Top 20 Restaurants and Cafes in Isfahan Iran

Toranj Restaurant

Toranj Restaurant is beautifully nestled in the historic Jolfa neighborhood of Isfahan. This charming district invites visitors to wander through its array of historic landmarks, stunning neighborhoods, elegant mansions, and exquisite churches like Vank and Bethlehem, offering a glimpse into a rich cultural tapestry. Adjacent to the Hoones Church, Toranj enjoys a prestigious location, originally owned by Mardiros Davidian, a proud Jolfa native and former head of the Iranian government’s Cossack Brigade during the reign of Naser al-Din Shah. The Hoones House complex, which houses Toranj Restaurant, also features a quaint sherbet house, a cozy café, and a vintage photography studio. You can find Toranj at Khaghani Street, between Hoones Shirazi and Ramin alleys in the historic Hoones House. The restaurant’s tranquil courtyard is adorned with vibrant flower pots, graceful pottery jars, and a gently flowing fountain, while the sherbet house offers an inviting selection of refreshing sherbets, aromatic teas, and rich coffees.

Khan Gostar Restaurant

Khan-Gostar stands as one of Isfahan’s most renowned and sophisticated dining establishments, gracefully situated near the iconic Vanak Church on Jolfa Street. Its menu presents an enticing array of Iranian specialties, fresh seafood, and international cuisine, crafted to delight every palate. The restaurant’s walls, painted in a rich turquoise hue, are adorned with exquisite portraits of Iran’s legendary music and song masters, creating a captivating ambiance. Conveniently located beside the Jolfa public parking lot, Khan-Gostar offers both elegance and accessibility.

Shahrzad Restaurant

Shahrzad Restaurant is an exquisite dining venue adorned with traditional décor, including vibrant turquoise tilework, captivating mirror mosaics, intricate paintings, and colorful stained glass. Its menu, offering authentic Isfahani flavors, features a variety of succulent kebabs, savory tahchin, tender chicken leg, creamy yogurt stew, fragrant baghali polo with lamb shank, and hearty neck stew. You can find Shahrzad Restaurant nestled at the intersection of Chahar Bagh Abbasi Street and Abbas Abad Street in Isfahan.

Naghsh-e Jahan Restaurant

Naghsh-e Jahan Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Naghsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan, harmoniously blends traditional charm with modern sophistication in its design. The restaurant’s walls and ceilings are beautifully adorned in a classic style, while its verdant, refreshing courtyard boasts a serene central pool that invites relaxation. Guests rave about the exceptional flavors of its yogurt stew, beriyani, shishlik, and grilled chicken, making every meal an unforgettable experience.

Biryani Azam Restaurant

Biryani is the most iconic and authentic traditional dish of Isfahan, whose fame has extended far beyond the city and even the borders of Iran, eagerly sought after by every visitor wishing to savor its unique flavor. The Azam Biryani Restaurant in Isfahan, renowned for its distinctive and somewhat rich recipe crafted from lamb meat and white liver, prepares this delicacy with a carefully guarded secret formula. Serving customers through four different branches, this historic establishment proudly traces its origins back to 1916 AD. For over a century, Azam has stood as the beloved gathering spot for biryani aficionados, offering an unparalleled culinary experience steeped in tradition.

Jarchi-Bashi Restaurant

The restaurant Jarchi-Bashi in Isfahan was a public bathhouse from the Safavid era until before the year 1390. Later, after changing its function, it was turned into a traditional restaurant and banquet hall. It has a history of about 400 years, and the architecture of this restaurant includes curved ceilings, white plasterwork, turquoise tilework, mirror work, and beautiful small pools. Its proximity to sightseeing spots in Isfahan such as Naqsh-e Jahan Square and live music performances on some days of the week are among its advantages. The menu of Jarchi-Bashi in Isfahan includes various Iranian and international dishes, such as yogurt stew, briyani, sweet rice, jeweled rice, and lamb kebab. On certain days of the year, it also offers live music.

Aseman Restaurant

The Aseman Restaurant in Isfahan is a sky-high dining experience that offers the unique opportunity to enjoy a meal above the city with stunning views of Isfahan and the Zayandeh Rud River. Located on the top floor of the Aseman Hotel, this attractive restaurant serves a diverse menu including seafood, international cuisine, traditional dishes, fast food, and salads. It is an excellent choice for visitors seeking both delicious food and panoramic vistas of the city and its river.

Namakdan Restaurant

When you enter Namakdan rastaurant, it feels like stepping into a museum of grandmother’s belongings. Old wardrobes, hand-operated sewing machines, traditional carpets and rugs, a small pool with turquoise tiles, geranium flower pots, wall hangings, antiques, and a courtyard filled with tall flowering trees all evoke nostalgia. This café-restaurant is a two-story Qajar mansion with tables and chairs arranged in the courtyard and on the balcony. The restaurant part serves home-style delicious dishes. Their popular meals include Ghormeh Sabzi, Mash Polo, and Asheh Reshteh. At the café, a variety of delicious hot and cold drinks are served.

Firouz Restaurant

Firouz Sherbatkhaneh is a traditional refreshment house in Isfahan and one of the best and most beautiful sherbatkhanehs in the city. It serves as a restaurant, café, and sherbatkhaneh all in one, and locals call it Café Firouz. The interior is decorated in the style of 1940s cafés, featuring old wooden tables and chairs, vintage music, and vividly painted walls. The entrance resembles an old merchant's shop, with colorful stained glass windows that add to its charm. This sherbatkhaneh is truly a tourist attraction, exquisitely designed with authentic Iranian art and decorations. It offers both traditional meals and a variety of coffee, herbal teas, ice cream, sherbets, and desserts. You can even have breakfast there, with options like sausage and eggs, cheese, butter, jam, and omelets on the menu. After your meal, you can taste the café’s specialty sherbets and ice creams. Popular choices include sour grape and cucumber sherbet, lemon-mint sherbet, and pomegranate barberry sherbet. The Hesrat Al Molouk ice cream is also highly favored by customers.

Messoqali Restaurant

Messoqali Cafe Restaurant is located in one of Isfahan’s historic timchehs—a traditional square-shaped marketplace surrounded by classic shops, with a central water pool. Outdoor tables and chairs are arranged around the pool and are equipped with heating and cooling facilities for comfort. The menu offers a variety of fast food, traditional dishes, hot and cold drinks, and ice cream, making it a welcoming spot for diverse tastes and occasions.

Houger Restaurant

Houger Cafe Restaurant is located inside Dehdashti House, one of Isfahan’s historic attractions dating back to the Qajar era. The café is decorated with traditional sash (orsi) windows and small glass panes, and its interior features classic tables and chairs that enhance the architectural charm. Visitors can enjoy a range of beverages including sherbets, herbal teas, coffee, and both Iranian and international dishes while experiencing the 400-year history present in every brick of the mansion.

Hermes Restaurant

Hermes Café Restaurant is considered one of the best restaurants in Isfahan, specializing in Italian cuisine. Its standout features include Italian-inspired architecture, a black-and-white decor, and kitchen utensils hanging from the ceiling in place of traditional chandeliers, adding to its unique charm. Popular menu items at Hermes include various pastas, juicy steaks, and beef stroganoff. The breakfast menu offers a selection of Iranian, English, and French breakfasts, providing diverse options for visitors seeking an elegant atmosphere and high-quality dishes.

Arc-A Restaurant

Arc-A Restaurant in Isfahan is located directly opposite Vank Church, offering a luxurious, spacious atmosphere and a charming courtyard. Guests can enjoy a variety of sandwiches, Italian cuisine, and Persian dishes in the restaurant. After your meal, you can treat yourself to a selection of ice creams and drinks from the café as well.

Restaurants and Cafes in Isfahan Iran Persian Food | City Center Restaurant

City Center Mall

Isfahan City Center is one of the world's largest shopping malls, ranking either fifth, fourth, or eighth globally according to different sources, and is the largest in Iran. It is a seven-story complex that was completed in 2016 and is located on the outskirts of Isfahan.

Arabo Restaurant

Arabo Fast Food is one of the oldest and most famous fast food restaurants in Isfahan’s Armenian neighborhood, known especially for serving the best burgers and roast beef in the city. Established over 50 years ago by Mr. Mirzayan, it is still run by his son, Mr. Alfred Mirzayan. This family-run restaurant features a chic and luxurious decor, excellent food quality, and a cozy atmosphere. Despite its limited indoor seating, customers can enjoy their delicious meals on sidewalk chairs outside. Located near Vank Church, Arabo offers a blend of authentic flavors and modern fast food styles, including specialty burgers, hot dogs, steaks, and various sandwiches prepared with care and culinary skill.

Zava Restaurant

Zava Restaurant is one of Isfahan's Italian restaurants, offering a variety of Italian dishes such as lasagna and pasta. It is located in the Hezar Jarib neighborhood on Sheykh Sadough Jonubi Street, Parvaz Street. Zava is well-known for its delicious Italian cuisine and its peaceful ambiance. Many visitors appreciate not only the quality of the food but also the relaxing atmosphere of this restaurant.

Bon Appetit Restaurant

Bon Appetit Fast Food, now known as Zeytoon, is one of the best restaurants in Isfahan offering a very diverse menu including Iranian dishes, international cuisine, seafood, and sandwiches. Their Italian pizza and Alfredo pasta are especially popular among customers. This restaurant features a very charming garden where diners can enjoy their meals outdoors and appreciate the fresh air. It is well-regarded for its variety and quality of food as well as its pleasant environment.

Kolbeh Restaurant

Kolbeh Garden Restaurant in Isfahan is renowned for its lush green space, beautiful cottages, live music, and traditional beds, creating a charming and inviting atmosphere. The menu offers a diverse selection of dishes, including various stews and kebabs, which add to the restaurant's appeal. This garden restaurant is a popular spot for both social gatherings and family meals, providing an enjoyable dining experience in a tranquil outdoor setting with authentic Persian hospitality and quality food.

Bamboo Restaurant

Bamboo Garden Restaurant in Isfahan is one of the best family-friendly and private dining spots in the city, featuring charming gazebos built from bamboo wood. The menu offers a variety of dishes ranging from traditional Persian Baghali polow to different types of pizza and fragrant coal-brewed tea. The restaurant's green and spacious garden setting provides a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying meals outdoors, making it an ideal place for gatherings and celebrations.

Shabneshin Restaurant

The architecture and atmosphere of the Shabneshin Garden Restaurant in Isfahan, inspired by the grandeur of traditional Chinese design, create a charming and picturesque setting for guests. Inside this restaurant garden, attractions such as water flowing from a large wooden bucket, small and large watermills, elegant fountains, and decorative pools captivate every visitor and bring a sense of serenity. Dining in the cozy wooden and glass gazebos offers a unique and memorable experience. After enjoying a delicious meal, guests can head to the restaurant’s concert hall to experience joyful moments filled with live music, entertaining performances, raffles, and prize giveaways. The restaurant originally began by serving authentic Chinese dishes, but today its menu also features a variety of Iranian foods and delectable kebabs to satisfy every taste.

Isfahan Garden Restaurants

In the past, Isfahan was home to many small and large pavilions—some of which have now been transformed into delightful garden restaurants. Among the best in Isfahan are garden restaurants like Fanous, Bid Sabz, Se Kaj, Arg, Khan-Neshin, Darchin, Hamneshin, Bagh Shahr, and Alachigh. These establishments, with their lush and picturesque environments, tranquil atmosphere, delicious food, and, in some cases, live music, provide guests with a memorable and pleasant experience.

Maraq Restaurants

Maraq is one of the scenic country roads near Isfahan, perfect for enjoying beautiful nature and fresh air. Some of the best restaurants in this area include Khan-Neshin Garden Restaurant, Bagh Mozaffar, Café Restaurant Barg, Palermo Fast Food, and Rah Shab Traditional Teahouse.