Top 15 Best Restaurants in Iran

Iranian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors that reflect the country’s rich history and cultural diversity. With a combination of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a variety of meats and vegetables, Iranian dishes offer a balance of sour, sweet, salty, and bitter tastes. From the renowned kebabs and stews to the famous rice dishes like polow, Persian food is a celebration of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Meals are often shared with family and friends, creating a communal experience that showcases the warmth and hospitality of the Iranian culture.

Introduction to Iranian Cuisine

Iranian cuisine is a rich blend of flavors and traditions, shaped by centuries of history and diverse regional influences. It features a balance of sour, sweet, salty, and bitter tastes, often combining herbs like cilantro, mint, and parsley with spices such as saffron, turmeric, and cinnamon.

Key ingredients include rice, fresh herbs, meats, and vegetables, with dishes like kebabs, khoreshts (stews), and polow (rice dishes) being staples of the diet. The use of fresh, local produce and slow-cooking methods adds depth and complexity to each meal, creating a truly distinctive culinary experience.

Iranian food is also known for its communal nature, with meals often enjoyed with family and friends. Traditional breads, such as nan, accompany most dishes, while Persian desserts like faloodeh, baklava, and zoolbia satisfy the sweet tooth.

Tea and yogurt-based drinks like doogh are common beverages. Iranian cuisine is not just about eating; it’s a reflection of culture, hospitality, and the vibrant flavors that have been passed down through generations.

Best Restaurants in Iran

Here’s a list of some of the best restaurants in Iran, along with explanations of their unique features and the types of food they serve:

1. Shater Abbas (Tehran)

• Address: No. 63, Hafez St., Tehran, Iran
• Cuisine: Traditional Persian
• Description: Shater Abbas is one of the most famous and longstanding restaurants in Tehran, known for its authentic Persian dishes. It’s especially renowned for its kebabs, including Kebab-e Soltani (a mix of lamb and beef kebabs) and Kebab-e Barg (tender lamb or beef skewers). The restaurant offers a royal Persian dining experience, featuring fresh ingredients and top-quality meats, along with stews like Fesenjan and Tahchin (saffron rice cake).

2. Divan Restaurant (Tehran)

• Address: Vali Asr St., Tehran, Iran
• Cuisine: Fusion of Persian and international
• Description: Divan Restaurant in Tehran offers a sophisticated dining experience that blends Persian cuisine with global influences. The menu includes traditional Persian dishes like Khoresht-e Gheymé (stew with meat and yellow split peas) and Biryani, but also features innovative international dishes. It’s an ideal spot for fine dining, with an upscale ambiance and a selection of local wines and drinks.

3. Bistango (Tehran)

• Address: No. 2, Shariati Ave, Tehran, Iran
• Cuisine: Modern Persian
• Description: Bistango is known for its modern take on Persian classics, offering a contemporary atmosphere with a variety of creative dishes. It is famous for Kebab Shirazi, Tahchin, and unique fusion dishes, often served with a refined presentation. With its stylish interior and innovative cuisine, Bistango provides a unique dining experience for both locals and tourists.

4. Bazar-e-Khordeh (Isfahan)

• Address: Bazar, Isfahan, Iran
• Cuisine: Traditional Isfahani
• Description: Located within the bustling Isfahan Bazaar, Bazar-e-Khordeh serves classic Isfahani dishes like Biryani (a spiced rice dish with meat), Khoresht-e Gheymé, and Faloodeh (a traditional frozen dessert). The restaurant also offers regional specialties, with an emphasis on the region’s unique spices and cooking techniques. It’s a great place to sample the authentic tastes of Isfahan while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the market.

5. Gavazang (Isfahan)

• Address: Isfahan, Iran
• Cuisine: Persian, specializing in stews and kebabs
• Description: Gavazang offers a cozy setting to enjoy some of the best Persian stews, such as Khoresht-e Fesenjan (chicken or duck stew with pomegranate molasses and walnuts) and Khoresht-e Gheymé. The kebabs here, particularly Kebab-e Soltani, are also highly recommended. It’s known for its attention to detail and authentic flavors, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

6. Hafez Restaurant (Shiraz)

• Address: Hafez St., Shiraz, Iran
• Cuisine: Traditional Shirazi Persian
• Description: Hafez Restaurant is a beloved spot in Shiraz for its traditional Persian dishes. Known for its Kebab-e Shirazi (a local variation of kebabs) and Shirin Polow (a sweet rice dish), the restaurant also serves flavorful stews like Fesenjan. The elegant setting and historical charm of the city make this restaurant a great place to enjoy local dishes that have been perfected over centuries.

7. Sharzeh Restaurant (Shiraz)

• Address: Shiraz, Iran
• Cuisine: Persian with a Shirazi twist
• Description: Sharzeh offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with an emphasis on authentic Shirazi flavors. Highlights include Kebab-e Shirazi, Shirin Polow, and Kebab-e Fesenjan. The restaurant is also known for its extensive use of herbs, including mint, cilantro, and parsley, which are common in Shirazi dishes. The food is made with fresh, local ingredients and served in a traditional yet refined setting.

8. Traditional Yazdi Restaurant (Yazd)

• Address: Yazd, Iran
• Cuisine: Traditional Yazdi
• Description: Located in the heart of Yazd, this restaurant specializes in dishes from the desert region, including Khoresht-e Mast (yogurt stew with chicken) and Fesenjan. Known for its cozy ambiance and authentic flavors, Traditional Yazdi Restaurant is a great place to experience the unique desert flavors of the region.

9. Fazeli Restaurant (Yazd)

• Address: Yazd, Iran
• Cuisine: Persian and Yazdi specialties
• Description: Fazeli Restaurant is famous for its traditional Yazdi dishes, such as Kebabs and Fesenjan. It’s particularly renowned for its unique Kebab Torsh (tangy marinated kebabs). The rustic setting adds to the authentic experience of savoring hearty Persian meals in one of Iran’s oldest cities.

10. Reza Hotel Restaurant (Mashhad)

• Address: Reza St, Mashhad, Iran
• Cuisine: Persian
• Description: Located in Mashhad, a city known for its spiritual significance, Reza Hotel Restaurant is perfect for travelers looking to enjoy traditional Persian dishes. The menu features Kebab Mashhadi (local Mashhad-style kebabs), Shirin Polow, and Khoresht-e Gheymé. Known for its welcoming ambiance, it’s a popular place for both locals and pilgrims to dine.

11. Shandiz Restaurant (Mashhad)

• Address: Shandiz, Mashhad, Iran
• Cuisine: Persian, with a focus on kebabs
• Description: Shandiz Restaurant specializes in the delicious Shandizi Kebab, a local specialty. The restaurant is also known for its fresh herbs, saffron-infused dishes, and the welcoming atmosphere of Mashhad’s surroundings. A great spot to taste the best of Mashhad’s culinary delights.

12. Rasht Traditional Restaurant (Rasht)

• Address: Rasht, Iran
• Cuisine: Caspian region specialties
• Description: Rasht Traditional Restaurant offers an excellent menu featuring fresh seafood and rice dishes typical of the Caspian region. Mirza Ghasemi (smoked eggplant dip) and Gheymé Nesar (rice and lamb stew) are among the specialties. Located near the coast, the restaurant also serves Caspian fish dishes.

13. Dastan Restaurant (Rasht)

• Address: Rasht, Iran
• Cuisine: Caspian and Persian
• Description: Dastan Restaurant in Rasht focuses on the traditional cooking of northern Iran, with dishes like Baghali Polo (rice with fava beans) and Saffron Chicken. The restaurant is beloved for its vibrant atmosphere and the quality of the regional produce it uses.

14. Kerman Traditional Restaurant (Kerman)

• Address: Kerman, Iran
• Cuisine: Traditional Kermani
• Description: Kerman Traditional Restaurant offers classic dishes from the Kerman region, such as Kebab Kermani, Qorme Sabzi, and Baghali Polo. The dishes are flavorful and often made with regional ingredients. The restaurant’s cozy and authentic setting adds to the charm of this dining experience.

15. Bazaar Kerman Restaurant (Kerman)

• Address: Kerman, Iran
• Cuisine: Persian and Kermani regional specialties
• Description: This restaurant is famous for its traditional stews and Kerman-style kebabs. Fesenjan (chicken stew with pomegranate and walnuts) and Kebab-e Kerman are must-tries. The restaurant offers a peaceful atmosphere for guests to enjoy the tastes of the Iranian desert region.

You can use these descriptions to get a sense of what each restaurant offers, along with their respective Google Maps links for more detailed navigation.

Conclusion

Iran’s culinary offerings are as diverse as its regions, with each area bringing its own unique flavors and specialties to the table. Whether you’re enjoying the famed kebabs of Tehran, the stews of Isfahan, or the seafood of Rasht, Iranian cuisine provides an unforgettable experience that blends history, culture, and taste.

The restaurants listed above are some of the best places to explore these flavors, offering everything from traditional Persian dishes to innovative fusion creations. No matter where you are in Iran, these dining spots promise a memorable taste of the country’s culinary heritage.