Must-see restaurants in Turkmenistan

  • Çeşme

    Ashgabat

    This charming red-painted cellar in the backstreets between the train station and the Hotel Paýtagt attracts a thoroughly local crowd, but you'll be made…

  • Sim Sim

    Ashgabat

    Now a decade old, this one-time upstart is something of an establishment favourite. Despite its try-hard-and-fail decor, which is just tacky, the service…

  • Köpetdag

    Ashgabat

    This imaginatively run place set in a charming garden with cabins for private dining, as well as outdoor tables in the shade, is one of Ashgabat's most…

  • Seafood Ayna

    Ashgabat

    With its fabulously '90s interior and Yeltsin-era feeling of luxury, Seafood Ayna is one of Ashgabat’s smarter eating options and one of the few places to…

  • Oguzhan

    Turkmenistan

    The restaurant at the Hotel Turkmenabat is a good choice – its menu takes in Russian, Central Asian and Caucasian cooking, including Georgian chakhokhbili…

  • Euphoria

    Ashgabat

    Perhaps the most ambitious of Ashgabat's restaurants in design terms, this surprising find tucked away behind the Nusay Hotel also has some great food and…

  • Erzurum

    Ashgabat

    The food is good at this friendly local institution and includes pide (Turkish pizza) and delicious kebabs. The service is attentive and swift, although…

  • Pizza Haus

    Ashgabat

    This cosy and popular place serves up the best pizza in town, though admittedly that’s not a huge culinary achievement. There’s a big non-pizza menu too,…

  • Coffee House

    Ashgabat

    This place may be a masterwork of kitsch, but its breakfasts are solid and its coffee is decent, making it a prime hang-out for the foreign community…

  • Cafe Gyzylgum

    Turkmenistan

    Travellers report that this restaurant is among Mary's better eating options, with a wide-ranging menu of Central Asian standards and a few western dishes…

  • Hotel Ýyldyz Panoramic Restaurant

    Ashgabat

    Perched on the 18th floor of the hotel, this is a popular place for sundowners or a special dinner with great views over Ashgabat. Credit cards are…

  • Traktir

    Turkmenistan

    Travellers report that this restaurant has a menu ranging from game to fish, and a tiny vegetarian section. There's also a bar that's popular with locals.

  • Șa Kofe

    Ashgabat

    This hip cafe gets rave reviews from travellers for its excellent coffee, tasty pizza, crunchy salads and sophisticated decor.

  • Shokoladnitsa

    Ashgabat

    This is a charming spot for a strong Turkish coffee and a sweet cake or pastry.