Best Restaurants in Iraq 2026

Masgouf

Iraq's national dish and its most celebrated culinary tradition — a whole Tigris River carp split open, marinated in olive oil, salt, and tamarind, then slow-grilled vertically over an open fire for 2-3 hours. The slow cooking gives an impossibly tender, smoky result unlike any other grilled fish.

Where to try: Abu Nuwas riverside restaurants, Baghdad; Al-Mansour Restaurant, Baghdad

Price: $15-35 per person

Dolma

Iraq's version of stuffed vegetables is arguably the finest in the Arab world — grape leaves, onion layers, tomatoes, peppers, and aubergines are stuffed with spiced rice and minced lamb, then slow-cooked together until the flavors meld. Iraqi dolma is a labor-intensive dish traditionally made for special occasions.

Where to try: Home-style restaurants throughout Iraq; Chwar Chra Restaurant, Erbil

Price: $8-15

Tepsi

An ancient Iraqi casserole of lamb chops, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and aubergine layered in a large tray (tepsi) and baked slowly until tender. The resulting dish concentrates all the cooking juices into an intensely flavored sauce that Iraqis mop up with fresh bread.

Where to try: Traditional Baghdad restaurants; home kitchens throughout Iraq

Price: $10-18

Kubba

Torpedo-shaped dumplings made from bulgur wheat or rice flour, filled with spiced minced meat and pine nuts, then fried or simmered in broth. Dozens of regional variants exist — Mosul kubba has a distinctive flat crispy disc form.

Where to try: Street vendors and traditional restaurants throughout Iraq

Price: $3-8

Kleicha

Iraq's beloved national cookie — buttery shortbread parcels filled with dates, walnuts, or coconut, perfumed with rose water, cardamom, and anise. Made for Eid, weddings, and religious occasions, they are ubiquitous in Iraqi homes and available in bakeries across the country.

Where to try: Pastry shops in Erbil bazaar; any Iraqi bakery; supermarkets

Price: $3-8 for box

Saj Al Iraqi

An upscale restaurant in Baghdad reimagining traditional Iraqi cuisine with modern techniques and presentation. The menu showcases regional specialties prepared with premium ingredients, paired with an extensive wine list. Elegant ambiance perfect for special occasions.

Al-Mansour, Baghdad

Darbunah Restaurant

A hidden gem on Omar Bin Yasir Street bringing authentic Iraqi flavors to your plate. The diverse menu caters to all tastes with traditional recipes passed down through generations. Warm atmosphere and reasonable prices make it popular with locals and tourists alike.

Omar Bin Yasir Street, Baghdad

Saj al-Reef

A popular casual spot in Baghdad serving fresh saj bread with various toppings and fillings. The open kitchen lets you watch the bread being made on the traditional domed griddle. Quick service and delicious, affordable meals make it a local favorite.

Al-Mansour, Baghdad

Masgouf Stands - Abu Nuwas

A collection of traditional masgouf stalls along Abu Nuwas Street by the Tigris River. Watch as fresh carp is butterflied, seasoned, and slowly grilled over tamarind wood. This is the most authentic way to experience Iraq's national dish in a riverside setting.

Abu Nuwas Street, Baghdad

Shabandar Café

Established in 1917, this is one of Baghdad's oldest and most famous coffeehouses. A gathering place for academics, scholars, poets, and artists for over a century. Serves as a living museum of Iraqi intellectual culture with walls adorned with historical photographs.

Al-Mutanabbi Street, Baghdad

Mazaya Restaurant

Erbil's premier fine dining establishment offering sophisticated Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine. Features an elegant interior, attentive service, live music on weekends, and an extensive menu of mezze, grills, and seafood. Popular with business dinners and celebrations.

Empire Business District, Erbil

Antique Khana Restaurant

Revered by food critics as the best place to experience traditional Iraqi settings. Warm design with authentic furniture creates a nostalgic atmosphere. The menu highlights the best of Iraqi cuisine, particularly renowned for breakfast options featuring Iraqi bread and fresh ingredients.

Al-Karrada, Baghdad

Kebabchi Ali

A no-frills kebab house in Erbil that's been serving perfect kebabs for years. Simple setting but the quality of the meat and grilling technique keep customers coming back. The tikka and kubba are particularly recommended.

Near Qaysari Bazaar, Erbil

Shawarma

Thinly sliced slow-roasted lamb or chicken served in flatbread with tahini, pickles, and garlic sauce. Iraq's most popular fast food found on virtually every commercial street in Baghdad and Erbil.

Find it at: Al-Karrada district Baghdad; everywhere on commercial streets

Falafel sandwiches

Crispy deep-fried chickpea patties in samoon bread with tahini, tomatoes, and pickles — Baghdad's classic breakfast street food, best eaten hot at morning rush hour.

Find it at: Morning street vendors near Al-Mutanabbi Street, Baghdad; Shorja Market area

Iraqi flatbread (Khubz)

Fresh round flatbread baked in clay ovens (tannour) by street bakers; eaten with everything from breakfast eggs to masgouf dinners. The best is bought direct from the baker, hot and puffed from the oven.

Find it at: Neighborhood bakeries and street carts throughout all Iraqi cities

Tamerhindi (Tamarind drink)

A deeply refreshing cold drink made from tamarind concentrate, water, and sugar — sour-sweet and unlike anything else. Traditional street vendors sell it from ornate brass urns.

Find it at: Street vendors near Al-Mutanabbi Street and Baghdad bazaars

Samoon with fillings

The distinctive Iraqi diamond-shaped bread filled to order with eggs, cheese, falafel, or meat — the universal Iraqi street breakfast eaten on the go.

Find it at: Bread carts throughout Baghdad and Erbil from 6 AM

Shorja Central Market

Baghdad's vast ancient market has entire sections dedicated to food — pyramids of brilliantly colored spices, dried fruits, imported nuts, fresh herbs, and Iraqi specialty products. The spice section is a photographer's paradise and a cook's treasure house.

Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Friday reduced hours

Qaysari Bazaar Food Section, Erbil

The food and spice sections of Erbil's ancient covered bazaar beneath the Citadel offer Kurdish specialties including local mountain honey, dried figs from Kurdistan orchards, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, and traditional dried herbs.

Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Sulaymaniyah Bazaar Fresh Produce

Sulaymaniyah's sprawling market has an outstanding fresh produce section with Kurdistan's mountain vegetables, seasonal fruits, fresh herbs, and local dairy products. A vibrant, photogenic display of Kurdish agricultural abundance.

Hours: Daily 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM