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Samarkand restaurants

Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, renowned not only for its historical landmarks but also for its vibrant Uzbek cuisine. In the city’s many restaurants, visitors can enjoy a wide range of dishes that delight even the most discerning gourmets - from fragrant traditional plov (pilaf) and freshly baked samsa to contemporary creations inspired by modern culinary techniques.

The best restaurants in Samarkand offer more than just hearty, flavorful food. They invite guests to experience genuine Eastern hospitality, turning each meal into a memorable occasion.

We’ve compiled a selection of popular and time-tested establishments that have earned a reputation for serving some of the finest cuisine Samarkand has to offer.

Platan is a restaurant offering Uzbek and European cuisine. It’s located in the center of Samarkand, close to the main attractions. The venue features two spacious halls and a separate bar. In addition to appetizers and hot and cold dishes, the menu includes a wine list and a good variety of desserts. Live music is often performed in the evenings.

  • Address: Pushkin Street, 2
  • Phone: +998 91 555-88-88
  • Cuisine: Uzbek, European
  • Working hours: 10:00–01:00
  • Popular dishes: kazan kebab, manti, grilled tuna, fish platter

Emirhan is a popular restaurant with panoramic views of Registan Square and its surroundings. It spans three floors, including a spacious terrace with many tables. The menu features a wide variety of Uzbek and European dishes, as well as tasty salads and desserts. The interior is stylish and modern with creative design details.

  • Address: 1/8 Makhmudjanov Street
  • Phone: +998 88 891-60-00
  • Cuisine: Uzbek, European
  • Working hours: 11:00–23:00
  • Popular dishes: lyulya kebab, lamb shurpa, Samarkand plov (pilaf), spinach-stuffed beef tenderloin

Boulevard Restaurant & Bakery offers healthy breakfasts, hearty first and second courses, flavorful snacks, and unique desserts. It’s one of the few places in Samarkand that serves exclusively European cuisine. Every dish is beautifully presented. The restaurant also sells fresh bread and a variety of baked goods.

  • Address: University Boulevard, 1
  • Phone: +998 93 341-01-01
  • Cuisine: European
  • Working hours: 09:00–00:00
  • Popular dishes: build-your-own-breakfast, beefsteak with cheese and potatoes, cake with boiled condensed milk

Sogdiana Café is a cozy restaurant that serves Italian cuisine and excellent desserts. It’s ideal for a romantic evening or a large gathering with children. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the ice cream selection is especially popular among young visitors.

  • Address: 62 Alisher Navoi Street
  • Phone: +998 97 926-00-08
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Working hours: 07:30–23:30
  • Popular dishes: pizza, ciabatta, spaghetti, lasagna

Samarkand is a spacious restaurant offering Uzbek, European, and Russian cuisine. The menu includes a steak section and a variety of rolls, giving diners many choices. With room for over 100 guests, this is one of the city’s most popular restaurants—always busy and full of energy.

  • Address: 54 Mahmud Koshgari Street
  • Phone: +998 90 743-04-05
  • Cuisine: Uzbek, European, Russian
  • Working hours: 09:00–23:00
  • Popular dishes: kebab, manti, lamb ribs, julienne, chicken soup

Sirius is a stylish restaurant with a cozy terrace located near Samarkand’s main tourist sites. The menu features European and Asian dishes. Guests can enjoy fresh rolls, juicy steaks, or a salad with arugula and cottage cheese. The relaxing setting and attentive service make dining here especially pleasant.

  • Address: Mironshah Mirzo Street, 34
  • Phone: +998 90 192-70-00
  • Cuisine: Uzbek, European, Pan-Asian
  • Working hours: 12:00–03:00
  • Popular dishes: Caesar salad, grilled beef tenderloin, rolls

Plov Center lives up to its name: the restaurant serves many types of plov (pilaf), each with a unique and unforgettable flavor. The decor is simple, but the rich variety of tastes, aromas, and colors more than make up for it.

  • Address: 12 Ibn Sina (Avicenna) Street
  • Phone: +998 93 348-00-21
  • Cuisine: Uzbek
  • Working hours: 11:00–15:00
  • Popular dishes: plov (pilaf)

Istiqlol is a well-known restaurant suited for both large banquets and family dinners. It has two spacious halls, a summer terrace, and private rooms for up to six guests. The menu offers a wide range of meat dishes, salads, platters, and appetizers. Live music is common, and banquets are held regularly. A bright playroom entertains children.

  • Address: 101 Amir Timur Street
  • Phone: +998 90 505-81-11
  • Cuisine: Uzbek, European
  • Working hours: 07:00–23:00
  • Popular dishes: lagman, shurpa, jiz-biz, Olivier salad with beef

Karimbek is a traditional Uzbek restaurant with a large menu and a wide selection of drinks and desserts. Guests are seated in a spacious, two-level hall decorated in oriental style. A highlight is the massive three-meter shashlik served on public holidays. Live music and dance shows are frequent here.

  • Address: 194 Gagarin Street
  • Phone: +998 90 284-30-30
  • Cuisine: Uzbek
  • Working hours: 09:00–23:00
  • Popular dishes: plov (pilaf), beef barbecue, meat platter, manti, lamb shank

Uzum Choyhona is a welcoming restaurant with intimate rooms and a smart layout that ensures comfort, even when it’s full. The menu focuses on Uzbek cuisine but also includes popular items like hamburgers, pizza, and classic salads. It’s a great place for weddings, banquets, corporate events, and children’s parties.

  • Address: 58 Namazgoh Street
  • Phone: +998 95 500-11-00
  • Cuisine: Uzbek, European
  • Working hours: 11:00–23:00
  • Popular dishes: Uzum shashlik, beef tongue in cream sauce, Greek salad

Shashlik uz is a restaurant specializing in Uzbek cuisine, where shashlik is the star of the menu. This hearty meat dish is served in many styles and can be paired with vegetables, herbs, pickled onions, lavash, or traditional flatbread. It’s ideal for family dinners or friendly gatherings.

  • Address: multiple branches across Samarkand
  • Phone: +998 90 502-11-11
  • Cuisine: Uzbek
  • Working hours: 10:00–23:00
  • Popular dishes: shashlik in assortment, mini samsa

Khan Ahmad is a restaurant serving Turkish and Uzbek halal dishes. It features a spacious and elegantly decorated hall. The restaurant is perfect for business meetings or quiet meals with family and friends. The ambiance is refined, and the food is beautifully presented.

  • Address: 66 Ibn Sina (Avicenna) Street
  • Phone: +998 97 926-00-00
  • Cuisine: Turkish, Uzbek, halal
  • Working hours: 11:00–23:30
  • Popular dishes: meat platter, steaks, pide