Must see restaurants in Tehran

The name gives a clue to the menu: that's right, it's Iran's favourite lamb, potato and chickpea stew. Here they do it damn well, served with all the…

Plush Divan is the pick of several restaurants operated by the Monsoon Group on the 8th floor of the swanky Sam Center. Chic furnishings, including…

Just north of the train station, this large and wonderfully atmospheric chaykhaneh (teahouse) is justly popular with locals. The dizi (lamb, potato and…

There's fierce competition for diners at the many restaurants and teahouses that line the babbling river that flows through Darband, but most in-the-know…

Rustic wooden beams, glazed tiles and a lively, friendly atmosphere all set the scene for the delicious Gilan-region food served at one of Tehran's most…

The next best thing to getting invited to a Tehrani's home for a meal is sampling the lovingly made dishes at this cute, cosy cafe. Khoone means 'home' in…

One of the pleasures of a visit to leafy Darakeh, high in northern Tehran, is to enjoy a meal at its riverside restaurants. This is the best one, with…

Tiny, no-frills Khoshbin is an institution among Tehranis, who cram onto the fast-turnover tables for an authentic Gilaki (food from the Gilan region)…

Wholesome vegetarian meals are served in this popular place where the produce is bought fresh each day and the kitchen is completely meat-free, so there…

There's almost always a long line (which does move reasonably quickly) snaking out of this famous restaurant that's located on a couple of upper floors of…

This beautifully restored 300-year-old building was originally part of the Imamzadeh Seyyed Nasreddin shrine opposite before being separated when Khayyam…

This subterranean chaykhaneh (teahouse) is an appealing escape from the fumes of Ferdowsi Sq. Head to the ornate restaurant area rather than the smoky tea…

Photos of Western rock and movie royalty (Freddie Mercury in particular) gaze down from the walls of this compact cafe, one of Tehran’s oldest. It's a…

The most atmospheric of several teahouses in the popular hillside park at Tehran’s northern edge is based in a cabin with stained-glass windows that's…

The first of several teahouses you’ll see as you head uphill from the entrance of the park, is also the busiest, with tables offering great views from…

Carp swim in the rectangular pool at the centre of this atmospheric restaurant with wood-carved pillars holding up a gallery floor. It's a good choice for…

Popular with well-heeled Iranians for business dinners and family celebrations, Alborz serves beautifully presented kabab platters with, especially, very…

The Monsoon group has many restaurants across Tehran. This, one of their first, offers decent (but not authentic) Asian food including Thai-style curries,…

Of the two cafes that flank the Film Museum of Iran, this one has the more appealing food menu with a wide range of local and international dishes…

Bistango’s air of sophistication and relatively adventurous international cuisine keep Tehranis coming. Service can be a little snooty if you’re not in a…