From authentic Mediterranean tavernas to al fresco hotspots in California, gastronomy is rapidly becoming one of the top reasons to travel both domestically and abroad. Look no further than Azerbaijan for an epicurean holiday destination which has not been overexposed to crowds of hungry tourists.

Azerbaijan has plenty of tasty food and many places to shop in. Azerbaijani cuisine is a diverse one highlighting the country’s several layers of background. The nation in the Caucasus even has some of the world’s most flavourful and durable foods, something that is at the forefront of local dishes.

With its unique blend of Persian, Eastern European and Middle Eastern flavours, Azerbaijani food impresses even the most experienced palates. Turkey, Iran and Russia are its nearest and most powerful political partners. Azerbaijani cuisine includes a number of typical dishes: exquisite pilafs- rice blended with lamb or meat, flavoured with dried fruit and nuts, and seasoned with tarragon and saffron; tandoor-baked fragrant flatbreads; delicious stews; lavangi meat filled with a combination of pomegranate and walnuts; and juicy grilled lamb kebobs. In the post-Soviet hospitality room, the townhouses some of the most innovative chefs and trendy restaurants. This is a guide to Best Restaurants in Baku.

Best Baku Restaurants with Traditional Azerbaijan Food

Nergiz

Nergiz (often written as ‘Nargiz’) is one of the most famous restaurants in Baku, among both foreigners and locals. For more than thirty years, the Azeri restaurant has been around and takes pride in its excellent customer care, comfortable interior and tasty local cuisine. The interior will lead you on a trip through the history of Azerbaijan when you can see the place adorned with carpets and images of the old city. Nergiz is situated on one of the major squares in town, Fountain Square, but it feels peaceful and like you’ve been transplanted to another planet (one with incredible food) If you’re looking for a delicious dish to indulge at Nergiz, try their sadj.

Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant

One of Shirvanshah’s most interesting features is that it’s something of food, western museum of sorts. There are many performers playing national and ethnic music while you consume and appreciate your meal. Inside, there are also several works created by various Azeri artists. Inside the Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant, you will find art and jewellery, among many other things, dating back decades and even a century. It is certainly among the top restaurants in Baku.

Dining hall of serai restaurant — Source: Google Images

Firuze

The restaurant in Baku is located underground as many of the traditional places in Azerbaijan are and the food was a nice introduction to Baku. Firuze restaurant has been consistently labelled as one of Baku’s best restaurants since its inception in 1986. Firuze can be located in Baku, at 14 Tarlan Aliyarbeyov.

Nakhchivan

Rice lovers are happy that this is your place. Restaurant Nakhchivan offers the same name-Nakhchivan dishes from the Azerbaijan enclave. A chef who knows the region, the ingredients and the passionate preparation which goes into Nakhchivan ‘s cuisine prepare them exquisitely. There you can find 15 different types of plovs, Ordubad snacks, and Nakhchivan kebabs. This is definitely the best restaurant to visit in Baku if you’re looking to try more out of the country that might not be easy to find in the capital. Nakhchivan Restaurant can be found at 8 Parliament Ave in Baku.

Tonqal

Tonqal, a high-class establishment with a traditional Azeri tendir (like a tandoori oven), and its own wine cellar, is one of the most famous and best restaurants in Baku. The Tonqal dishes are a combination of typical Azerbaijani food with Western flavours. They take pleasure in finding the finest available ingredients and using local produce to render delicious dishes with pleasure. Besides the food, the best thing about Tonqal is that it is the best restaurant for all travellers-families, solo travellers, and also couples who are looking for a romantic evening. Tonqal can be found on 82 Acad. Rue Hasan Aliyev in Baku. Checkout the Baku tour package here.

Sehrli Tendir

Sehrli Tendir, located in the Old Town of Baku, is a well-known Baku establishment that sells genuine Azeri food and refrains from selling alcohol. The food is simply great, but the costs are low. The restaurant looks like a cave, and the food is served in a burning clay over which qutab and other Azeri dishes are made. Sehrli Tendir can find omelettes, dolma, piti and many other staples of Azerbaijani cuisine.

Paul’s Steakhouse Baku

Paul’s Steakhouse Baku is a heaven for meat lovers and a must-visit spot for those in Baku who want to try something a little special. It’s claimed Paul’s has the best steaks in the world. The beef comes from Argentina and can be perfectly complemented with a delicious Azerbaijani wine which the staff knows very well how to do. There are a large terrace and area where you can sit and admire the city’s breathtaking views while enjoying a meal at one of Baku’s best restaurants. Paul’s Steakhouse can be located in Baku at Nigar Rafibayli. Enjoy your trip with a Azerbaijan tour packages.

Muzey Shirvansha

Muzey Shirvanshah won her place in almost every travel guide! The restaurant is renowned for its typical museum-like interior, combined with outstanding service and tasty Azeri cuisine. It can be located in a huge two-story building that once acted as a caravansary away from tourist areas: an ancient inn by the road where travellers could relax and heal after their stressful journeys. The design is mind-blowing: every tiny detail is steeped in history in every room. Someone might probably waste hours studying all the objects and memorabilia, from old theatre signs, newspapers and photographs, to jugs, crockery, carpets and musical instruments. On both floors, there are different types of seating: tables in large halls and private dining rooms which accommodate small groups of people. The design is mind-blowing: every tiny detail is steeped in history in every room. Someone might probably waste hours studying all the objects and memorabilia, from old theatre signs, newspapers and photographs, to jugs, crockery, carpets and musical instruments. On both floors, there are different types of seating: tables in large halls and private dining rooms which accommodate small groups of people.

Plan your trip with Pickyourtrail

These are some of the finest restaurants in Baku. While there are several amazing places to eat in Baku, It is definitely suggested that you do your research before you go for sure. Many of Baku’s current Azeri restaurants are quite close and lack any distinction. Pickyourtrail does not lead the travellers in the right way, but often provides tailor-made International tour packages that suit the requirements of each traveller. Log on to Pickyourtrail.com for more information or leave a Whatsapp inquiry for more options.