Hello, I’m Alexandra! A slow-travel enthusiast with 6+ years exploring Central Asia. After spending three months traveling through Uzbekistan last year, I’ve gathered all my foodie insights to help you discover the best restaurants in Tashkent, from traditional plov spots to hidden international gems!
Visiting Tashkent? Let me tell you, you’re in for a serious culinary adventure! Uzbekistan’s capital is a melting pot of flavors where traditional dishes meet international cuisine in the most exciting way. After spending weeks eating my way through the city (and gaining a few happy pounds in the process!), I’ve put together this ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Tashkent.
Whether you’re craving authentic Uzbek plov that’ll change your life, or you need a familiar pizza fix, I’ve got you covered with insider tips and local favorites that’ll make your taste buds sing!
✈️ Book Your Tashkent Food Tour & Skip the Research!
Traditional Uzbek Cuisine
If you’re visiting Tashkent, trying authentic Uzbek cuisine should be at the top of your bucket list! Traditional Uzbek food is hearty, flavorful, and absolutely delicious.
Must-Try Uzbek Dishes
Before I share the best restaurants in Tashkent for traditional food, let’s talk about what you absolutely must try:
- Plov: The national dish of Uzbekistan! This fragrant rice dish cooked with meat (usually lamb), carrots, and spices is a staple. Every region has its own version, but Tashkent plov is particularly famous.
- Shashlik: Grilled skewered meat that’s juicy, tender, and typically served with fresh bread. The smoky flavor is absolutely mouthwatering.
- Manti: These steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables are like little pockets of heaven. They’re usually topped with sour cream or yogurt.
- Lagman: A savory noodle soup with vegetables and meat that has a slight Chinese influence – a reminder of Uzbekistan’s position on the ancient Silk Road.
🌟 My Experience: Uzbek food surprised me with just how flavorful it is! As someone who’d never tried Central Asian cuisine before, I was amazed by the depth of flavor in every dish. The combination of rice, meat, and spices in plov is absolutely magical – and I now regularly try to recreate it at home (though it never tastes quite as good as the real thing)!
Best Traditional Restaurants in Tashkent
Besh Qozon
Traditional Plov
Open Kitchen
Local Favorite
Besh Qozon is widely considered the number one restaurant for authentic plov in Tashkent, and for good reason! The name literally means “five cauldrons,” which refers to the massive cauldrons they use to cook their signature dish. What makes this place special is the open kitchen where you can watch the chefs preparing enormous batches of plov. It’s quite the spectacle!
What to order:
- Tashkent-style plov (a must-try!)
- Juicy shashlik skewers
- Freshly baked samsa (savory pastries)
- Traditional Uzbek tea
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Address: 1A Olmazor St, Tashkent
Reservations: Recommended for dinner
Book a Table at Besh Qozon
Milliy Taomlar
Budget-Friendly
Extensive Menu
Authentic
If you want to try multiple Uzbek dishes without breaking the bank, Milliy Taomlar is the place to go. The name translates to “national dishes,” and they deliver exactly that – a comprehensive menu of Uzbek classics at affordable prices.
What to order:
- Manti (steamed dumplings)
- Lagman (noodle soup)
- Katyk (yogurt drink)
- Fresh tandoor bread
Price Range: $ (Budget)
Address: 1 Amir Temur Avenue, Tashkent
Tashkent TV Tower Restaurant
Panoramic Views
Special Occasion
Unique Experience
For a unique dining experience, head to the restaurant in the Tashkent TV Tower. Not only will you enjoy authentic Uzbek cuisine, but you’ll also be treated to panoramic views of the city. Did you know? They serve up to a ton of plov daily! That’s how popular this place is.
What to order:
- Plov (of course)
- Somsa (baked pastry with meat filling)
- Traditional tea service
Price Range: $$$ (Upscale)
Address: Tashkent TV Tower, Amir Temur Avenue
Book a TV Tower Tour with Lunch Included
International Restaurants in Tashkent
While traditional Uzbek food is amazing, sometimes you might crave something different. Thankfully, Tashkent’s international dining scene is surprisingly diverse and high-quality!
💡 Pro Tip: Most international restaurants in Tashkent are concentrated in the city center near Amir Temur Square and the business district. If you’re staying in these areas, you’ll have plenty of options within walking distance!
Lebanese Cuisine
Cafe Forn Lebnen
Middle Eastern
Vegetarian-Friendly
Cozy Atmosphere
This cozy spot is a haven for Middle Eastern food lovers. With plenty of vegetarian-friendly options and reasonable prices, it’s perfect for a casual meal.
What to order:
- Creamy hummus
- Fresh tabbouleh
- Freshly baked flatbreads
- Lebanese coffee
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Address: 30 Shakhrisabz Street, Tashkent
Turkish Restaurants
Merhaba Steakhouse
Turkish
Family-Friendly
BYOB
Merhaba is a family-friendly Turkish restaurant that allows you to bring your own drinks (it’s a no-alcohol venue). The service includes complimentary tea – a nice touch!
What to order:
- Savory kebabs
- Sweet baklava
- Turkish tea
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Address: 40 Shakhrisabz Street, Tashkent
Italian Dining Options
Syrovarnya
Italian
Fresh Cheese
Wood-Fired Pizza
One of the coolest dining experiences in Tashkent is watching cheese being made in real-time at Syrovarnya. This Italian restaurant takes fresh seriously!
🌟 My Experience: I was absolutely blown away watching the cheesemakers work their magic right in front of me. The burrata I had was made just hours before and literally melted in my mouth. This place is a must for cheese lovers!
What to order:
- Wood-fired pizzas
- House-made cheeses
- Fresh pasta dishes
- Italian wines
Price Range: $$$ (Upscale)
Address: 88A Amir Temur Avenue, Tashkent
Reserve a Table at Syrovarnya
Asian Cuisine
Ember (Japanese & Pan-Asian)
Rooftop Views
Japanese
Luxury
Located on the 22nd floor of InterContinental Tashkent, Ember offers both stunning city views and excellent Pan-Asian fusion cuisine. The Japanese dishes are particularly noteworthy.
What to order:
- Sushi platters
- Wok-fried dishes
- Signature cocktails
Price Range: $$$ (Upscale)
Address: InterContinental Tashkent, 107A Amir Temur Avenue
Book a Stay at InterContinental Tashkent
Best Cafes and Casual Dining
Sometimes you just want to grab a quick coffee or a casual bite. Tashkent has plenty of cozy cafes and casual dining spots perfect for those moments.
Coffee and Breakfast Spots
Bon! Cafe
Coffee
Breakfast
Cozy
This cozy spot near Darkhan is perfect for coffee and light breakfast options. It’s a great place to start your day of exploring Tashkent.
What to order:
- Buttery croissants
- Smooth cappuccinos
- Fresh fruit plates
Price Range: $ (Budget)
Address: 56 Darkhan Street, Tashkent
Vegan and Plant-Based Options
Eco Café
Vegan
Organic
Health-Focused
Located in the basement of Eco Art Hotel, this is one of the few strictly vegan and organic cafes in Uzbekistan. It’s a refreshing find in a country where meat usually takes center stage.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re vegetarian or vegan traveling in Uzbekistan, learning the phrase “Men vegetarianman” (I’m vegetarian) can be extremely helpful when dining out. At Eco Café, you won’t need it, but it’s useful elsewhere!
What to order:
- Colorful buddha bowls
- Fresh-pressed juices
- Plant-based desserts
Price Range: $$ (Moderate)
Address: Eco Art Hotel, 65 Yusuf Khos Khojib Street, Tashkent
Check Rates at Eco Art Hotel
Fine Dining in Tashkent
Looking for something special? Tashkent has several upscale dining options that offer exceptional food and ambiance.
QUADRO
Global Cuisine
Live Music
Upscale
QUADRO offers a sophisticated mix of global cuisines with live music, making it ideal for special occasions. The elegant interior creates a perfect backdrop for a memorable meal.
What to order:
- Premium steaks
- Fresh seafood dishes
- Craft cocktails
Price Range: $$$ (Upscale)
Address: 4A Afrosiab Street, Tashkent
Ember at InterContinental
Rooftop Views
Instagram-Worthy
Sunset Dinner
Ember not only serves excellent Pan-Asian cuisine but also provides breathtaking views of Tashkent from its rooftop location. It’s perfect for that Instagram-worthy dinner with a view!
🌟 My Experience: I timed my visit to Ember to catch the sunset, and it was magical! Watching the golden light wash over Tashkent while enjoying sushi and a glass of wine was definitely one of the highlights of my trip. Try to book a window table if you can!
Price Range: $$$ (Upscale)
Address: InterContinental Tashkent, 107A Amir Temur Avenue
Book a Table with View at Ember
Best Street Food in Tashkent
No visit to Tashkent would be complete without exploring its vibrant street food scene. The best place to do this is at the city’s markets and bazaars.
Chorsu Bazaar
Market Experience
Authentic
Budget-Friendly
Chorsu Bazaar is the largest market in Tashkent and a food lover’s paradise. Here, you’ll find vendors selling everything from shashlik and samsa to fresh bread and fruits. The market’s iconic blue dome is a landmark itself, but the real treasure is inside where local vendors serve up authentic street food that’s been perfected over generations.
⚠️ Warning: While the street food at Chorsu is generally safe, stick to vendors with high turnover and where you can see the food being cooked fresh. It’s always a good idea to carry hand sanitizer!
What to try:
- Fresh tandoor bread (non)
- Samsa (savory pastries with meat or vegetable fillings)
- Shashlik skewers
- Dried fruits and nuts
Price Range: $ (Budget)
Address: Chorsu Square, Old Town, Tashkent
Book a Food Tour of Chorsu Bazaar
Practical Tips for Dining in Tashkent
Here are some handy tips to enhance your dining experience in Tashkent:
Money-Saving Tips:
- Lunch specials are common and much cheaper than dinner (especially at upscale places)
- Street food and bazaars offer the best value for authentic flavors
- Many restaurants offer complimentary bread and tea – take advantage!
- Sharing dishes is common practice and encouraged for sampling more items
- Meal times: Locals typically eat lunch around 1-2 pm and dinner around 7-8 pm. Many restaurants are open throughout the day.
- Tipping: While not mandatory, a 5-10% tip is appreciated for good service in higher-end restaurants. In casual places, rounding up the bill is sufficient.
- Language: Having a few basic phrases in Uzbek or Russian can be helpful, though many restaurants in tourist areas have English menus.
- Dietary restrictions: If you have specific dietary needs, upscale and international restaurants are more likely to accommodate them. Traditional Uzbek cuisine is heavily meat-based.
- Payment: While cash is king in most places, higher-end restaurants and hotels accept credit cards. Always carry some cash just in case.
- Reservations: For fine dining or popular restaurants, making a reservation is recommended, especially during peak tourist season.
FAQs About Tashkent Restaurants
What is the number 1 most popular restaurant in Tashkent?
While opinions vary, Besh Qozon is often cited as a top favorite for its authentic plov and cultural experience. It’s popular with both locals and tourists.
What food is Tashkent known for?
Tashkent is famous for its version of plov (pilaf rice with meat and carrots) and shashlik (grilled meat skewers). The city’s plov is distinctive for its use of yellow carrots and chickpeas.
How much does a meal cost in Tashkent?
Meal prices range from $2-10 for local restaurants and street food to $20-50 for fine dining experiences. Tashkent is generally quite affordable for Western travelers.
Is it safe to eat street food in Tashkent?
Yes, but use common sense. Choose busy stalls with high turnover and watch for proper food handling. Freshly cooked items are generally safer than pre-prepared dishes.
Can I drink the tap water in Tashkent?
It’s recommended to stick to bottled water for drinking. Most restaurants automatically serve bottled water.
Ready to Experience Tashkent’s Amazing Food Scene?
Get the most out of your visit with a guided food tour that takes you to hidden gems and local favorites. Skip the research and enjoy the authentic flavors with a knowledgeable guide!
Book Your Tashkent Food Tour Now!
About Alexandra Meridian
Alexandra is a slow travel enthusiast with over 6 years of experience exploring Central Asia. With a passion for authentic cultural experiences and local cuisine, she’s visited over 40 countries and specializes in off-the-beaten-path destinations. When not traveling, she’s sharing detailed guides and insider tips on her blog to help fellow travelers make the most of their adventures.
**Planning a trip to Uzbekistan?** Don’t miss my other guides:
Safe travels and happy eating!
