Khiva may be famous for its magnificent ancient walls, minarets and Silk Road history, but there’s another side to this Uzbek city worth exploring: its food. From traditional Uzbek dishes and freshly baked bread to cozy restaurants tucked inside the old town, Khiva offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy local flavors.
TABLE CONTENTS: RESTAURANTS IN KHIVA OLD TOWN
I spent five nights in Khiva, staying at Hotel Bankir Khiva, and tried four restaurants during that time. Whether you’re craving plov, sizzling kebabs or something a little different, here are the best restaurants in Khiva to try during your visit.
| DINING IN ICHAN QAL’A, KHIVA | |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Recommended? |
| Arxi Terrasa | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Old Terrassa Restaurant | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Tapas Restaurant | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Terrassa Restaurant | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Arxi Terrasa
With both and indoor seating area and a stunning rooftop top terrace overlooking Ichan Qal’a, Arxi Terrasa serves traditional Uzbekistan food with superb sunset views. The views towards the western wall and main entry gate are particularly beautiful, just as you are enjoying your first cocktail for the evening.
Having seen the restaurant when wandering around Ichan Qal’a, and particularly having enjoyed the rooftop restaurants in Bukhara, I requested a reservation for my second night in Khiva. I specifically requested a table around the outside of the terrace, allowing for better views over The Old City.
Around sunset, diners were treated to a solo musical performance by a talented local artist, making the dining experience even more relaxing.
Make sure to include Arxi Terrasa on your Khiva dining plans, specifically requesting a table towards the western side of the terrace so that your views of the sunset remain uninterrupted.
Find Arxi Terrasa on Google Maps.
Old Terrassa Restaurant
Slightly further away from the main square of Ichan Qal’a, but still with super views over The Old Town, Old Terrassa Restaurant overlooks the historic old town, making it a lovely spot to relax after a day exploring the city’s ancient mosques, minarets and winding streets. You have a choice between indoor and rooftop terrace seating, but the better choice is higher up.
The menu features Uzbek and Central Asian dishes, with options for vegetarians too. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, traditional flavors and the chance to enjoy Khiva’s remarkable architecture from above. For the best experience, consider making a reservation, especially if you want to dine on the upstairs terrace while enjoying the monuments in the evening light of the setting sun.
Find Old Terrassa on Google Maps.
Tapas Restaurant
My favorite restaurant in Khiva and the place from where I started my bread-making adventure, Tapas Restaurant features a large indoor dining area with superb views towards the western gate of Ichan Qal’a and the Kalta Minor Minaret.
Just 200 meters from the western gate, you will not miss Tapas Restaurant as you wander the ancient streets of The Old City. The restaurant’s elevated setting offers wonderful views across Ichan Qal’a. From the restaurant, you can admire the distinctive minarets, turquoise domes and sandy-colored buildings that make Khiva so special. It’s an appealing place to take a break from sightseeing, enjoy a meal and appreciate the remarkable architecture from a different perspective.
What you should do is request a reservation for late afternoon or sunset, when The Old Town becomes particularly photogenic. You will really enjoy watching the sunset as you gaze west from the restaurant over towards the minarets and madrassahs.
I enjoyed Tapas Restaurant so much that I had dinner there on both my third and fifth evenings in Khiva. If you have only one night in Khiva, make sure that you choose dinner at Tapas Restaurant. You will not be disappointed.
Find Tapas Restaurant on Google Maps.
Terrassa Restaurant
I visited Terrassa Restaurant on my first evening in Khiva. Arriving without a reservation, I was unable to secure a seat on the rooftop terrace. As such, for the remaining four nights in Khiva I made sure to request a reservation on the terrace of the restaurants at which I was interested in dining.
Terrassa Restaurant is operated by the same company that operates Old Terrassa Restaurant, with the menus being consistent between the two restaurants. ‘New’ Terrassa Restaurant is right on the main square of Ichan Qal’a whereas Old Terrassa Restaurant is just 120 meters away.
Make sure to reserve your preferred time, around sunset, to secure the best seats while enjoying your cocktail and admiring the golden hues over The Old Town.
Find Terrassa Café & Restaurant on Google Maps.
Conclusion
You will not be disappointed by the dining options in Khiva. My only recommendation is that you make a reservation around sunset to secure the best seats. This will give you the best chance to enjoy the sunset over The Old City, especially after a long day of wandering around Ichan Qal’a.
When I was in Khiva, I stayed at Hotel Bankir Khiva, a boutique hotel within five minutes’ walk from the west gate of Ichan Qal’a.
Otherwise consider other accommodation options in Khiva by using the search box below.
Consider reading other posts on Uzbekistan by Two Passports Packed.
(Visited in August 2026)