The best bars and cafés Samarkand

This address is mostly frequented by European tourists but it is pleasant, at the foot of the Bibi Khanum mosque. You can drink cardamom coffee with sweets or a traditional green tea. On the terrace under the iwan, we know that the prices are overpriced, but the place is appreciated. You can also have lunch or dinner there: the cuisine is of quality and simple. You will find classic Uzbek and Russian dishes such as borscht. An option in the old town that is not given for what it is, but can be a pleasant relief.

The café of the El Merosi theatre is a pretty little haven of peace where the black and white photographs and the white and pastel colours are particularly soothing and warm. Excellent espressos are prepared here, there is a good choice of teas and fresh pastries follow one another throughout the day. Try the walnut cake: a real marvel! There is also a good selection of locally made chocolates of excellent quality. The atmosphere is calm and cosy, but of course comes alive during the performances.

Small bistro pleasantly decorated with black and white photos and musical instruments. Despite its name, there is little blues here: the soundtrack is more often Uzbek or Russian, outside of live concerts. The menu offers some snacks and good pizzas for dinner. It is one of the oldest local nightlife addresses: the people of Samarkand still go there in the evening and as the room is very small, if you want to have dinner it is sometimes good to book in advance. Small terrace at the back if you prefer to sit outdoors.

Lovers of local experiences, here is an address that will delight you. On the one hand you can taste the Samarkand beer brewed (with the help of the Czech Republic) right next door: the Pulsar, a pilsner that is up to 10°. Everything else is also local: the slow service, the customers as greedy as warm, the menu in Uzbek where not much is available in the kitchen... You will be bored stiff if you go alone, but it can become a fun experience if you are with friends. You can also taste some Samarkand wines.

A trendy address in Samarkand, dedicated to the rather affluent youth who like to treat themselves in the evening to steak planchas drizzled with pints of beer. It is nevertheless very relaxed, quiet during the day and a little more lively in the evening (occasional concerts, check out the Facebook page). More than for meals, we recommend the place for a coffee, a refreshment or a cocktail at the end of the day, we appreciate the comfortable armchairs, the volumes and the attention paid to the decoration, halfway between traditional materials and touches of modernity.