Dining - Baghdad | ArrivalGuides.com

DiningGuide was updated: June 2, 2025

Iraqi cuisine has ancient roots, with influences from early Mesopotamian cultures and neighbouring regions such as Persia, Syria, and Turkey. Over the centuries, these influences have shaped a diverse and intricate culinary tradition. Typical Iraqi dishes include 'dolma'; stuffed grape leaves, kebabs, and various stews. While dishes like falafel, pita with hummus, and biryani are popular in the broader Middle Eastern region, they are more commonly associated with Levantine or Southern Asian cuisines.

Street Food

Venturing beyond the Green Zone into Baghdad's vibrant streets offers a genuine taste of everyday Iraqi life, particularly around the Al-Mutanabbi Street area. Here, countless small stalls serve up an array of street food, sweets and chai tea. As you explore, you'll encounter delicious beef, chicken, and falafel sandwiches, typically served with a small bowl of chicken or beef broth and a small tub of drinking water. Skewers of grilled kebabs are equally common, served with fresh pickles, salad, and warm flatbread. A satisfying meal rarely costs more than 7,000 Iraqi dinars, about $5 USD. Just remember to bring cash, as local vendors don't accept card payments.

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Sulaymaniyah Restaurant

In the area around Al-Tahrir and Firdos Squares, where budget hotels, restaurants and tea houses abound, Sulaymaniyah Restaurant is a must-visit culinary spot. This eatery's simple façade offers exceptional Iraqi fare served inside. Their tender meat cuts, served with the typical Iraqi bean bowl and white rice, showcase authentic home-style cooking at its best.

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Saj Al-Reef Restaurant

Saj Al-Reef, as the name reflects, uses Saj, a bread-type dough placed on a domed metal griddle and baked over a wood fire, as a main ingredient in many of its dishes. Over time other influences have been adopted and the menu now includes Saj sandwiches, Mexican dishes, Indian and other ethnic foods.

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Restaurant Beeston Samad

Samad Restaurant is a local favourite, its throngs of loyal patrons flooding their four locations daily and warranting the opening of a new location in Dubai. The menu consists of oriental, Iraqi, Kurdish and Western cuisines. The prices might be higher than most other options in the area, but the quality of the food is worth it.

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Mazaya Restaurant

Mazaya stands out for the huge diversity of its menu. Options include everything from European cuisine and classic Italian favourites like pizza and pasta to Chinese and Middle Eastern dishes, specialising in Iraqi and Lebanese food. Whatever mood you're in, you are sure to find something at Mazaya.

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Dining in Baghdad

Street Food

Sulaymaniyah Restaurant

Saj Al-Reef Restaurant

Restaurant Beeston Samad

Mazaya Restaurant