My Journey to Bistro 4293
I arrived in San Francisco in 2015, carrying with me memories of a place I could not return to for over 30 years—Khojaly, the city in Azerbaijan where I was born and spent the first 11 years of my life. In 1992, everything changed. The military occupation and massacre forced my family to flee, and we spent nearly a decade in a refugee tent camp. Those years shaped who I am in every way.
Food was scarce during that time. I rarely had the chance to feel full, but the flavors of home—my mother’s cooking, the aromas of slow-cooked meats, herbs, and breads—stayed with me. They were a source of comfort, strength, and identity.
When I came to the United States, I searched everywhere for something that felt familiar. I tried cuisines from every corner of the world, hoping to taste something that brought me back to the warmth of our kitchen in Khojaly. I never found it. So I decided to create it.
Bistro 4293 is the result of that lifelong search. It’s a place where I can share the deep, generous flavors of Azerbaijani and Caucasian cuisine—food that nourishes both body and soul. Every dish we serve is a tribute to the meals I missed, the culture I carry, and the people we lost.
This is more than a restaurant. It’s a home for memory, for hospitality, and for the joy of a truly full table. To my knowledge, Bistro 4293 is the first Azerbaijani restaurant on the West Coast that fully represents the richness of our culinary heritage. I’m proud to share it with you.
Anar Usubov
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S6OuM7PjuQ
We opened this restaurant with one heartfelt mission — to share the rich culinary heritage of the Azerbaijani people. Azerbaijani cuisine is more than just food; it's a story woven from the diverse cultures of the Caucasus, Persia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. It's a unique fusion of flavors, traditions, and aromas that come together in every unforgettable bite.
Each of our dishes carries the warmth of tradition and the depth of generations-old recipes. We believe food brings people together, tells stories, and creates lasting memories.
It is our joy to cook for you, and we warmly welcome you to experience a piece of Azerbaijan right here in the heart of Oakland.
With love,
The Bistro 4293 Team