Bukhara is one of those cities where it’s almost impossible to walk around without feeling that you’ve stepped into another world. The ancient mosques, madrasas, turquoise domes and narrow streets of the Old Town make it one of the most atmospheric places I visited in Uzbekistan. But after a day of exploring, there’s another important part of the Bukhara experience: deciding where to eat.
TABLE OF CONTENTS: RESTAURANTS IN BUKHARA OLD TOWN
I spent five nights in Bukhara and tried several restaurants during my stay. Some were traditional Uzbek restaurants, while others offered a more modern take on local food. All were memorable because of the food, and standing out because of their setting, atmosphere or the overall experience.
One thing I quickly discovered is that eating in Bukhara doesn’t have to be expensive. You can find everything from simple local dishes to more elaborate meals in beautiful historic surroundings, often for considerably less than you might expect.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Bukhara and wondering where to eat, here are five restaurants I tried and that I recommend for your own visit.
| 🍽️ DINING IN THE BUKHARA OLD TOWN | |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Recommended? |
| Zargaron Restaurant | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Kazan Restaurant | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Minorai Kalon Restaurant & Terrace | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Suzangaron Restaurant & Terrace | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Dolon Restaurant | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Zargaron Restaurant
Tucked away behind the Kalon Minaret, with beautiful sunset views over Bukhara, Zargaron serves traditional Uzbekistan food. With both indoor and outdoor seating, you can choose what works for you.
I arrived without a reservation, around 30 minutes before sunset. The restaurant was still reasonably quiet so I took the chance to enjoy an Aperol Spritz while chatting to the staff.
As a starter, I ordered a most delicious blue cheese with pear salad which was fantastic. For the main course I ordered two beef skewers which became my favorite dish on my travels through Uzbekistan.
With perhaps not the best views of the restaurants that I visited, Zargaron is still worth a visit for the excellent cocktails around sunset and their delicious food.
Kazan Restaurant
Overlooking Poi Kalon Square and the Kalon Minaret, Kazan restaurant has great views over the main tourist area of Bukhara. From there you can watch the sunset over the square while enjoying your evening cocktail.
Kazan serves traditional Uzbekistan food as well as a selection of western dishes. You will have no difficulty finding something on their extensive menu.
For the best seats right at the edge overlooking the square, it is best to make a reservation. When I visited I did not have a reservation so I was seated a little further back, but that was also quite suitable. The outdoor seating of the restaurant is perfectly suited for a warm summer evening, with air-conditioners around the roof to keep you cool.
Make sure to visit Kazan for the views over Poi Kalon Square and the vendors below.
Minorai Kalon Restaurant & Terrace
With stunning sunset views over the Kalon Minaret and the turquoise domes of the Old Town, Minorai Kalon was my second favorite restaurant in Bukhara. Having seen the restaurant on Instagram, I made a reservation for their terrace seating with the best views.
The restaurant is popular and reservations are recommended. What you should do is request a table right at the edge of the outdoor terrace for the best views of the sunset, sipping cocktails while admiring the beautiful views of Old Bukhara.
The restaurant serves traditional Uzbekistan food as well as a good selection of cocktails. What I liked about the restaurant, besides the amazing views, was the slow pace at which you could enjoy cocktails and dinner without feeling rushed that another party was waiting for the table.
I really enjoyed my visit to Minorai Kalon in Bukhara and you should include the restaurant when planning your dining in Bukhara.
Find Minorai Restaurant & Terrace on Google Maps.
Suzangaron Restaurant & Terrace
The Number 1 restaurant that I visited in Bukhara, Suzangaron is a gem, a little bit away from the main square. I found the restaurant quite by accident as I was looking for another rooftop dining spot in Bukhara.
I was the first to arrive, well before sunset. I enjoyed a cocktail inside in the heat of the late afternoon, before moving to the rooftop terrace with beautiful views over Old Bukhara.
What I like about the restaurant is the two terraces overlooking the Old Town. For a more private experience, the upper level, with the swing for your Instagram photos, is the better choice. But the lower tier is lovely also, especially the raised platform with six tables facing the monuments of the Old Town.
Make sure that you visit Suzangaron Restaurant & Terrace when in Bukhara. If you go early enough I suspect you will not need a reservation and you will have a good selection of tables.
Find Suzangaron Restaurant & Terrace on Google Maps.
Dolon Restaurant
On my final night in Bukhara I headed to Dolon Restaurant. Located right next to Suzangaron Restaurant & Terrace, I wanted to try a different restaurant from the night before. I settled in for an evening cocktail but was soon inundated with a group of tourists, disturbing the peaceful ambiance of the lovely restaurant.
Since I could see Suzangaron, and it was still quiet, I headed over there instead.
To be fair, Dolon has a lovely view over the Old Town with many tables. If you arrive early you will have no trouble finding a table to enjoy your dinner while awaiting the sunset.
Find Dolon Restaurant on Google Maps.
When I was in Bukhara, I stayed at the Mercure Bukhara Old Town, a lovely hotel within 10 minutes’ walk of the Old Town.
Otherwise consider other accommodation in Bukhara by clicking in the box below.
Consider reading other posts on Uzbekistan by Two Passports Packed.
(Visited in August 2026)