Iran
This mildly inventive twist on a sonati-style cafe isn't antique but the frontage has striking window-murals and the interior feels vaguely 1920s. There's…
Must-see restaurants in Iran
Kashan
A favourite with Kashanis celebrating weddings, birthdays and other big occasions, this brightly lit restaurant in the modern part of town serves fish…
Tabriz
Don't bother looking for a menu – there isn't one; just say chelo murgh or point at anybody else's plate, as the only dish here is chicken and rice. It's…
Iran
This family-friendly establishment is unusual for its female waitstaff and children’s play area. The pizzas are typically Iranian style, with lots of…
Iran
Almost out on the ring road, this cosy restaurant has a wide selection of Iranian and Western favourites. Owner Pari Bakhtiyari speaks fluent English, so…
Iran
A favourite special night out for the locals, the Arg is up an elevator from Kashani Sq (above the shopping centre) and has great views of the surrounding…
Tabriz
Locals rate the kalleh pache ('head and hoof' soup) here as the best in Tabriz. The soup is a traditional winter heart-starter and is made by boiling up…
Iran
The most attractive of four eateries directly north of the Omar Khayyam mausoleum, Ghaderi serves Iranian standards in a pleasant dining room and also in…
Iran
This understated place, decorated in two tones of dark-wood veneer, serves huge portions of akhbar juje (tender, slow-cooked chicken) as well as typical…
Iran
On sunny days, the nicest places for mirza ghasemi (dip-like pureed charcoal eggplant with garlic and tomato) or torche kabab (lamb and/or chicken coated…
Iran
Travellers sometimes just need a good barf ('snow' in Farsi), and this fun, modern cafe is just the place, with cheap and tasty omelettes, pizzas and…
Esfahan
This bright, modern designer cafe offers a fashionable dining experience in the heart of the Amenian Quarter. Food focuses on Western-style diner fare,…
Mashhad
Upstairs within this ordinary-looking, counter-service kababi is a pleasant stone-and-brick dining room. For breakfast (before 8am) you can get halim …
Esfahan
Arshia’s location just off Naqsh-e Jahan (Imam) Sq and its friendly service make it worth considering. Seating is traditional, and the menu features all…
Iran
Cheap, tasty, fresh, no-frills kababs served up by a friendly crew who might invite you to a game of darts in the kitchen. It's about 200m past the Anza…
Iran
This cheerful, clean and modern fast-food place is in an area where there's not much choice. The pizzas, though small, come quick, cheap and tasty. It's…
Iran
Sells fabulous carrot-and-walnut halva (a sweet made of sesame flour and honey) and noghl (icing-sugar-coated nuts or fruit), the latter made in big,…
Iran
The food is overpriced, but the view of the Caspian isn't bad from this rooftop restaurant on top of the telecabine wheelhouse. Take the external lift up…
Iran
This little cafe sitting opposite the classic Mil-e Gonbad tower offers ice-cream sundaes, floats and freshly squeezed seasonal juices.
Lilipar Traditional Restaurant
Iran
Prop yourself on a rug and get stuck into some tasty skewered meat at this hip traditional restaurant, where Maraqeh's young come to eye each other over…
Kashan
For those who've had their fill of heritage, this down-to-earth, centrally convenient restaurant offers standard fare at reasonable prices in a locally…
Iran
The good doctor's traditional dishes are a cut above the local fast food. Set back from the street in a courtyard near the corner of Saadi St.
Iran
Just off crowded Ferdosi St is the reliable Morvarid with its eye-searingly red interior. Try the Kurdish kofte (meatballs).
Iran
Better-than-average rice and kabab dishes from the restaurant below the mosaferkhaneh (lodging house) near the bazaar.
Tabriz
Out in Valiasr, this typically small, fast-food standby has attractive framed glass art and a window upstairs with a good view.
Iran
This place dishes up cheap and cheerful kababs without a surcharge in sight. It's just off Daneshkadeh St.
Tabriz
These guys have been churning out pizza forever. Check out the black decor and real flames over the doorway.
Tabriz
This Tabriz institution opposite the bazaar has the best kababs in town, according to locals.
Iran
At the turn to Dasht is a series of simple roadside eateries facing a rugged landscape of crags dotted with sparse evergreen trees. Charcoal barbecues…
Iran
Popular with groups and guided tours for its English menu, Eghbali has good food and reasonable service, though high surcharges. There are better, cheaper…
Iran
The Flamingo has been relying on the tourist rial for too long. Yep, the food is nice and succulent, but beware of the 25%-surcharge shafting when you get…
