SAEDNEWS: When it comes to traveling to Hamadan, one of the first questions is: Where should I eat? The answer lies in getting to know the city’s renowned restaurants—places that are not just for dining, but are part of the travel experience itself, offering a taste of the culture of this ancient city.
We’ll examine the criteria that set restaurants apart, compare prices, and finally highlight two standout names to make choosing quick and reliable.
In Hamadan, food is more than just a meal—it’s part of the city’s identity. Local ingredients, hearty stews, and traditional sweets paint a complete picture of Hamadan’s table. This authenticity is reflected in the city’s renowned restaurants and becomes the benchmark for quality. In this cultural setting, even “the largest restaurant in Hamadan” must honor the authenticity of its flavors alongside its size and design.
The mountainous climate, access to fresh meat and dairy, wild herbs, and inherited recipes have shaped Hamadan’s cuisine. A restaurant aiming to join the list of Hamadan’s top eateries must combine three essentials: fresh ingredients, authentic recipes, and clean execution, alongside a warm ambiance and attentive service.
Kebabs and stews made with fresh meat and precise cooking
Local soups (like ash-e doogh) with native herbs
Handmade dairy in starters or sauces
Fragrant Iranian rice dishes
Traditional desserts or sweets (kamaaj, halva zardeh)

Here’s a compact, practical list of Hamadan’s well-known restaurants. Each is highlighted with a unique feature to help make an informed choice: traditional or modern? Garden or urban? Iranian or international menu?
Spiyas – Spacious, mixed Iranian/modern menu; ideal for formal gatherings or family get-togethers.
Emarat Vala – Traditional architecture and décor; focuses on authentic Iranian cuisine; perfect for a calm dining experience.
Naal Ashkaneh – Garden restaurant with lush surroundings; popular for group dinners and nature experience.
Delta – Economical option with consistent quality; suitable for casual everyday meals.
Cactus – Easy urban access and varied menu; great for tight schedules.
Dizi-Saray-e Arian – Specializes in dizi and local dishes; a treat for lovers of traditional flavors.
Hammam-e Ghal’eh – Enjoy traditional food in a historic building; combines sightseeing with dining.
Chubin – Italian/European cuisine focus; for international palates.
Ariana (Ali-Sadr Cave) – Convenient for meals after sightseeing.
Parseh (Hotel) – Luxurious with hotel services; suitable for formal occasions.
Choosing Based on Priority:
For ambiance: Emarat Vala, Naal Ashkaneh
For a varied menu: Spiyas, Cactus
For authentic local taste: Dizi-Saray-e Arian, Hammam-e Ghal’eh
For quick access: Delta, Cactus

Key indicators of popularity are clear: taste quality, consistency, fair pricing, pleasant atmosphere, professional staff, and accessibility. Restaurants excelling in these areas are more likely to be recommended by locals and visitors alike.
Details to consider:
Ingredients & preparation: Fresh meat and herbs, fragrant rice, precise cooking temperatures
Taste consistency: One good meal isn’t enough; repeatable quality builds popularity
Price/value: Slightly higher cost can be justified by portion size and consistent quality
Space & seating: Comfortable tables, proper lighting, decent acoustics
Service: Friendly staff, attentive to special requests
Accessibility: Parking, proximity to attractions, major roads
“A restaurant is popular when it delivers the same quality at peak hours as at quieter times—every meal lives up to expectations.”
For an authentic Hamadan experience, traditional restaurants are the way to go. Expect wooden décor, copper dishes, soft music, and dishes prepared with old recipes—ash, dizi, kebabs, and home-style stews are the stars.
Emarat Vala: Stunning architecture, Iranian menu; ideal for a relaxed traditional experience.
Naal Ashkaneh: Garden setting; perfect for calming family dinners.
Hammam-e Ghal’eh: Historical building turns dining into an event.
Dizi-Saray-e Arian: Focuses on hearty dizi and rooted flavors.

Modern Hamadan restaurants cater to those who want to combine Iranian flavors with international dishes. Here, Iranian classics share the menu with burgers, steaks, pasta, and pizza.
Spiyas: Large venue, diverse menu, ideal for groups with mixed tastes.
Chubin & hotel restaurants: European-style décor and international menu.
Key advantage: Variety—perfect for groups with differing preferences.
Hamadan offers a range of dining experiences from budget-friendly local eateries to upscale restaurants. Understanding this spectrum helps manage your budget, with value for money being the key consideration.
Restaurant Level | Approx. Cost per Meal | Suitable For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
Local/Traditional | 8–15 USD | Budget-friendly, authentic taste | Best price-quality ratio for local dishes |
Mid-range Urban | 15–25 USD | Everyday family meal | Balanced choice, easy access |
Luxury/Large | 25–40+ USD | Important gatherings, large groups | Full service, special décor, wide variety |

For a reliable selection, two names stand out:
Spiyas: Modern, spacious, diverse menu; great for large parties, family celebrations, or groups wanting both Iranian and international dishes. Comfortable seating and organized service make it a risk-free choice.
Emarat Vala: Traditional architecture, soft music, Iranian menu; delivers a grand, authentic dining experience.
These two together cover a wide range of tastes and priorities.
Hamadan’s famous restaurants are more than a list—they map local tastes and experiences. From garden restaurants to luxurious halls, from traditional stews to burgers and pasta, variety is the city’s winning card.
To decide quickly: define your need—large gathering, quiet dinner for two, or authentic local experience—then check the criteria and choose one of the two reliable options:
Spiyas: For large groups and mixed tastes
Emarat Vala: For a memorable traditional meal
This way, the question “Where should I eat in Hamadan?” has a clear answer: where your priorities are fully met.