish cooked in a ceramic bowl with tomatoes, herbs, garlic, cherry plum), fried game (duck, quail, teal), levengi, chikhirtma, fisinjan (turkey pilaf in nut sauce), ovrushta (from chicken, turkey), narbich (lamb meat stewed in a ceramic bowl with herbs, walnuts and pomegranate), dishes on saj, coals, shuut pilaf (pilaf with dill), borany pilaf (pilaf with pumpkin).

Pilaf and drink

Sebzi pilaf

At the Old City restaurant A magnificent main hall awaits you, spacious and richly decorated with wood and stone, which gives a feeling of antiquity and a certain originality and guarantees complete comfort while exploring the mysteries of national Azerbaijani cuisine. Cozy wooden furniture, discreet colors in the interior design, decorated with stone and wood, handmade woolen carpets, soft lighting and comfortable sofas in private areas, dim lighting, unobtrusive music allow restaurant visitors to fully relax, enjoying a calm atmosphere and delicious food. Real traditional Azerbaijani cuisine is presented in the restaurant in all its abundance. Guests are offered to try the restaurant's signature dishes: lula, shakh-pilaf, borany pilaf, sebzi govurma, levengi, fried lamb, a variety of soups (from dovga and piti to khash and dushbere), sadzhi and kebabs, dolma, fisinjan, fish syrdag, fish with pomegranate juice and onions.

Restaurant "Chirag"- an establishment with truly oriental hospitality. The rustic style of the establishment, small wooden houses equipped with modern appliances, as well as tables in an open area covered with flowers - everything is conducive to relaxation. Azerbaijani cuisine is also taken as a basis here. Among the restaurant's variety of dishes, we can recommend chicken levengi and kutum levengi. Any visit here is a unique celebration of soul and taste.

Lula kebab and shish kebab

One of the most interesting and original places in the city is the restaurant. "Pencere." The colorful courtyard is full of greenery, which not only pleases the eye, but is also pleasantly refreshing in the summer heat. There is a large indoor hall and a summer terrace of the restaurant. In a cozy gazebo it is pleasant to take a break from the noisy city and calmly relax in a picturesque country atmosphere, where in the summer heat guests are greeted with refreshing coolness. The restaurant's menu is replete with national dishes prepared in a traditional manner. In addition to countless types of kebabs, they serve flour dishes (gyurza, khingal, dushbere), chicken baked in tendir, syrdag in Lankaran, the freshest green and meat kutabs, and dishes on saj.

Kutaby with meat

Restaurant "Sultan". Here, in a small hall of a two-story restaurant, where everything breathes calm and comfort, you can relax after a busy day at work and taste the dishes of our cuisine: dolma, jiz-byz, drinks, kebabs, khingal, arishta, dushbere, various types of pilaf.

"Buta art club". Massive wooden furniture, picturesque interior details from the Caucasus, and dishes with elegant designs create a special relaxing atmosphere in the main hall; and a cozy separate area is designed specifically for small, cheerful groups where you can smoke hookah. The establishment is perfect for holding various family celebrations and corporate parties. Here you will be greeted with cordiality and offered an excellent menu consisting of a wide variety of Azerbaijani dishes prepared according to traditional recipes: amazing kutabs with meat and herbs, a huge selection of meat dishes: sabzi pilaf, piti, syrdag, saj kebab, gyurza, dushbere, chykhirtma , dolma, Sheki-style govurma, lamb or beef govurma.

Eggplant, tomato and pepper dolma

Restaurant "Zeytun"- the establishment is modern, which, however, does not prevent it from offering traditional Azerbaijani cuisine to its clients. The cuisine here is excellent, and it is worth noting that it fits perfectly into the ultra-fashionable interior of the establishment with colored glass, ceramics and a bar counter. The prices here are above average, but the menu is distinguished by an enviable variety and level of preparation of dishes, among which special mention can be made of sea bass buglama, sturgeon syrdag, govurma with shrimp, pilaf with saffron, cherries, dill, dried fruits, peas, delicious flour dishes: khingal, viper, dushbere.

Variety of dishes at Zeytun restaurant

Among all the variety of gastronomic delights, traditional Azerbaijani cuisine has been and remains the most beloved and in demand, because as before, not a single festive feast or wedding can do without it.

When you are looking for an establishment where you can have a good and inexpensive lunch, pay attention to establishments that are modest in appearance. As a rule, in such unsightly establishments, with a lack of luxury, delicious national cuisine is served at reasonable prices. I would include the “Shanson” restaurant, which is located near the Icheri Sheher metro station, the semi-basement cafe “Arishta”, which is located near the “Puppet Theater” stop, and the “Khazar” cafe, which is located near the entrance to the old city. In all these establishments, although there is not a wide choice of dishes, they are all very tasty and satisfying. Also pay attention to the Turkish restaurant chain Anadolu, where Azerbaijani dishes are also on the menu. The most popular among tourists is the Firuza restaurant on Fountain Square. Prices here are somewhat higher, but you can choose inexpensive dishes from the entire menu and then your lunch or dinner will be quite budget-friendly.

There are also some establishments in Baku that are very popular, interesting, with good cuisine and low prices.

This is primarily the Arishta cafe, which is located on Alizade Street next to the old city department store. It has the widest menu of Azerbaijani cuisine and this establishment is very popular among students, teachers, musicians and creative people.

It is also worth visiting the Shirvanshah museum-restaurant, whose interior is designed in the atmosphere of old Baku. Here there are paintings and antique household items on the walls, and there is also live music. It is here that you can try dishes such as baked lamb in tendir, aromatic pilaf, dolma in grape leaves, walnut lula, kebabs and kutabs made from chestnuts, greens with pomegranate, pumpkins with nuts.

Near the gate leading to the old city from the Governor's Garden there is the Tyandyr cafe. The menu here is small, but you can try aromatic tea and home-baked kutabs. They also serve sumptuous breakfasts of cheese, bread, herbs and dairy products.

There are also fish restaurants in Baku. One of these establishments is called "Dərya" and is located on the shores of the Caspian Sea. You can just enjoy both food and pleasant contemplation of the sea.

You can enjoy a good selection and taste of coffee at the Coffe Station Baku coffee shop, which has an unusual vintage interior. It feels like you are sitting in a station cafe. Here you can try both classic coffee and all kinds of signature drinks. You can also eat at the coffee shop, since the menu includes an assortment of soups, salads and sandwiches.

Gunel Khalil, 29 years old, hometown - Baku, food blogger

I have been living far from my homeland for many years, in Europe. But at the moment I have arrived in my native Azerbaijan. I am a physicist by profession, and a cook at heart. I do everything related to food, cook and share recipes on my blog, and learn food photography. I visit cafes, restaurants and write objective opinions about establishments.

Baku is a foodie's paradise, as local people love to eat in cafes. You can find establishments to suit every taste. The very first thing a tourist should try is local cuisine. It is so rich that you may not have time to taste everything.

To try the local cuisine, it is best to take a walk around Icheri Sheher - the historical part of Baku, where there are dozens of restaurants serving national cuisine.

Restaurants Manqal and Burc Qala





In these restaurants you need to try the Azerbaijani soup Dushbara and Yarpag Khingal. The cold season is the perfect time for these dishes. I also recommend trying the most delicate gutabs with herbs, meat and pumpkin.

Manqal is a more budget option, and it is always sold out, the average bill is 10-20 manat.

Burc Qala has above average prices.




Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant

This is not just a restaurant of delicious national cuisine - it is a whole museum. Every room, every office has a hidden history and atmosphere. Half a day may not be enough for you to eat and walk around the entire museum, admiring every detail.

I also like the quality service and live music. Prices there are above average.



Restaurant Chio Chio San

Fans of Japanese cuisine need to come to this restaurant. The cozy and calm atmosphere is suitable for a romantic dinner or get-together with family. The sushi here is delicious and, most importantly, fresh. I would say the best in Baku. And the service will pleasantly surprise you.


Cafe CoffeeMania

If you are looking for where to have breakfast in Baku, then without hesitation, choose this cafe.

There is a good selection of breakfasts here, but I recommend taking a set for two. This is a rich option for a Turkish breakfast for only 11 euros. Plus unlimited tea in Turkish glasses. After breakfast, enjoy freshly brewed Turkish coffee.


Restaurant Toro Steak House

Toro Steak House is one of the ten best steak houses in Baku.

This restaurant is located in the green Ataturk Park, where it will be pleasant to stroll after a delicious dinner. The restaurant offers juicy steaks and burgers. Meat and other products used in preparing dishes are produced exclusively in Azerbaijan.

In this restaurant you can enjoy the best national breakfast. A set for two costs 10 euros.




Restaurant MariVanna

A restaurant with a magical atmosphere, here you feel like visiting your grandmother in Soviet times.

In the restaurant you will be fed deliciously and satisfyingly with famous and favorite dishes of Russian cuisine. The menu includes dumplings, homemade pies, herring under a fur coat, and the most tender beef tongue.

The bill will be higher than average, but it's worth it. The location of the restaurant is good, you can take a walk along Baku Boulevard after dinner.




Anderson Family cafe and Bakery

For going out with children, the best option is AnderSon. It will be fun for children and tasty for parents. The restaurant is located in the city center. The menu is thought out to the smallest detail so that everything is extremely healthy and loved by children.

There is a play area with nannies and a trampoline for older children. You can watch children in the play area through the glass. And there is excellent service here.




Shaurma No. 1

Everyone should try this fast food, because you won’t find such shawarma with a secret sauce in any other country. It contains chicken meat cooked with spices, French fries, pickles and magic sauce. There are many branches in the city, the most convenient location is the one located in the center of Baku on Fountain Street.

The cost of such shawarma in bread or pita bread is 2 euros. You can also purchase the sauce for an additional 40 cents.

From the article you will learn about prices in Baku in rubles and dollars for groceries, food in restaurants, taxis, public transport, hotels in Baku and apartment rentals, as well as how much our vacation in Baku cost and how much money to take with us to Azerbaijan for 1 week.

As part of a study tour to Azerbaijan, we spent one week in Baku. We rented an apartment for 7 nights, looked around everything, went to 4 different places outside the city.

Previously, Azerbaijan was considered a very expensive country for travel, but after the manat exchange rate in relation to $ and € dropped significantly, prices in Baku are no longer shocking. Now is the time to go to Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan currency - Azerbaijani manat AZN

AZN rate

1 AZN = 34 rubles

1 AZN – 15 hryvnia

1$ = 1.7 AZN

1€ = 2.03 AZN

How much did our holiday in Baku cost?

In 7 days and 7 nights in Azerbaijan it was spent 450$ for two excluding airfare, including

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The hospitality and generosity of the states located in the Caucasus is well known to residents of the post-Soviet space. Since getting to Georgia, Armenia or Azerbaijan is not so easy, the traveler who nevertheless has overcome enormous distances becomes the most dear guest. All doors are open for him, the best restaurants in Baku and other capitals, small cafes and kebab houses.

For many tourists, their acquaintance with the beautiful city, its architecture, and culture passes quite quickly. But there is no end in sight for the journey into the world of tastes and aromas of Baku.

"Baku" in Baku

It is not surprising that Baku residents are very proud of their hometown and assign its name to various institutions. Guests of the Azerbaijani capital can be absolutely sure that a generous treat awaits them in the Baku restaurant.

The menu includes dishes not only of national cuisine, but also Russian, European, and Oriental. For the convenience of visitors, the hall is divided into three zones, making the restaurant cozy and convenient for any company. Another highlight, besides the delicious preparation, is the exquisite presentation of each dish.

Azerbaijani glamor

There is an amazing place in Baku called Chinar, this is where the most fashionable and glamorous ladies and gentlemen of the Caucasian capital gather. And although the name of the restaurant refers to the depths of national history, the audience, on the contrary, is very advanced. Therefore, if a tourist considers himself a representative of the fashion elite, a kind of glamorous beauty or a modern fashionable guy, he must check in at the establishment.

Restaurant plus hotel

The latest global trend – for every star hotel to have its own luxurious restaurant – has not ignored Baku. One of the fashionable hotels in the city, Fairmont Baku, has already presented Le Bistro, a French restaurant, to journalists and guests.

In addition to this, in the near future it is planned to open several more delicious establishments of this type at the same hotel, including:

  • ALOV Steakhouse, designed for fans of meat cuisine;
  • ALOV Jazz bar, where you can listen to good music;
  • Cigar Divan with its own unique atmosphere.

The very location of the hotel and its restaurants - in one of the two Flame Towers - is also attractive. The establishment, both literally and figuratively, is at its best. This will undoubtedly be highly appreciated by his guests, including those coming from abroad.