Baghdad, Iraq's capital on the Tigris River, blends nearly 1,300 years of Mesopotamian and Islamic history with a still-difficult current security environment; travel here in 2026 requires real preparation and current advisory awareness.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Abu Nawas Fish Restaurant
Popular Iraqi restaurant in Baghdad.
Known for: Masgouf (open-fire grilled Tigris carp)
Abu Nuwas Street, Rusafa, Baghdad, Iraq
Baghdadi Restaurant
Popular Iraqi restaurant in Baghdad.
Known for: Masgouf and Iraqi small plates
Abu Nawas Gardens, Rusafa, Baghdad, Iraq
Al-Faisaliya Restaurant and Cafe
Popular Middle Eastern restaurant in Baghdad.
Known for: Grilled meats and Middle Eastern mezze
Outer Karrada District, Baghdad, Iraq
Darbunah
Popular Iraqi restaurant in Baghdad.
Known for: Home-style Iraqi cooking
Inner Karrada District, Baghdad, Iraq
Zarzoor Restaurant
Popular Iraqi restaurant in Baghdad.
Known for: Traditional Iraqi comfort food
Karrada District, Baghdad, Iraq
Asayel Restaurant
Popular Iraqi restaurant in Baghdad.
Known for: Grilled meats
Al-Sayyad Club Street, Mansour, Baghdad, Iraq
Beeston Samad Restaurant
Popular Iraqi restaurant in Baghdad.
Known for: Authentic Iraqi home cooking
Mansour District, Baghdad, Iraq
Oyoon Baghdad Restaurant
Popular Iraqi restaurant in Baghdad.
Known for: Authentic Iraqi cuisine
Karrada District, Baghdad, Iraq
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Iraqi
Barley Restaurant
Known for: Traditional Iraqi cuisine with a modern presentation
Al-Jadriya District, Baghdad, Iraq
Jadiriyah Floating Restaurant
Known for: Riverside dining with Tigris views
Tigris riverbank, Al-Jadriya, Baghdad, Iraq
Sabah Al-Arabi Restaurant
Known for: Traditional Iraqi breakfast and lunch dishes
Karrada District, Baghdad, Iraq
Rasul Kahi Geymar
Known for: Kahi (crisp layered pastry) with geymar (clotted cream) and date syrup
Karrada District, Baghdad, Iraq
Shabandar Cafe
Known for: Iraqi chai served in a century-old coffeehouse lined with historic photographs
Al-Mutanabbi Street, near Al-Qishla, Rusafa, Baghdad, Iraq
Dawa Baghdad
Known for: Traditional and modern cuisine overlooking the Tigris
Tigris riverbank, Al-Jadriya, Baghdad, Iraq
Arab
Adam's Secrets Kitchen and Cafe
Known for: Traditional Arab cuisine with a modern presentation
Al-Jadriya District, Baghdad, Iraq
Syrian
Naranj Restaurant
Known for: Authentic Syrian flavors
Karrada District, Baghdad, Iraq
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |