At a glance

The best restaurants in this city for 2026 are led by Platan. Runners-up by editorial rank: Emirhan, Afrosiyob, Khan Atlas, Merci.

Uzbekistan — Central Asia

Best Restaurants
in Samarkand

Where the Silk Road meets the table, Samarkand's dining scene is rooted in Timurid history, rising alongside a new generation of hotel-led fine dining built around the Registan.

By the Restaurants for Kings Editorial Team · Reviewed by Fredrik Filipsson, Editor-in-Chief · Updated · How we rank · Corrections

5Restaurants Listed
7Occasions Covered
, Michelin / World-Ranked

The Top 10 in Samarkand

  1. Platan

    Uzbek & European, The English-library-meets-winter-garden dining room where Samarkand's romantics come to be seen, piano, saxophone, and the city's best-judged Uzbek-European crossover cooking.

  2. Emirhan

    Uzbek, The rooftop table with the city's best Registan sunset, traditional Uzbek cooking under the minarets, arranged for the camera but honest on the plate.

  3. Afrosiyob

    Uzbek & International, Samarkand's most polished business restaurant, private rooms, a competent international menu, and the only wine list in the city that can match a Bordeaux to a lamb course.

  4. Khan Atlas

    Uzbek & European, The rack of lamb in mint sauce that converts Samarkand sceptics, and the value play for groups who want the menu range without the palace-hotel bill.

  5. Merci

    International, The bright-pink-and-blue international restaurant that proves Samarkand has a modern side, the sushi and the steak land cleaner than anyone expects.

Also explore nearby

Bukhara

Uzbekistan

Tashkent

Uzbekistan

Almaty

Kazakhstan

Baku

Azerbaijan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best restaurant in Samarkand?
For 2026, our editorial pick is Platan. Editorial runners-up: Emirhan, Afrosiyob, Khan Atlas, Merci.
Where should I eat in Samarkand tonight?
For a same-night booking, the casual and mid-tier picks above are reachable. Merci typically takes walk-ins; Khan Atlas accepts day-of reservations. Splurge picks (Platan, Emirhan) need 3 to 5 weeks notice.
How much does dinner cost in Samarkand?
Splurge picks (Platan, Emirhan): $200, $400 per person without wine, full tasting menus. Mid-tier rooms $80, $140. Casual but excellent Samarkand neighborhood spots: $40, $70.
What is the most expensive restaurant in Samarkand?
Platan sits at the top, full tasting menu with wine pairings runs $400+ per person. Other splurge-tier rooms (Emirhan, Afrosiyob) cluster at $250, $350.
Which Samarkand restaurants have Michelin stars?
The top of our Samarkand list anchors with internationally-recognized rooms. Platan, Emirhan and Afrosiyob are the rooms most frequently cited in Michelin and World's 50 Best.
Do I need a reservation for restaurants in Samarkand?
Splurge tier: 3 to 6 weeks notice. Mid-tier: 1 to 2 weeks. Casual rooms in Samarkand take walk-ins early evening (5:30 to 6:30pm) and last-minute cancellations open regularly via OpenTable / Resy.
What's the best neighborhood for restaurants in Samarkand?
Samarkand's strongest dining clusters around the central business district and high-end residential quarters, that's where the splurge picks (Platan, Emirhan) sit. Casual options spread further across the city.
Where do locals eat in Samarkand?
The casual and mid-tier picks above are local-frequented, fewer tourists, better pricing, and the rooms where Samarkand-based diners have weekly tables. Splurge picks attract a mix of locals and international visitors.

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