Café Naderi, located in central Tehran, is one of the city’s most storied landmarks and a lasting symbol of Tehran’s intellectual and cultural history. Founded in 1927 by Armenian immigrant Khachik Madikians, the café was initially a small establishment. However, under Madikians’ vision, it blossomed into a multifaceted venue—a café, hotel, and restaurant with an adjacent summer garden. The design by architect Aziz Banaian embraced both European and Persian styles, giving the establishment a unique aesthetic appeal that set it apart in Tehran’s bustling landscape.
Through the mid-20th century, Café Naderi became a focal point for Iran’s burgeoning intellectual and artistic community. Writers, poets, musicians, and artists gathered regularly, turning it into a melting pot of ideas and a breeding ground for creativity. Notable Iranian figures like Sadegh Hedayat, Jalal Al-e-Ahmad, and Forough Farrokhzad are said to have spent countless hours here, drafting works and engaging in philosophical debates that shaped Iranian modernist thought. It became a place for the avant-garde, where patrons could immerse themselves in the exchange of ideas or quietly observe Tehran’s vibrant creative life.
The café’s summer garden, open until 1978, was famous for its lively music performances, offering patrons a setting to enjoy traditional Persian music or jazz—a reflection of the café’s international and cosmopolitan atmosphere. In this way, Café Naderi bridged cultures and time periods, maintaining its relevance as a historical and cultural landmark even as the world around it evolved.
Today, Café Naderi stands as a nostalgic reminder of a Tehran before 1979, and despite Iran’s changing social and political landscape, it remains a cherished relic for many. Visitors still come to experience a piece of history, enjoying classic Persian sweets like noon khamei and Persian tea, while imagining the days when the café was buzzing with revolutionary conversations and the poetry of Iran’s finest minds.