Azerbaijan’s second largest city oozes with history and culture – from Khan’s Garden and Juma Mosque to the modern Heydar Aliyev Park. After a day of sightseeing, discover the following restaurants in Ganja for a selection of traditional, Eastern European and international dishes at surprisingly affordable prices.
Kolorit
Cafe, Restaurant, Kebab, European, $$$
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Sitting near the end of pedestrianised Javad Khan Street is Kolorit Restaurant. With a branch in Baku, the restaurant provides attentive service to diners with an extensive menu of various meats, soups and salads. Customers praise the generous portions inside this child-friendly spot just minutes from Ganja’s main attractions. The price of a hearty meal shouldn’t exceed a few manat.
Magara Restoran provides the perfect spot to relax for lunch after a day of sightseeing. In the centre of Javad Khan Street overlooking the pedestrianised street, diners can enjoy their meal while watching the Ganjavites going about their business outside. The menu has affordable traditional Azerbaijani dishes along with a selection of both Russian and European cuisines.
For a more traditional experience, head to Sac Evi Restoran. Located in the basement with a rustic interior, the menu boasts a selection of grills and soups for hungry customers. Eating Azeri food in this environment is both a delicious treat and cultural experience. Take note that the menus are in Azeri only.
For a more sophisticated dining experience, head to Epikur Bagi near City Hall and Juma Mosque. Consistently rated among the best restaurants in Ganja, diners can anticipate a culinary treat. Chefs specialise in various cuisines from Azerbaijani and European to Japanese sushi and Italian along with various fusions. The table arrangement has an elegant style, and the white-colour theme provides an air of class at Epikur Bagi. Diners often recommend trying dushbara, Azerbaijan’s national soup.
Elegance, a few minutes from Khan’s Garden, is one of the popular Turkish restaurants in Ganja. With a fresh interior design and a wide variety of dishes to choose from, Elegance has quickly become a favourite with locals. Azerbaijani tea combined with delicious food makes this a top place to grab a bite to eat. Just be aware Elegance is Halal and doesn’t serve alcohol.
Furor attracts customers for the selection of food on the menu and extended opening hours. With a reputation for being one of the more popular restaurants in Ganja, diners can choose between Azerbaijani, Eastern European, European and seafood dishes. Food presentation is of paramount importance, and customers should expect nothing short of world-class service. Traditional bands sometimes perform local Azeri songs too while customers relax and enjoy a glass of beer or wine.
While not strictly a restaurant in Ganja, Zilli Sirniyyat bakery deserves a mention. According to locals, this is the best family-owned bakery in the city selling everything from cakes to delicious baklavas. Those looking for a light snack or to sample some of Azerbaijan’s traditional sweet desserts can head to Zilli Sirniyyat by following Hasan Bay south from the Caravanserai for approximately 10 minutes.
Azerbaijanis consider Turks to be their cousins. Turkish cuisine thrives in Azerbaijan. For a traditional doner kebab, head to Ottoman Doner near Ganja’s main square. According to some, this fast-food restaurant in Ganja serves the best kebab in the city and given its location near City Hall and the Shah Abbas Caravanserai, it makes an ideal place to grab a quick lunch.
Serving up a combination of local, Eastern European and International dishes with a reputation for excellent service, Restoran Nostalji is worth visiting. Everything from grilled meat and kebabs to salads and soup fill the menu inside this cosy and family-friendly spot. Customers cite the affordability of meal rates as their favourite feature of Nostalji.
Restaurant Goygol, named after the well-known mountainous lake and national park, sits a short walk to the west of Juma Mosque. Not only is the restaurant child-friendly and inexpensive but it has a range of Azeri treats on the menu, including various meat dishes and soups.
