Baku's food scene is a feast for the senses – from fragrant grilled meats to cozy tea houses and bustling markets. Here are five standout places to savor authentic Azerbaijani flavors.
1. Firuze Restaurant (Traditional Azeri Cuisine)
Located in Fountain Square, Firuze Restaurant immerses you in Old World ambiance. Down a flight of steps into a cellar adorned with colorful Azerbaijani carpets and antique copperware, it feels like a folk museum as much as a restaurant.
What to try: Classic lamb plov (pilaf) or assorted dolma with eggplant, peppers, and vine leaves. For dessert, honeyed pakhlava pairs perfectly with local tea.
Price: $$ (moderate – ~$15 per person)
2. Kebab Mood (Shashlik Grill Heaven)
A must-stop for meat lovers! The aroma of marinated meats sizzling on the mangal (open grill) hits you immediately. This casual eatery offers tender lamb chunks, chicken wings, minced beef lule kebab, even grilled fish – all with that irresistible smoky Caucasian barbecue flavor.
Price: $ (budget-friendly – kebabs ~$3–5 each)
3. Yashil Bazaar (Local Market Street Feast)
Baku's largest food bazaar is a lively hub overflowing with Azerbaijani tastes and aromas. Vendors display pyramids of pomegranates, persimmons, fresh herbs, and homemade jams. Wander sampling treats – many sellers offer tastes!
What to try: Seasonal fruits, baklava, shekerbura pastries, and Azeri black tea leaves. Street stands fry up qutab (savory stuffed crepes) for a quick bite.
Price: $ (very cheap – bag of figs ~$2)
4. Çay Bağı 145 (Tea Garden with a View)
Tucked in the Old City near Maiden Tower, this multi-level café features a fabulous open-air rooftop with panoramic views. By day, enjoy lavish Azerbaijani breakfast (fresh tandir bread, white cheese, honeycomb). By night, it transforms into a cozy tea garden with shisha and live mugham music.
What to try: Azeri black tea with fig or rose petal jam; Shah plov and lamb kebabs are excellent too.
Price: $$ (tea set for two ~$8; mains $10–12)
5. Street Döner Stands (Quick Shawarma Wraps)
No food adventure in Baku is complete without grabbing a dönər on the go. These wraps are the king of street eats – succulent lamb or chicken shaved thin, tucked into warm flatbread with fresh tomatoes, onions, and tangy sauces. Filling, flavorful, and incredibly cheap!
Price: $ (very cheap – $1–2 USD for a hefty wrap)
Where: Everywhere! Popular around Fountain Square, Nizami Street, and metro stations.
Foodie Tours Available
To sample a bit of everything, consider a Baku food tour. Guided foodie tours lead you through hidden eateries, street food stalls, and markets – a fun, hassle-free way to taste the city's best bites while learning about the culture.
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