Azerbaijan is a land that doesn’t compromise on anything from flavours to hospitality. The interesting fact is that people around the world love the Azerbaijani cuisine, and it has become one of the top reasons to choose this destination. There are unlimited spots in Azerbaijan that are not just famous for Azerbaijani food but also plenty of other authentic cuisines. The first exciting thing to do when you step into a new land is to grab food and begin your vacation.

The influences of Persian, Eastern European, and Middle Eastern flavours are all evident in the local cuisine. 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. We know we have successfully tempted you; while we are on the subject, let’s give away the secrets of Baku restaurants that stand out as the best.

Best Baku Restaurants with Traditional Azerbaijan Food

Nergiz
Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant
Firuze
Nakhchivan
Tonqal
Sehrli Tendir
Paul’s Steakhouse Baku
Muzey Shirvansha

Nergiz

Nergiz 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. It is a spot to add to your Azerbaijan tour packages.

Address: 6A, Fountain Square, Baku, Azerbaijan

Must-Try Dishes: Shashlik, Dolma, Piti, Baklava

Shirvanshah Museum Restaurant

One of Shirvanshah’s most interesting features is that it’s something of a 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.

Address: 72, Baku Old City (Icherisheher), Baku, Azerbaijan

Must-Try Dishes: Shirvanshah Kebab, Piti, Dolma, Saffron Pilaf.

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. Why don’t you add this restaurant to your Baku tour package?

Address: 51, Nizami Street, Baku, Azerbaijan

Must-Try Dishes: Plov, Lavangi, Shashlik, Baklava

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 that goes into Nakhchivan’s cuisine prepares 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.

Address: 23, Tarlan Aliyarbeyov St., Baku, Azerbaijan

Must-Try Dishes: Kebab, Piti, Kufta, Dushbara Soup.

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.

Address: 16, Baku Boulevard, Baku, Azerbaijan

Must-Try Dishes: Shashlik, Kebab, Lobster, Manti.

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 oven over which qutab and other Azeri dishes are made. Sehrli Tendir can find omelettes, dolma, piti, and many other staples of Azerbaijani cuisine.

Address: 17, Murtuza Mukhtarov St., Baku, Azerbaijan

Must-Try Dishes: Tandir Kebab, Plov, Dovga (Yoghurt Soup), Tandir Bread.

Paul’s Steakhouse Baku

Paul’s Steakhouse Baku is a haven 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 is 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.

Address: 38, Baku Boulevard, Baku, Azerbaijan

Must-Try Dishes: Ribeye Steak, Beef Wellington, Lamb Chops, Caesar Salad.

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. On both floors, there are different types of seating: tables in large halls and private dining rooms that accommodate small groups of people.

Address: 63, Icherisheher (Old City), Baku, Azerbaijan

Must-Try Dishes: Shirvanshah Kebab, Pilaf, Fried Fish, Saffron Rice.

Baku is a haven for foodies, especially the ones who would love to give Azerbaijani cuisine a try. These restaurants will capture not just your stomachs but also your hearts. The flavours of the city will leave you craving more. The Old City has no limit to the number of charming eateries that serve varieties of food with stunning views of the city. Your vacation should make some space for these must-try restaurants to create some memorable moments. Always make local food tasting or food tours a part of your international tour packages to get the best experience.