The 10 Best Restaurants of Baku

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, offers a vibrant nightlife scene that has been attracting people from all over the world. The city offers a variety of restaurants that are perfect for romantic dinners, business meetings or just casual dining. Thus, we have compiled a list of the ten best restaurants in Baku that you can visit during your next trip.

1. Art Club Restaurant

Located in the heart of the city, Art Club Restaurant serves up some of the best European and Azerbaijani cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or intimate gathering. The menu is extensive with a variety of appetizers, entrees, and desserts.

2. Saf Restaurant

Saf Restaurant offers visitors a taste of traditional Azerbaijani cuisine while enjoying a beautiful view of the Baku skyline. From lamb to seafood, Saf offers a variety of dishes that are sure to leave you feeling satisfied.

3. Sumakh Restaurant

Sumakh Restaurant is located in a historic building in the Old City of Baku. The restaurant offers visitors the opportunity to taste traditional Azerbaijani dishes that have been passed down through generations.

4. Nakhchivan Restaurant

Nakhchivan Restaurant offers visitors a taste of Azerbaijani cuisine with a focus on dishes from the region of Nakhchivan. The restaurant’s interior is beautifully decorated, bringing a sense of tradition to your dining experience.

5. Firuze Restaurant

Firuze is located on the waterfront with a beautiful view of the Caspian Sea. Firuze’s menu offers a variety of dishes from Azerbaijani cuisine, as well as Mediterranean and European cuisine.

6. Chinar Restaurant

Chinar Restaurant is located in the heart of the city in a historic building. The restaurant offers visitors a taste of Azerbaijani and Middle Eastern cuisine. The interior is beautifully decorated, adding to the dining experience.

7. Sirvansah Museum Restaurant

Sirvansah Museum Restaurant is located in the old city of Baku, in a historic building that has been converted into a museum. The restaurant is part of the museum, offering visitors a chance to taste traditional Azerbaijani cuisine in a historic setting.

8. Muzey Restaurant

Muzey Restaurant offers visitors a taste of Azerbaijani cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant’s interior is beautifully decorated with traditional Azerbaijani artwork hanging on the walls.

9. Mama Mia Trattoria

Mama Mia Trattoria is an Italian restaurant located in the heart of the city. The restaurant offers a variety of Italian dishes, ranging from pasta to pizza. The interior is beautifully decorated, adding to the dining experience.

10. Ostro Bar & Grill

Ostro Bar & Grill offers visitors a taste of European and Azerbaijani cuisine. The restaurant is located in a modern building with a beautiful view of the city.

In conclusion, Baku is a city that has something to offer for everyone. The culinary scene is diverse and exciting, with a range of restaurants offering traditional Azerbaijani cuisine and international dishes. Make sure to visit these ten restaurants during your next trip to the city.

The Insider’s Guide to Baku, Azerbaijan

If you’re planning a trip to the Caucasus region, then Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, should be on your itinerary. Baku is a fascinating blend of history, culture, and modernity. With its UNESCO-listed Old City, futuristic architecture, and delicious cuisine, Baku offers a unique experience for travelers. Below is our insider’s guide to the 10 best restaurants and must-visit attractions in Baku.

Local Attractions

The Old City, locally known as “Icheri Sheher,” is Baku’s historical center and one of the main attractions of the city. It’s a walled city, with well-preserved medieval architecture, narrow alleys, and ancient buildings. You can stroll through the streets, visit the iconic Maiden Tower, and explore the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Don’t forget to stop by the traditional tea house, chaykhana, and try Azerbaijani tea and sweets.

Another must-visit attraction in Baku is the Flame Towers. The trio of skyscrapers resemble flames and are a modern symbol of the city. In the evenings, the Flame Towers are illuminated with colorful lights, providing a spectacular view of Baku.

Lastly, the Heydar Aliyev Center is a stunning example of modern architecture in Baku. It’s a cultural center and museum that showcases Azeri art, design, and history. The building’s unique shapes and curves are a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.

Dining Spots

1. Firuze – This restaurant serves traditional Azerbaijani cuisine in a modern setting. The menu includes specialties like plov (rice pilaf), dolma (stuffed grape leaves), and qutab (stuffed flatbread).

2. Sumakh – Located in the heart of the city, Sumakh is a cozy and stylish restaurant that specializes in meat dishes. Try their signature lamb or beef ribs, and don’t forget to try their desserts.

3. Art Garden – If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, Art Garden is the place for you. They serve Mediterranean-style food with an Azerbaijani twist, such as hummus with lamb and dates.

4. Nergiz – This restaurant is a popular choice for seafood lovers. Located by the Caspian Sea, Nergiz serves fresh fish and seafood dishes, including sturgeon kebab and grilled octopus.

5. Xazri – Xazri is a culinary journey through Azerbaijan’s regions. Their menu features specialty dishes from different regions of Azerbaijan, such as qutab from Guba and sheki pilaf from Sheki.

Cultural Experiences

One of the best cultural experiences in Baku is visiting the local bazaar, Taza Bazaar. This market is a vibrant hub of activity, with vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to mingle with locals and get a feel for Azerbaijani culture.

Another cultural experience to try in Baku is a traditional Azerbaijani spa, or hammam. One of the most famous hammams in Baku is the Teze Bey hamami. You can relax and indulge in authentic Azerbaijani spa treatments, such as a Turkish bath and a massage.

Local History

To learn more about the local history of Baku, visit the Baku Museum of Miniature Books. This museum has a collection of over 6,000 miniature books from different parts of the world, including Azerbaijan. It’s a fascinating insight into the history of bookmaking and publishing.

Another historical site to visit in Baku is the Martyrs’ Lane. This is a memorial site for the victims of the Soviet crackdown on Azerbaijan’s independence movement in 1990. It’s a somber but important reminder of Azerbaijan’s turbulent history of political struggle.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For an off-the-beaten-path suggestion, head to the Absheron Peninsula, just outside of Baku. This area has several attractions, including the Ateshgah Fire Temple, a Zoroastrian temple built over a natural gas vent.

Another great off-the-beaten-path activity in Baku is attending a performance at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater. It’s a beautiful building that serves as a cultural center for the city. The quality of the performances is excellent, and the tickets are reasonably priced.

Baku is a city that captivates visitors with its blend of modern architecture, history, and culture. Use this insider’s guide to discover the best restaurants, attractions, and experiences that this vibrant city has to offer.