Mirza Boshi

Right in the center of Khiva's old city, a short walk from the Kalta-Minor minaret, Mirza Boshi has built a reputation as one of the most reliable places to eat in town. The restaurant occupies a 19th-century madrassah, and the setting alone, with carved columns and traditional ceramic wall decoration, makes a meal here feel like part of the sightseeing.

The kitchen focuses on authentic national cuisine, with dishes like gumma, Khorezm kebab, shivit osh, and tukhum barak dumplings drawing steady praise from visitors. A solid selection of vegetarian dishes is also available, and portions are consistently described as generous for the price. In the evenings, live music adds to the atmosphere, and guests can even join a hands-on cooking class to learn how some of the local specialties are made.

Mirza Boshi holds a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice award and currently sits at a strong 4.0-star rating from close to 300 reviews, ranking it among the top restaurants in Khiva. Reviewers regularly highlight the friendly, attentive staff, many of whom speak good English, along with a wide selection of food and drinks that includes local wine.

The restaurant is open daily from late morning until midnight, making it a flexible stop for both lunch after a morning of sightseeing and a relaxed dinner in the evening. While it can feel busy with tour groups at peak times, most guests still describe the experience as worth the visit.

For travelers wanting authentic Khorezm cooking in a genuinely historic setting, Mirza Boshi remains one of the easiest recommendations in Khiva's old city.