Where to Eat in Bukhara: 9 Restaurants in and Around the Old Town

In Bukhara the setting is half the meal: you can eat in a 19th-century merchant's house, by the old Lyabi-Hauz pond or on a rooftop as the Kalon Minaret turns gold at sunset. Almost everything below is within walking distance of the old town.

Prices are a rough guide: $ is a simple local meal, $$ a sit-down dinner at tourist-friendly prices, $$$ one of the more expensive places in town. Most places take cards, but carry some cash, especially in teahouses and plov centres.

1. JOY Chaikhana Lounge

Set in a restored historic caravanserai with an octagonal courtyard in the old town, and one of the highest-rated restaurants in Bukhara on Tripadvisor. The menu mixes Uzbek classics and European dishes. It is popular, so book ahead in the evening. Price: $$. Open in Google Maps

2. Ayvan (Lyabi House)

A restaurant in a restored Bukharan Jewish merchant's house from 1886, right by Lyabi-Hauz, with a courtyard and a balcony. Come at lunchtime for Bukharan plov, which is served only in the middle of the day. Price: $$. Open in Google Maps

3. Lyabi-Hauz

The classic place to eat beside the 17th-century Lyabi-Hauz pond, with tables on the terraces by the water. It is known for shashlik and lamb ribs, shurpa and plov. Prices are a little higher than in the side streets: you are paying for the setting. Price: $$. Open in Google Maps

4. Old Bukhara

A cosy restaurant styled like an old Uzbek house with a courtyard tree and balconies, a short walk from Lyabi-Hauz. It is touristy but good value; try the Bukhara samsa, kazan kebab, lamb stewed with onions or manti. Price: $. Open in Google Maps

5. The Old House

A small restaurant in a historic building on a side street of the old Jewish quarter, well reviewed for its home-style Uzbek cooking, including stews served in bread. Price: $$. Open in Google Maps

6. Zaytoon

When you want a change from plov: a Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant and steakhouse a short taxi ride from the old town, with mezze such as hummus, moutabal and muhammara and steaks of aged local beef. It is one of the more upscale tables in Bukhara and serves alcohol. Price: $$$. Official website · Open in Google Maps

7. Zargaron Terrace

A rooftop terrace behind the Kalon Minaret with one of the best views in the old town, at its loveliest at sunset with grilled skewers and a cold drink. The terrace is seasonal, open roughly from April to October. Price: $$. Open in Google Maps

8. Minorai Kalon Terrace

Another sunset terrace beside the Kalon Minaret, at the Minorai Kalon hotel, serving Uzbek and European dishes. Reserve a table near the edge for the view of the minaret and the domes. Price: $$. Open in Google Maps

9. Kukaldosh Garden

A garden restaurant in teahouse style near the Kukeldash Madrasah, known for Bukhara plov, a simple and relaxed lunch stop. Price: $. Open in Google Maps

Opening hours and prices change, so check before you set off. Visiting Bukhara with us? See our Bukhara day trip by train: your guide can book a table on one of the sunset terraces.