מסעדת סמרקנד

Key information

Samarkand is the first restaurant in Israel to introduce Bukharian hospitality and cuisine to the Israeli public. It was founded in 1995 by Eliyahu Fuzaylev, who previously worked as a chef in a prestigious restaurant in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, specializing in traditional Uzbek cuisine. The restaurant's ambiance and theme are inspired by the historical city of Samarkand, reflecting its past as a center of trade and arts in Central Asia.

Customer perception

Customers generally praise the restaurant for its fresh, tasty, and varied Bukharian/Uzbek dishes, fast service, and good value for money. Many highlight 'real manty' and 'great filet on skewers' as must-try items. The staff is often described as superb, helpful, and friendly, with specific mentions of excellent service (e.g., 'Tali'). The unique cultural experience and the availability of private rooms for events are also appreciated. However, some older reviews mention inconsistencies, including instances of rude service, dirty toilets, overcooked or dry dishes like skewers and dumplings, and disappointing desserts (e.g., hard cookies in an ice cream sandwich). Some also noted that the decor/atmosphere can be a bit noisy.

Additional details

The restaurant offers prepared food for Friday/Shabbat (אוכל מוכן לשישי). It features private rooms suitable for events, some equipped with TVs for presentations. There is a free parking lot available nearby. Samarkand operates two locations: one in Tel Aviv (Derekh Ben-Zvi) and another in Or Yehuda (HaHagana 4). The Tel Aviv location is situated between Jaffa and Tel Aviv, next to Bloomfield Stadium.

Cuisine highlights

Best times to visit

No specific best times to visit are mentioned in the available information.