15 Best Restaurants in Isfahan
Experiencing the taste of Biryani or Mast Khoresht in Isfahan is one of the best moments of a trip to this city. However, Isfahan’s local cuisine is not limited to just these two dishes and offers a great variety. During our travels, we all look for restaurants that offer good quality, taste, and reasonable prices. In Isfahan, there are plenty of good restaurants, making the choice even harder. To enjoy a delicious meal, here are the best restaurants in Isfahan so that if you travel to this city, you won’t worry about finding a good restaurant.
1.Shahrzad Restaurant
In April 1967, the doors of Shahrzad Restaurant in Isfahan opened to the public for the first time. Mr. Abdul Rahim Forodstan had worked hard for about 2 years to see such a day. We can confidently introduce this restaurant as one of the best restaurants in Isfahan. Everything from the architecture and decor of Shahrzad Restaurant to the aroma and taste of its menu exudes authenticity.
Engineer Ebrahimi designed and built this stunning traditional building; of course, such a pleasant environment is the result of a specialist team’s efforts. Masters like the late Chaichi, Rashtian, and Meratian used their artistic hands to enhance the interior beauty of this restaurant. In fact, Shahrzad Restaurant should be seen not just as a place to eat but as a showcase of Iranian arts.
Any restaurant that prioritizes quality food and customer service is bound to succeed. This is evident at Shahrzad Restaurant. If you pay attention to the number of customers and the hustle and bustle, you will easily notice the quality of this restaurant’s work.
This restaurant has separated the main hall from the special hall for events and parties, allowing guests to enjoy their meals in more tranquility. The special events hall at Shahrzad Restaurant has a capacity of 120 people and can easily be used for a celebration, such as a birthday party.
Shahrzad Restaurant’s hours are continuous, unlike other restaurants. You can benefit from their services from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM. If you prefer to eat outside the restaurant, you can order takeout.
The menu at Shahrzad Restaurant includes various Iranian dishes. This menu includes appetizers, special Iranian dishes, seafood, daily specials, and desserts. You can also order food by phone. If you need a large quantity of food for a special event, you can coordinate with the restaurant’s staff to ensure everything is delivered on time. Soon, Shahrzad Restaurant will also offer online ordering services. Here is the address and contact information for this all-around excellent restaurant:
Central Office Address: Isfahan, Chaharbagh Abbasi Street, Abbas Abad Street
Phone Number: 0311-2204490
Website: www.shahrzad-restaurant.com
2.Haj Esmail Chelowi Restaurant
From the name of this restaurant, you can probably guess which dish it excels at. You can find the best Koobideh kebabs in Isfahan here. The taste of this restaurant’s Tahchin (a traditional Persian rice cake) is indescribable and absolutely delightful! The chicken and meat Tahchins here should be considered heavenly dishes due to their incredible taste!
Haj Esmail Chelowi Restaurant has been around for about 60 years. This restaurant is managed by Mr. Mehdi Haji Shafiei, the descendant of Mr. Esmail Chelowi. Such experience and authenticity are behind the dishes that make all its customers satisfied. As one of the best restaurants in Isfahan, Chelowi Restaurant is beautifully designed to be worthy of hosting the guests of Isfahan.
The traditional architecture of this restaurant, combined with its beautiful decor, creates a serene environment for its customers. The tables and chairs are made of wood, resembling benches. The stained glass windows beautifully illuminate the place when sunlight shines through. You can visit this restaurant daily from 12 PM to 12 AM. To reach this restaurant, go to the following address in Isfahan:
Address: Sheikh Bahaei Street, next to Mehrgan Hospital, Haj Esmail Chelowi Restaurant
Phone Number: 031-32371818
3.Beryani Azam Restaurant
Surely you know that one of the most authentic Isfahani dishes is Biryani. You might not believe it, but this dish was first cooked about 400 years ago! Imagine those days; it’s hard to guess what the cook of this delicious dish looked like and what they wore! Beryani Azam is known as one of the best restaurants in Isfahan specializing in Biryani.
This restaurant was first opened in 1916 by a father and son; Abdul Karim Akhavan and his son Pahlevan Ali Akhavan started this restaurant. In those days, Beryani Azam was located in Nikpey Alley. But 30 years later, the restaurant moved to Darvazeh Dowlat Alley. After the father and son, it was the grandson’s turn to run the restaurant. Ahmad Reza Akhavan, Ali Akhavan’s son, took over the management of Beryani Azam. Today, you can find this restaurant on Chaharbagh Street in Isfahan. Eating in a restaurant that has seen three generations of one family is quite an experience!
Due to the significant progress of this restaurant and the complete satisfaction of its customers, Beryani Azam now has 4 branches. All the staff strive to maintain the authenticity of Iranian, especially Isfahani, cuisine. This has resulted in the complete satisfaction of all its customers.
Whether this is an advantage or a drawback, Beryani Azam only operates during lunch hours. You can visit any of the Beryani Azam branches between 11:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Since Biryani is a dish full of meat and fat, making it heavy and slow to digest, it’s not a bad idea to serve it only for lunch.
To access any of the branches of this restaurant, you can visit the following addresses:
Branch 1 Address: Isfahan, Darvazeh Dowlat, beginning of Chaharbagh Paeen
Phone Number: 031-32202070
Branch 2 Address: Isfahan, Masjed Seyed Street, next to the Post Office
Phone Number: 031-33383070
Branch 3 Address: Isfahan, Kamel Ismail Street, next to the gas station
Phone Number: 031-32125730
Branch 4 Address: Isfahan, Chaharbagh Bala Street, Nazer Crossroads, next to the gas station
Phone Number: 031-36280939
4.Bagh Shahr Restaurant, Isfahan
If you want to taste delicious Iranian and local dishes in a spacious and open environment, make sure to visit Bagh Shahr Restaurant during your trip to Isfahan. This restaurant, with a 2,000-square-meter area and a stunning and unique view, offers both indoor and outdoor spaces right in the heart of Isfahan. Bagh Shahr Restaurant features a large courtyard filled with VIP booths, beautiful traditional gazebos, and VIP platforms set amidst green spaces and trees. The interior is as charming and visually appealing as the exterior, boasting elegant architecture and modern décor. In addition to Iranian dishes, a variety of seafood and international cuisine is served with excellent quality and reasonable prices.
Address: Iran, Isfahan, Chahar Bagh Abbasi Street, opposite Sheikh Bahaei Street, rooftop of Saray Hasht Behesht, entrance 5, Bagh Shahr Restaurant
Phone: +98 31 95020039, +98 31 95020031
5.Azadegan Tea House – Chah Haj Mirza Coffee House
Next, let’s talk about Azadegan Tea House or Chah Haj Mirza Coffee House. This tea house is one of the oldest in Iran, dating back to the Safavid era. Its unique and captivating atmosphere makes it a cozy spot where you won’t want to leave. Instead of resembling typical cafes or restaurants, this tea house is more like a museum, antique shop, or even a second-hand store! All the tools and items here are old and have seen many ups and downs over the years.
Azadegan Tea House has a special ambiance that undoubtedly earns it a spot among the best restaurants in Isfahan. If you travel to Isfahan, enjoy the historic sites, and feel tired, be sure to visit Azadegan Tea House or Chah Haj Mirza, sip a hot and energizing tea, try snacks like dough and pastry, meatballs, stew, and eggplant dip, soak in the nostalgic and historic vibes, and recharge before continuing your exploration of Isfahan. Don’t forget to take a souvenir photo to keep the memories alive!
Address: Beginning of Hafez Street, left side, Bazaar Lovaafha Alley, Chah Haj Mirza Alley
Phone: +98 31 32211225
6.Toranj Restaurant, Isfahan
Another top restaurant in Isfahan with traditional architecture and delicious Iranian cuisine is Toranj Cafe Restaurant. Established in 2015 in the charming Jolfa neighborhood, it now welcomes visitors from all over Iran. The restaurant is located in Hovanes House, also known as Toranj House, adding to its significance. The beautiful and masterful architecture of this house captivates everyone. When choosing the best restaurant, not only the food but also the location and appearance matter.
Toranj Restaurant excels in both and proudly stands among the best restaurants in Isfahan. If you visit during the first half of the year, you can sit in its delightful courtyard and admire its beauty. The stunning decorations and architecture, along with lush plants, will make every bite more enjoyable. Imagine tasting the best dishes of Isfahan in such a beautiful setting! It’s no wonder this restaurant is so famous. If you visit, try dishes like grilled trout, chicken tahchin, grilled shrimp, Tabrizi meatballs, and lamb stew, as they are some of the highlights of Toranj Restaurant.
Address: Khaghani Street, Hovanes Shirazi Alley, Ramin Alley, Hovanes House
Phone: +98 31 36293788
7.Hooger Cafe Restaurant, Isfahan
The Dehdashti House, standing since the Qajar era, has seen a revival in recent years. In 2006, it was registered as a national monument of Iran. A decade later, in 2016, the Hooger Cafe Restaurant team entered this building and transformed its atmosphere.
Since then, the aroma of delicious food and the sound of happy customers have filled the air. This beautiful house features traditional Iranian architecture, with its main section in the north. From the courtyard, you can see a white mansion with four columns extending from the ground to the roof. The wooden doors and windows are captivating, and like all traditional houses, the colorful glass windows are enchanting.
By visiting this cafe restaurant, you get to explore an old mansion and enjoy delicious food. We recommend having dinner in the courtyard of this beautiful restaurant. The most popular dishes according to customers are barg kebab, sultani kebab, chicken schnitzel, chicken with pomegranate paste, and vizier kebab. You can visit Hooger Cafe Restaurant every day from 4 PM to 11 PM.
Address: Darvazeh Dowlat, Bab-ol-Rahmeh Street, Alley No. 110
Phone: +98 913 420 8004
8.Ghasr Monshi Hotel Restaurant
The Ghasr Monshi Hotel, once the home of a Qajar era minister, is now a hotel. This historic house was renovated in 2005 and 2015, with new sections added, including the Ghasr Monshi Restaurant.
Here, you will see all the beauty of traditional Isfahan architecture! Ghasr Monshi and Shahrzad are among the best restaurants in Isfahan, attracting people not just with delicious food but also with stunning architecture.
The beautifully colored wooden tables set by the large glass windows are some of the best spots in the restaurant. When sunlight hits the windows, a spectrum of colors fills the room. Ghasr Monshi is one of the best traditional restaurants in Isfahan, serving delicious local dishes. The menu also has options for vegetarians, and you’ll find colorful sherbets as beverages.
One great feature of this restaurant is its location. Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the most famous area in Isfahan, is within walking distance. Such a location (combined with its charming architecture and excellent service) makes it one of the best restaurants in Isfahan. It’s a ten-minute walk from Naqsh-e Jahan Square to Ghasr Monshi Restaurant.
For an authentic and delicious Iranian meal, visit this restaurant from 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM. If you’re planning a trip to Isfahan, you might also consider staying at the Ghasr Monshi Hotel. This way, you’ll have a convenient location and experience one of the best hotels in Isfahan. You can book the Ghasr Monshi Hotel through Otaghak.
Address: Isfahan, Neshat Street, Ghasr Monshi Alley
Phone: +98 31 31113
Website: www.ghasrmonshihotel.com
9.Ark Restaurant
After a tour and walk among historical sites, having a tasty drink or meal feels delightful. Ark Cafe Restaurant in Isfahan is one of the most popular and best restaurants in the city, always full of customers. If you visit Jolfa neighborhood and don’t stop by Ark Cafe for a drink, your trip feels incomplete! Typically, everyone visiting the Vank Cathedral in Isfahan also stops by Ark Cafe because it’s right across from the cathedral.
The ambiance of this cafe restaurant is so beautiful that it can be considered another attraction in Isfahan. You can choose to sit either inside or in the courtyard. Popular dishes include eggplant dip, sour cherry rice with meatballs, pizza, sandwiches, and pan-fried kebab. Enjoying a fragrant coffee at a courtyard table on a spring day can be one of the best memories of your trip to Isfahan.
Address: Jolfa neighborhood, Church Street, opposite the exit of Vank Cathedral
Phone: +98 913 303 0385
10.Khan Gostar Restaurant
Khan Gostar Restaurant in Isfahan is one of the most famous and best restaurants in the city, known for its calm and clean environment. The high quality of its dishes is widely praised. In 1996, Mr. Ahmad Bagheri opened one of the best traditional restaurants in Isfahan on Vank Church Street. One of the most attractive features of this restaurant is its interior decor. Beautiful portraits of prominent figures like Gholam Hossein Banan, Farhang Sharif, Habibollah Badiei, Ahmad Ebadi, and Asghar Bahari adorn the walls.
The salad bar here is perfect for vegetarians. You can order and enjoy a variety of Iranian dishes at this restaurant. It’s open daily from 12:00 to 15:30 for lunch and from 19:30 to 20:30 for dinner. The main branch of Khan Gostar Restaurant is in Isfahan’s City Center, with a second branch on Vank Church Street. Below are the exact addresses and contact numbers for both branches:
Main Branch Address: Martyr Dastjerdi Highway, City Center, 3rd floor
Second Branch Address: Isfahan, Vank Church Street, next to Vank Church
Phone: +98 31 3627 8989, +98 31 3655 0025
Website: www.khangostar.com
11.Naqsh-e Jahan Restaurant, Isfahan
One of the most important and best restaurants in Isfahan is Naqsh-e Jahan Restaurant. You absolutely must try its delicious dishes. Regardless of your purpose for visiting Isfahan, if you care about your food and want to taste the best, Naqsh-e Jahan Restaurant should definitely be on your itinerary. This restaurant boasts a breathtaking and unique atmosphere, combining both traditional and modern vibes. The ambiance and decor are so beautiful that just being there is enough, making you forget to order food! The traditional Isfahani decorations and architecture make this one of the most beautiful restaurants in Iran.
In addition to its cozy and pleasant atmosphere, this restaurant offers excellent dishes. You can enjoy a variety of Iranian, traditional, and local dishes, including various kebabs and rice dishes. When you visit, be sure to try the yogurt stew, Beryani, and lamb neck dishes!
Address: Naqsh-e Jahan Square, next to Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, Espadana Artists Bazaar
Phone number: +98 3132200729
12.Shab Neshin Restaurant, Isfahan
Shab Neshin Restaurant stands out among Isfahan’s best restaurants with its unique Chinese-inspired architecture. The name “Shab Neshin,” meaning “night sitter,” perfectly suits this restaurant. With beautiful nighttime lighting in its outdoor area, it’s the ideal spot for evening meals. The fountains in the open area provide a cool and pleasant atmosphere during warmer seasons.
Aside from the beautiful decor, the menu offers a variety of enticing dishes such as grilled rainbow trout, Shab Neshin’s special three-person platter, Chinese-style chicken with tartar sauce, rice with dill and lamb neck, and Shishlik kebabs, among others. We won’t describe them further so you don’t get too tempted!
This restaurant offers free Wi-Fi and live music, creating a delightful atmosphere. There’s also dedicated parking, so you don’t need to worry about finding a spot. If you want to secure the best table, reservations are recommended. Shab Neshin is open for lunch from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and for dinner from 7 PM to 9 PM.
Address: Esfahan, Atashgah Boulevard, after Esfahan Fire Temple, Shab Neshin Garden Restaurant
Phone numbers: +98 3133393633, +98 3133393634
Website: www.shabneshin-esfahan.com
13.Jarchi Bashi Restaurant
Isfahan’s list of traditional and historic restaurants wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Jarchi Bashi Restaurant. This unique place might transport you to the world of “One Thousand and One Nights.” Initially a bathhouse during the Safavid era, it was converted into a restaurant and reception hall in 2003. Its stunning architecture, with intricate tile work and mirrored ceilings, alongside ornate seating and wooden tables, creates a dreamy and captivating setting.
Jarchi Bashi serves a variety of Iranian dishes, kebabs, rice and stews, as well as seafood. Customers rave about their meals. Besides the main dishes, you can enjoy desserts and drinks such as saffron tea with dates and rock candy, coffee, and cappuccino. If you visit, be sure to try the boneless chicken kebab, grilled trout, dizi (a traditional Iranian stew), lamb shank, and yogurt stew for an unforgettable experience.
Address: Sepah Street, Hakim Street, Seventh Alley, Jarchi Bashi Restaurant
Phone number: +98 3132207418
14.Minas Traditional Complex
As the 14th entry on our list of the best restaurants in Isfahan, we introduce Minas Traditional Complex. This historic building dates back to the Safavid era, around 400 years ago, easily immersing you in Isfahan’s traditional and historical ambiance. The complex also includes a special guesthouse with numerous amenities, offering a memorable stay in Isfahan. The Minas restaurant itself features not only delicious dishes but also one of the most charming and scenic interiors.
With ancient walls, colorful geometric windows, turquoise pools, delicate flowers and plants, and distinctive tables and chairs, the restaurant’s beauty is undeniable. If you value your surroundings as much as the food, make sure to visit Minas Traditional Complex. Book a room and then enjoy a hearty meal at the restaurant. The menu features various local and traditional dishes, but don’t miss the Beryani, eggplant stew, Majlisi kebab, eggplant and whey, or the gheymeh stew.
Address: Hakim Nezami Street, Stonecutters Alley, Alley 22, Minas Historical House
15.Bastani Restaurant, Isfahan
Continuing with our list of the best restaurants in Isfahan, we come to Bastani Restaurant. This charming and beautiful traditional eatery offers a variety of Iranian and local dishes. The high-quality food makes it a top choice for experiencing Isfahan’s traditional cuisine. The restaurant serves various traditional, seafood, rice, and stew dishes, accompanied by fresh bread, herbs, soup, and local yogurt drinks.
Bastani Restaurant, like many others mentioned, features a beautiful, historic atmosphere with a fountain, wooden ceilings, and intricate mirror work, adding to its charm. The beautiful and traditional setting enhances the dining experience. Some of the best dishes to try here include chicken kebabs, barberry rice with chicken, koobideh kebabs, and dizi stew. If you visit this traditional and historic restaurant, be sure to sample these dishes for a memorable dining experience. The restaurant is open from noon to midnight.
Address: Imam Square, next to Imam Mosque, beginning of Chaharsoogh Maqsood
Phone number: +98 3132200374
