25 best restaurants in Gilan
A big part of the joy of traveling to Gilan is the culinary experience. This beautiful and lush province has such a variety of delicious foods that it’s impossible to resist dining at its restaurants. It can be said with confidence that, with the abundance of high-quality ingredients available throughout this ever-fertile province, most restaurants in Gilan serve great food using first-rate ingredients. In this article, GULF CITY PEDIA introduces you to some of the best restaurants in Gilan:
Who doesn’t think of the magical flavors of Gilani cuisine, with its vibrant colors, when talking about traveling to the lush, green regions of Gilan? Who doesn’t know that the joy of visiting Gilan is incomplete without a colorful plate of Kabab Torsh and a variety of fresh herbs with the aroma of fresh garlic in the Rasht Municipality Square? If you’re heading to the north of Iran and the green land of Gilan, don’t forget to experience a stay in Rasht, the jewel of this region!
Mr. Kabab Restaurant, Lahijan
It’s worth knowing that this establishment ensures a fresh experience by using daily fresh vegetables, fresh fish, and warm meat. Let’s get to know the menu of Mr. Kabab Restaurant in Lahijan:
Platters: A variety of platters, including special shoulder platter, Soltani platter, Vaziri platter, local platter, and more.
Breakfast: Delicious options like omelette plate, fried eggs, French omelette plate, English breakfast plate, and diet breakfast plate.
Seafood: The tastiest fish dishes, such as grilled sturgeon, fried white fish, fried trout, and fried Kilka fish.
Cafe: A variety of hot and cold beverages like coffee, tea, smoothies, and exciting fast foods such as burgers, pasta, pizza, steak, and more.
Iranian Kebabs: A variety of kebabs, such as koobideh, barg, shishlik, and dosh kebab. Also, chicken dishes like sour chicken, boneless chicken, and other delicious Iranian meals like barberry rice with chicken, herb rice, anarbij, and fesenjan.
Sides and Drinks: Grilled cheese, baghali ghatogh, marinated olives, a platter of appetizers, local doogh, and more.
Address: Gilan, Lahijan to Langarud road, Liyalestan, next to Liyalestan Tower (view on map)
Phone:
01342368070-71
09002028070
Instagram: aghayekabab
Razaghi Restaurant, Rasht
Located in Golsar, Sima Boulevard, corner of 123rd street, Razaghi is a chic two-story restaurant with impeccable decor that will captivate you from the moment you enter. The skilled and polite staff welcome you with a complimentary drink and present you with the restaurant’s extensive menu. At Razaghi, you can order anything from local Gilani dishes to traditional Iranian cuisine and even international dishes. There are also a variety of soups, salads, desserts, and drinks available. Customers rave about the restaurant’s excellent breakfast buffet. The live piano music doubles the joy of enjoying the delicious food. In short, if you’re looking for a stylish, high-quality restaurant in Gilan and price isn’t a concern, be sure to visit Razaghi. With its private parking, it also takes away the worry of finding a parking spot.
Moharram Restaurant, Rasht
It’s almost impossible to visit Rasht without stopping by at Plo Kababi Moharram. This restaurant, located in the city center, is a favorite among kebab lovers from the north. A clean restaurant that is always packed during peak travel times, so much so that customers may have to stand in line for a few minutes before being seated. However, once inside, you can sit comfortably at a suitable table and relax while the friendly staff take care of you. Moharram Restaurant is famous for its kebabs, but its fish dishes, delicious appetizers, and local rice are also highly praised by customers. For added convenience, the restaurant also has private parking. If you want to dine at Moharram, one of the best restaurants in Gilan, head to Emam Boulevard, next to Pardis Hotel.
Haj Morteza Restaurant, Bandar Anzali
If you’re looking for a good restaurant in Bandar Anzali that offers excellent quality at reasonable prices, Haj Morteza Restaurant is a great choice. Serving a variety of traditional Iranian and Gilani dishes, the flavors will leave you with fond memories. This restaurant, located between Meraj Square and Mala Square in Bandar Anzali, also offers private parking to ensure your comfort. The warm and friendly behavior of the staff is another reason why Haj Morteza Restaurant is considered one of the best in Gilan.
Niloufar Abi Restaurant, Bandar Anzali
Bandar Anzali is known for its famous Anzali Lagoon, and at the heart of this lagoon lies the beautiful Niloufar Abi seafood restaurant. To get to the restaurant, head to Stadium Street, across from the Bandar Anzali courthouse, and from there, take one of the restaurant’s boats on the lagoon. The boats will take you to a simple yet charming restaurant on the water, where you’ll be served a variety of unique seafood, kebabs, and Gilani dishes. The restaurant also features a café and offers tea and hookah services. Dining at Niloufar Abi will surely be a unique experience among Gilan’s restaurants, especially if you take one of the restaurant’s water buses and enjoy a tour of the Anzali Lagoon.
Sarcheshmeh Restaurant, Rudbar
Rudbar, a stop for many travelers heading to northern Iran, is home to one of Gilan’s best restaurants: Sarcheshmeh Restaurant. With its simple yet clean appearance, it’s always busy due to its excellent quality and reasonable prices. This restaurant serves a variety of kebabs, fish, and local stews, but it’s especially famous for its Rudbari Shami and delicious chicken and rice dishes. At Sarcheshmeh, there’s no waiting time, and the experienced staff ensure that whatever you order is served quickly. The restaurant also offers parking for customers. One branch of Sarcheshmeh is located at kilometer 4 on the Manjil to Rudbar road, and another is in Rudbar, Goldeyan Street, next to Zeytoon Cinema.
Shilat Restaurant, Kiyashahr
Among Gilan’s restaurants and those in northern Iran, the fisheries-run Shilat restaurants are known for offering the best and most delicious fish dishes. Shilat Restaurant in Kiyashahr is no exception. With its old but cozy building and décor, the restaurant features a beautiful green space and a park for children to play. In addition to a variety of tasty fish, the restaurant serves high-quality kebabs and traditional Gilani dishes at affordable prices.
Brothers Rouhi Restaurant, Masuleh
In the beautiful town of Masuleh, nothing beats the taste of traditional Gilani dishes. One of the best restaurants for enjoying delicious Gilani cuisine in Masuleh is Brothers Rouhi Restaurant. Located in the bustling central part of town, next to Masuleh Mosque, the restaurant offers stunning views of the greenery and beauty of Masuleh, serving guests in a traditional setting with wooden benches. Enjoy authentic Gilani and Iranian dishes with rich flavors at this charming restaurant.
Nemooneh Jojeh Mahalli Restaurant, Fuman
Located at the beginning of the Masuleh road on Shahid Eftekhari Boulevard in Fuman, Nemooneh Jojeh Mahalli Restaurant is a clean establishment with a large and beautiful courtyard that instantly wins your heart. The friendly and skilled staff present you with a diverse menu of traditional Iranian and Gilani dishes, and whichever dish you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Among Gilan’s restaurants, Nemooneh Jojeh Mahalli is known for offering top-notch quality at reasonable prices, earning the loyalty of its customers. The restaurant also has ample parking, making the experience even more convenient.
Dayi Behrooz Restaurant, Fuman
Are you searching for a perfect Kebab Kateh in Gilan? Soft and delicious rice with a crispy golden crust paired with juicy, well-cooked kebabs? Dayi Behrooz Restaurant in Fuman is the right choice. Located at the beginning of Masuleh road on Ayatollah Kashani Street, near Velayat Faqih Square, this simple restaurant with a classic exterior, like many old restaurants, serves a variety of kebabs and Gilani dishes. They come with an excellent Gilani side dish spread, including olives, pickles, cucumbers, and more, offering a truly delightful taste. Don’t miss out on trying their Masuleh-style Shami either!
Bamdad Traditional Restaurant and Teahouse
Once again, we return to the terraced village of Masuleh, where strolling through its beauty can truly whet your appetite. And what better place to satisfy it than on the third floor of the bazaar, sitting on beautiful benches of a traditional terrace with a breathtaking view, choosing from delicious Iranian and traditional dishes for lunch or dinner? Bamdad Traditional Restaurant and Teahouse, among Gilan’s restaurants, offers one of the best views and an incredible atmosphere. The great taste of the food, as well as the tea and hookah service, are other positive aspects of this beautiful restaurant.
Hezar Pelleh Restaurant, Masuleh
Hezar Pelleh Restaurant, with its stunning view and excellent food, will steal your heart. In this restaurant, you can enjoy a variety of Iranian dishes prepared with the best quality. For those who love soup, the Ash Doogh (yogurt-based soup) at Hezar Pelleh is top-notch. If you’re in Fuman, head toward Qaleh Rudkhan Road, and after the entrance to Qaleh Rudkhan, visit this amazing restaurant.
Zeytoon Restaurant, Rudbar
Zeytoon Restaurant in Rudbar, with its luxurious appearance and beautiful decor, will immediately put you in a good mood. That mood will only get better when you see the vibrant and colorful dishes on offer. The menu, featuring a variety of kebabs and traditional Gilani dishes, gives you plenty of options to choose from. This restaurant is located on the main road from Rudbar to Rasht, and there’s plenty of parking available in front of the restaurant.
Ziafat Restaurant, Langarud
If you ask anyone in Langarud where to find good food, they’ll likely recommend Ziafat Restaurant. Although it’s often busy due to its high quality, the restaurant has a pleasant and clean atmosphere spread across two floors. You can order delicious kebabs, traditional Gilani dishes, and tasty side dishes to enjoy the fantastic flavors. Ziafat Restaurant is located in Moallem Square, at the beginning of Lilakuh Road, and there’s parking available on the street beside the restaurant.
Khavar Khanom Restaurant, Chaboksar
Nearly all the restaurants we’ve introduced in Gilan serve top-notch traditional dishes, but if you want to taste the delicious and authentic cooking of a talented Gilani woman, you need to visit Khavar Khanom Restaurant in Sarvelat, Chaboksar. For years, the creative Khavar Khanom has run a restaurant in Sarvelat village, in a simple building with a dreamy view and a cozy atmosphere. With her incredible cooking, she serves the best traditional Gilani dishes along with her own special appetizers and side dishes.
Khavar Khanom’s restaurant has become so popular that people from all over flock to try her food, often waiting in long lines. But don’t worry—once you find a seat, the friendly local staff will serve you in the best and fastest way possible. Be sure to try the restaurant’s unique crispy-bottomed rice, homemade yogurt, pickles, and her superb stuffed chicken—they’re all must-tries!
Darbande Lotfi Restaurant, Chaboksar
Directly across from Khavar Khanom Restaurant, there is a larger three-story restaurant called Darbande Abbas Lotfi Restaurant. This restaurant offers a pleasant atmosphere and an excellent view, especially on the third floor, where you can witness the unique scenery of both mountains and the sea. Darbande Lotfi Restaurant, with its delicious local and traditional dishes, top-notch appetizers, spacious and traditional ambiance, and dedicated staff, has caught the attention of Chaboksar’s visitors. It gets busy during peak travel times. In the different levels of the restaurant, you can choose to sit at tables and chairs or enjoy your meal with your family on traditional platforms, all while soaking in the restaurant’s cozy atmosphere.
Shourkoli Restaurant
Shourkoli is another of Gilan’s top restaurants. It is named after the fish Kooli, one of the tastiest fish from the north of Iran, traditionally served salted. As you might guess, this restaurant focuses on traditional dishes. It serves a variety of dishes, including Mirza Ghasemi, Baghala Ghatogh, Ghalyeh Kebab, and various fish dishes. The restaurant uses only the best ingredients, including freshly caught fish and high-quality Gilani rice, giving Shourkoli’s food an exceptional flavor. If seafood isn’t your thing, you can order a variety of kebabs, including sour kebab (Kabab Torsh) or Fesenjan stew with plums. But keep in mind, Shourkoli’s seafood is so delicious that even non-seafood lovers might find themselves enjoying the taste!
Address: Rasht, Golsar, at the beginning of Towhid Blvd.
Shakameh Al Molook Restaurant
First and foremost, Shakameh Al Molook has a quirky and amusing name, which has made it quite famous. The name suggests that you’re in for a feast of delicious traditional dishes. The interior of this restaurant is large, and the space is beautifully designed. The decor is stunning and resembles that of a chic, grand hotel. Speaking of hotels, Shakameh Al Molook is located right next to the Kadous Hotel, one of the well-known hotels in Rasht. So, if you’re staying there, rest assured that you’ll be dining at Shakameh Al Molook for lunch and dinner!
There’s always plenty of parking space in front of this restaurant, so parking won’t be an issue. Plus, after indulging in your meal, when you feel full and heavy, your car will be just a minute away! Shakameh Al Molook serves a variety of Gilani dishes with their original, excellent flavors. The restaurant staff are extremely friendly and courteous, as if they’ve known you for years! The restaurant is usually busy, especially during peak times, so you might have to wait for a table. But if you’re not patient enough to wait, you might miss out on one of the tastiest meals in town!
Address: Rasht, Manzariyeh Blvd, next to Kadous Hotel, Rasht
Phone Number: 013-33334251
Doran Restaurant
Doran Restaurant is another well-known restaurant in Rasht. It offers a cozy, clean, and traditional environment. The space isn’t too large, which means you might have to wait a bit for a table to open up. While visitors often look for traditional northern dishes, sometimes you crave a hearty Dizi (traditional Persian lamb stew). In that case, Doran Restaurant is the perfect place for you.
Doran has a very special and meaty menu! You can order a variety of Dizi, including Sesame Dizi, Saffron Dizi, classic lamb Dizi, or classic beef Dizi. The Dizi here is rich and hearty, packed with tender meat. So if you’re a fan of traditional foods, head straight to Doran Restaurant!
Address: Rasht, Jihad Square, at the beginning of Rashtian, 24-meter Road, next to Hatam Pizza
Phone Number: 013-33584723
Ardeshir Restaurant
Ardeshir Restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in Rasht, having been established in 1972. The fact that it has been operating for over half a century is a testament to its high quality. Some families have been dining at Ardeshir for generations. It’s not uncommon for customers who used to visit with their fathers or grandfathers to now bring their own children to this restaurant.
The staff are well-trained and experienced, ensuring the food is served quickly. They are also extremely polite and respectful to the customers. The food still has the same fantastic flavor it had 50 years ago, and it continues to amaze its patrons. At Ardeshir, you can order a variety of Gilani and local dishes, though the restaurant is most famous for its Shishlik (grilled lamb). Many customers order kebabs, ranging from Chenjeh to Kabab Torsh and Shishlik. In the fishing season, you can also enjoy the restaurant’s delicious white fish. Don’t be surprised if you spot a few celebrities dining here, as Ardeshir’s long-standing reputation and excellent quality have made it a favorite among them.
Address: Rasht, Pastourized Three-Way Intersection, at the beginning of Palestine St., Shahid Ezzatdoust St.
Phone Numbers: 013-33833995 and 013-33820201
Haj Hossein Kebab House
Sometimes, you don’t need to go to a fancy, grand restaurant to enjoy a meal. Instead, you can visit a traditional kebab house and treat yourself to a delicious Koubideh kebab. In Rasht, there are many kebab houses, but Haj Hossein Kebab House is easily one of the best. This kebab house serves a variety of tasty kebabs, but its most famous dish is Doosh Kebab. Rasht is well-known for its Kabab Torsh, but Doosh Kebab is also one of the city’s iconic kebabs.
Doosh refers to the fatty hump on the back of a young bull, which is tender and flavorful, unlike the tougher hump of an older animal. The meat is diced and marinated with onions for several hours to enhance the flavor. This kebab is unlike any other you’ve ever tasted—it’s incredibly rich and flavorful. Be careful not to order too much, as this kebab is quite filling! The taste of Doosh Kebab is so delicious that you might want to enjoy it on its own to savor every bite.
Address: Rasht, Zarjoub Square, next to the Iron Bridge
Phone Number: 013-33340819
Delijan Restaurant
Delijan Restaurant is one of the most renowned restaurants in Rasht. It serves Gilani cuisine in the best possible way. The restaurant’s interior is designed with a traditional and Mediterranean style. Here, you can savor various northern dishes, but their Torshi Shami and Kete Kebab are particularly outstanding. For a family gathering, make sure to order at least a few servings of these two dishes and taste their exceptional flavors. Delijan Restaurant maintains high food quality and uses the finest ingredients, allowing you to enjoy northern dishes at their best.
Address: Imam Reza Blvd, at the intersection with Koucheh Sefahan Road, after the Aj Bishah Gas Station
Phone Number: 013-18892682
Paradiso Restaurant
Paradiso Restaurant is one of the most unique dining establishments in Gilan. While most restaurants in Gilan serve traditional dishes, Paradiso opened in 2007 as a new restaurant offering modern cuisine. At that time, many were surprised by the introduction of a modern menu, including pasta and penne, in Rasht. However, Paradiso achieved significant success. If you’re craving European dishes like pasta and steak while in the north, Paradiso is a great choice.
The restaurant features a chic and cozy atmosphere, designed with a family-friendly environment. The staff is polite, and the food is prepared quickly with high-quality ingredients. After about 15 years, Paradiso remains one of the best restaurants in Gilan, with even local residents as regular customers.
Address: Golsar, at the corner of 111th Street
Phone Number: 013-33727721
Booz-e Gilan Restaurant
As the name suggests, Booz-e Gilan is one of the largest restaurants in Gilan and Rasht. The restaurant has a luxurious and elegant interior, resembling a grand reception hall. It serves high-quality dishes and is a popular choice for locals looking for a stylish and upscale venue for various events. The menu is diverse, offering everything from traditional Iranian dishes like Koubideh and Joojeh Kebab to Kebab Torsh and Chelo Barge. You can also order traditional northern dishes like Baghala Ghatogh and Chelo Kebab Gilan as well as international options such as grilled chicken breast, Chicken Stroganoff, and beef. Additionally, if you’re a fan of traditional Dizi, you can enjoy it here as well.
Address: Golsar, Golail, Moien Street (Germany), opposite the airport wall
Phone Number: 013-33772025
Chelow Shish Restaurant
Chelow Shish is another top restaurant in Gilan and can undoubtedly be considered among the best in the entire province. Established in 2016, it offers a beautiful and creative space with a luxurious and modern decor. The restaurant’s interior is very clean, and it attracts many local patrons, indicating its popularity among residents. Chelow Shish combines traditional and modern decor, making it an appealing spot right from the moment you enter.
Chelow Shish serves various traditional Gilani and kebab dishes excellently. The chef is highly skilled and offers exceptional dishes. Once you taste the food here, you’ll likely return on every trip to Rasht! The restaurant also serves non-seafood options, including kebabs and stews like Fesenjan with duck meat. It is located right next to the Pamchal Hotel in Rasht.
Address: Toshiba Square, alongside Pamchal Hotel Rasht, towards the hospital
Phone Number: 013-33610120
Golsar Restaurant
Golsar Restaurant is another excellent dining option in Rasht, known for its beautiful and inviting atmosphere. Located on Golsar Boulevard, one of the famous avenues in Rasht often chosen for dining, this restaurant is considered one of the traditional eateries in the city with an excellent menu variety.
The menu at Golsar Restaurant includes a range of kebabs, from Koubideh to saffron chicken kebabs, lamb Chenjeh, and Kebab Torsh, as well as dishes like Kefta and Baleh. You can also order various seafood options, including salmon, trout, and white anchovy. For those craving traditional Gilani cuisine, such as Doosh Kebab or Baghala Ghatogh, Golsar Restaurant has you covered. They use high-quality ingredients, ensuring their loyal customer base.
Address: Golsar Boulevard, Somayeh Boulevard, 126th Street
Phone Number: 013-33721900
Which of these restaurants have you dined at? Surely, there are other excellent restaurants in Gilan that weren’t mentioned in this list. If you know of any such places, please share their names, details, and any memorable experiences with the GULF CITY PEDIA audience. If you’ve visited these Gilan restaurants, how would you rate each one?