Restaurant Sofra

While most tourists head straight for the restaurants inside Itchan Kala, locals in Khiva often point visitors toward Restaurant Sofra instead. Located a short taxi ride from the old town near the train station, in the Mevaston Mahallah area, it's built more for comfort and value than postcard views, and many guests say that trade-off pays off.

The interior sets Restaurant Sofra apart from the traditional teahouses nearby, with a modern, stylish design that blends Western and Uzbek decorative touches into something closer to a lounge than a typical cafe. The menu follows the same mix, combining Uzbek, Turkish, and American dishes, including juicy kebabs and shashliks, steaks, burgers, and the region's beloved green noodles, alongside a solid dessert selection. Vegetarian choices are more limited here than at some old-city spots, since the kitchen leans heavily toward grilled meats.

In the evenings, Restaurant Sofra typically features live music from around 7 to 10 PM, giving the space a lively, welcoming atmosphere that works well for families, couples, and larger groups alike. An English digital menu makes ordering straightforward for foreign visitors, even though staff English can be limited.

Reviewers consistently highlight generous portions, attentive service, and food quality that holds up well against pricier restaurants closer to the old city walls. Many consider it one of the best value options in Khiva, even with a standard 15% service charge applied, as is common across most restaurants in town.

For travelers wanting a break from tourist-focused dining, Restaurant Sofra offers a genuinely local, modern alternative just outside Khiva's historic center.