Best Restaurants in Erbil
Erbil has one of the most diverse and thriving restaurant scenes in Iraq. The Ankawa district is home to a huge range of international restaurants — Lebanese, Indian, Italian, Chinese, and more — while Iskan Street is packed with lively Kurdish and Arabic restaurants. Italian Village (Qarya Italiya) is a popular upscale dining area, and the streets around the Citadel offer some of the best traditional Kurdish food in the city. Don't miss Kurdish staples like slow-cooked lamb (quzi), dolma (stuffed vine leaves and vegetables), and fresh-baked bread (naan) straight from the tandoor oven. Live music is a feature of many traditional Kurdish restaurants, especially at weekends. This page lists the best food events and restaurant openings happening in Erbil right now — updated daily.
- What are the best restaurants in Erbil?
- Erbil's best restaurants are concentrated in Ankawa, Iskan Street, and Italian Village, offering Kurdish, Arabic, Indian, Italian, Lebanese and international cuisine. Traditional Kurdish restaurants near the Citadel are particularly recommended for an authentic local experience.
- What is traditional Kurdish food in Erbil?
- Traditional Kurdish food in Erbil includes quzi (slow-roasted lamb on rice), dolma (stuffed vine leaves and vegetables), shawarma, biryani, kebabs, and fresh naan bread baked in a tandoor. Meals are typically generous and served family-style.
- Where should I eat in Erbil?
- The best areas to eat in Erbil are Ankawa (international cuisine and alcohol-friendly restaurants), Iskan Street (Kurdish and casual dining, busy in the evenings), and Italian Village (upscale international restaurants). The Citadel area has excellent traditional Kurdish food.
- Are restaurants in Erbil expensive?
- Erbil restaurants range widely in price. Local Kurdish restaurants are very affordable (a full meal for under $10), while international restaurants in Ankawa or Italian Village are priced more similarly to restaurants in Europe or the Gulf.
