Best Restaurants in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar
No trip to Tehran is complete without a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Known locally as “Bāzār-e Bozorg,” this market consists of thousands of extensive, covered shops. Many people seek out the best restaurants in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar for a culinary experience.
You’ve surely heard how delicious Iranian food can be, but knowing where to go for authentic Iranian cuisine in Tehran, a city with nearly 10 million residents, can be challenging. Below, we first explore the Tehran Bazaar and then introduce the best restaurants in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar.
Early Markets in Tehran
The area around Tehran has been inhabited for at least 6000 years BC. While the construction of markets in Iran generally dates back to 4000 years BC, Tehran’s Bazaar is not that old.
Researchers suggest that part of the present-day Bazaar existed before the growth of the Tehran village during the Safavid period, although it was during and after this period that the Bazaar gradually expanded.
Despite relying heavily on this historical heritage, much of the Bazaar itself has been constructed recently. The oldest buildings, walls, and passages in today’s Bazaar are rarely more than 400 years old, and many have been built or rebuilt in the last 200 years. In this regard, the current Grand Bazaar is one of the newest bazaars in the Middle East.
With the exponential growth of Tehran in the early 20th century during Reza Shah’s time, changes due to this rapid expansion caused much of the Bazaar to disappear.
The older sections of the Bazaar are generally similar in architectural style, while the sections added in the 20th century often look significantly different. For these reasons, it’s safe to say that most Iranians have visited the Bazaar.
When shopping and walking in the streets of the Bazaar, no one notices the passage of time, and soon enough, they find themselves looking for the best nearby restaurants. To ensure you have an excellent experience exploring the Grand Bazaar, we introduce the best restaurants in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar.
Sharaf-ol-Eslami Restaurant
Located across from the jewelry bazaar, Sharaf-ol-Eslami is a favorite among tourists and bazaar-goers. The restaurant offers a wide range of traditional Iranian dishes, attracting many customers with its rice and grilled tomatoes served alongside stews or various kebabs. The humble decor and almost constant flow of patrons testify to the fact that the food here is of the highest quality.
Khayyam Traditional Restaurant
Further down Khayyam Street, just south of Khayyam metro station, you’ll find the Khayyam Traditional Restaurant. The ornate tile work and domed ceilings capture the attention of every passerby.
Khayyam Traditional Restaurant is pricier than most eateries in the area, but it’s well worth the cost. You can also relax with tea and hookah after your meal.
Moslem Restaurant
The incredibly busy Moslem Restaurant is the most popular dining spot in the entire bazaar. Reports indicate they serve over 4,000 customers daily, so you might have to wait thirty minutes or more for your meal. This restaurant is located next to the main 15 Khordad entrance. Its ideal dish is Tahchin, a delicious Iranian rice cake made with saffron, eggs, yogurt, and chicken, although it also offers a great variety of kebabs.
Javan Restaurant in the Bazaar
Javan is a small restaurant on Naser Khosrow Street that serves traditional Iranian dishes. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy good food at reasonable prices, this is the place to go.
Shamshiri Restaurant in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar
Shamshiri Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar.
Shamshiri is a historic restaurant beloved by locals, located at the southeastern corner of Sabze Meydan. The beautiful decorations and decor of this restaurant attract many people.
Gol Rezaieh Cafe Restaurant
Gol Rezaieh is one of the oldest cafe-restaurants in Tehran, established over 70 years ago. Located on Si-e Tir Street, opposite the Glassware and Ceramic Museum, it’s about a ten-minute taxi ride from the bazaar. This restaurant is renowned as a gathering place for intellectuals, a reputation bolstered by the dozens of portraits of prominent 20th-century Iranian writers hanging on its walls. The menu is light, offering soups and salads, Iranian cutlets, and an excellent selection of coffees.
Sanglaj Restaurant
If you need some fresh air and greenery after the hustle and bustle of the bazaar, Sanglaj Restaurant in the middle of Park-e Shahr is a great choice. The walls of this newly renovated restaurant are adorned with photos and memorabilia from early 20th-century Tehran. It serves a variety of traditional Iranian dishes, as well as hookah and traditional Iranian ice cream.
Azari Traditional Teahouse
While you’re in the southern part of the city, it’s worth visiting Azari Traditional Teahouse, a popular spot north of the train station known for its serene atmosphere and authentic food. This restaurant also serves hookah and tea.
Street Food in the Bazaar
If you’re interested in lighter fare or sweets, a variety of street food options are available around the bazaar, particularly along 15 Khordad Street. Sandwiches, falafel, bamieh (a type of Persian doughnut), and other delicious treats are a must-try. Milkshakes and fresh juices are also readily available.
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