(My) Ultimate Kiev Restaurant Guide

When people ask me why I decided to return to Kiev, I rattle off a list of things. The friendly Ukrainian people, my supportive school, the creative energy. And the food. The Kiev restaurant scene is unbelievable – concoctions of modern Ukrainian gastronomy, a rising craft beer industry, dreamy cocktails in unmarked speakeasies, and piles of amazing Georgian food. And, compared to New York, so affordable. I found myself giving longer and longer “must eat at” lists to visitors to Kyiv, until finally I decided to collect all my wisdom into a Kiev restaurant guide.

While I threw myself into the research, grasping at everything in sight so I could recommend the best places to eat in Kiev, I literally could not keep up with the boom in business. Every time I visited a new culinary hotspot, I would hear about two more. Research became an insurmountable task. But one I tackled with gusto and just a few extra pounds added in the end.

I’ve got over 40 cafes and restaurants in Kiev that I’d recommend, and I’ve tried to organize them in some way that’s not overwhelming. (A Kiev bar guide is coming in the future!) If you’re visiting Kiev for less than a week, take a closer look at the ones I’ve *-ed. If you think I’ve missed something, please add it in the comments! I want to add to my own growing list for when I return to Kyiv!

A quick word about restaurants in Kyiv. It’s a very reservation-happy city, so if there’s some place you’re sure you want to go, try calling or even Facebook-ing them to request a reservation.

Most of these restaurants listed here would be considered mid-range or even cheaper compared to Western standards (I am a teacher, and I dine out as such). I would say that even those that are on the higher end offer dishes for less than $25.

For the record I would like to state I am not a food photographer and I deeply apologize for my hasty photos. But, I was hungry. 

Best Ukrainian Restaurants in Kiev

Kanapa*: Kanapa has been lauded far and wide as a pioneer in modern Ukrainian gastronomy and for good reason. The menu is… adventurous, to say the least. But the borscht served in cabbage bowl and the inventive varenyky give a taste of exemplary Ukrainian classics with a modern flair. During winter, they offer a butter candle, a whimsical flourish to their homey bread.

Ostannya Barykada (The Last Barricade)*: A jewel crafted in the modern wave of patriotism and liberty, Ostannya Barykada staunchly serves only Ukrainian products, from cheese to absinth. To get in you have to repeat the password, after which you’ll be given a short tour of the restaurant, the hostess proudly pointing out relics and symbols of Ukraine’s fight for independence throughout the decades. I’ve celebrated more than one goodbye dinner at Ostannya Barykada, toasting friends with rounds of ratafia – “Boritesya – poborete!”

Pervak*: Pervak, with its rustic interior design (when was the last time you saw bar stools made to look like horses’ behinds?), is a top-notch choice for delving into classic Ukrainian cuisine. It’s ranked one of the best Ukrainian restaurants in Kiev and has happily satisfied lots of hungry tourists and locals.

Spotykach: Spotykach is where to go to get your Ukrainian kitsch fix. It’s got a bit of a Soviet-era flair, though the waitress gently corrected my dad towards Ukrainian when he said “Спасибо.” Here you can get the Ukrainian classics, but you can also get cosmonaut food (disclaimer: I have not tried it) or chocolate and shots checkers (disclaimer: I wish someone would try this with me).

Katyusha: Katyusha is my go-to place for cheap varynyky. Decked out in a dated retro style (on purpose), service here is often nonchalant, but that has never stopped me from coming. This is a great place to eat varynyky on a budget, and a solid low-key lunch choice in general.

Puzata Hata: A buffet style and affordable chain, even by Ukrainian standards, Pizata Hata is a great place to fill yourself up on a budget in Kiev. I’ve actually only ever been there to have tea, which has shocked my friends both local and expat. I do feel like I’m missing out on a culture experience, if not top-tier cuisine.

Lvivski Pljacky: This homegrown Ukrainian strudel chain is perfect for a quick and tasty meal. It serves both sweet and savory strudels, along with delicious coffee. They also have cheesecake, which I’ve never tried because I don’t really like cheesecake, but even to me it looks pretty tasty. You can also find them, obviously, in Lviv and other Ukrainian cites.

Musafir: Musafir is a Crimean restaurant that moved to Kyiv – well, when Russia moved into Crimea. Basically everything I’ve eaten there has been mouth-watering, from chebureki to plov to shashlik. It was one of my family’s favorite places they ate when they visited, and I basically organized a ten-day food tour for them.

Chicken Kyiv: Chicken Kyiv may or may not be a Ukrainian dish, but that doesn’t stop me from enjoying it every. single. time. Chicken Kyiv whips up a mean… chicken Kyiv, but what I really love about this place is the retro-chic interior design. I’ve also been for brunch, which was a little over the top in the tastiest way.

Best International Restaurants in Kiev

Milk Bar*: I call Milk Bar a little piece of Brooklyn in Kyiv and lovingly so. With smashed avocado toast, waiters that skip around in pajamas on the weekends, and drool-worthy layer cakes tantalizing from the glass pastry cake, you could easily imagine you’re in Williamsburg. It’s busy, often pumped with expats and tourists, and doesn’t take reservations, but it’s worth the wait for brunch or birthdays.

Mimosa Brooklyn Pizza*: Ramshackle and cozy, Mimosa Brooklyn Pizza takes shabby chic to Instagram perfection (I know some of you will love that and some of you will hate it). But more importantly YES, the pizza really is good too. (Psst, this is a great place for a date in Kiev.)

Noodles Versus Marketing*: The ramen here is worth the struggle to find this hole in a basement in a corner of a courtyard. Squeeze yourself into a table and get ready for ramen that will warm the soul. It’s often packed, which really does prove that if you have the best noodles, you don’t need marketing.

Tin Tin: A neon reimaging of the comics, Tin Tin is the best Vietnamese food I found in Kyiv. The ambiance is also magnetic – inside it’s like the Tin Tin books exploded into a trendy upscale restaurant, and outside you can watch more motivated people cycle around the velodrome. Tin Tin also has a killer cocktail list, designed by one of the best bartenders in the city.

Sutra: Not only is Sutra some of the best Indian food in Kiev, but the interior design is mind-bogglingly indulgent, as if designed by an eccentric millionaire. The bathroom faucet is a faux-gold swan, and white-gloved waitresses serve you while you awkwardly stare at your dining companion across the table. It’s also one of the rare places where when they say spicy, they actually mean it. Don’t forget to stop in the corner and open a pint-sized shrine for chocolate and a fortune – and take a hard look at the carvings on the door on your way out.

Très Branche: This hip French bistro a solid choice any time of day, whether you’re having coffee and a croissant, an aperol spritz with a side of people watching al fresco, or their raclette grill. It’s tiny and often gets booked with reservations, so call ahead or be prepared to be turned away.

Dos Amigos: This is my go-to Mexican restaurant in Kiev. Is it super authentic? No. But it’s the best I’ve found for when I’m craving quesadillas and frozen margaritas.

Alltrueeast: Middle Eastern food with a side of waffles, Alltrueeast became one of my go-to brunch spots in Kiev. They’ve got shakshuka and hummus on the menu, but I typically go for the sweet or savory waffles. I also enjoy their signature spiced latte, a brunch upgrade from my typical cappuccino.

Under Wonder: Upscale, international cuisine, made by confidently competent chefs. They have homemade pasta on menu, which is my drug of choice. I went with a friend, but it seemed to be full of people having birthday parties or on fancy dates, and nary a man walked in without a bouquet of flowers in his hand. Excellent people watching and some creative cocktails to boot.

True Burger: True Burger staked itself out in my heart as ‘my burger place’ early on in my Kyiv life, and I was happy to stay loyal the entire time. These are hearty burgers, served with the kind of fries I just want to fall into forever. Want a real (totally worth it) artery clogging meal? Get the breakfast burger, a hamburger dripping with cheese and egg, sandwiched between two hash browns.

Krapka Koma: Styling itself a ‘lit pub,’ Krapka Koma has a laid back vibe and a menu filled with puns that only a book nerd could have thought up. The food is a notch up from your typical pub fare, though you’ll find all the meats and cheese you want, and they brew their own beer, making it a perfect hang out place for people who are pretentious but don’t want to make a big deal about it (like, me in a nutshell).

Zhizn Zamechatelnykh Lyudey (The Life of Wonderful People): Damn this place is hip. My friend and I witnessed no fewer than three birthdays while we were there. We actually got free cake too, maybe because they just assumed we were also celebrating? International with a Middle Eastern flair, everything on the menu holds a surprise. I had what was basically deconstructed pasta carbonara, which was delicious but maybe a bit too heavy, even for me. My friend had the crusted salmon on risotto, which was divine. Great cocktails too!

Vino e Cucina: Ok, but when it comes to Italian food in Kiev, Vino e Cucina takes the tiramisu. They have a mozzarella bar. They have SO MUCH MOZZARELLA, it gets its own bar. Also, a wine list that covers every palate, and a sommelier who will gently ask you if you meant to order the red Syrah instead of the rose to accompany your lasagna.

Street Food Festivals: During the summer, Kyiv abounds with food festivals. Ulichnaya eda is my favorite. Every month they have a different theme, though I’ve noticed favorite vendors appear again and again. A great thing about Ulichnaya eda is that many of these vendors have no brick-and-mortar restaurant. It’s a great chance to try something new and get the inside scoop on the growing Kyiv food scene.

Best Georgian Restaurants in Kiev

Disclaimer: All the food at these Georgian places is excellent, so I’m going to comment more on the atmosphere. Also, I know all the locals are going to scream, What about Shoti? And Gogi? I’ve never eaten at Shoti, but I’ve stepped inside, and it seems like a great place for Georgian food if you’re an oligarch or are hosting a corporate party. Gogi is also tough to get a table at and is therefore a little less accessible to tourists (or me, when I’m hungry). Feel free to leave your opinion in the comments.

Chachapuri: Chachapuri is top-notch Georgian food, and everyone seems to be either celebrating something or on a date, creating a festive atmosphere. This place is popular, so make sure you make reservations.

Mama Manana: Super centrally located with a lively vibe, Mama Manana is my go-to Georgian restaurant in Kyiv. The menu is also really easy if it’s your first foray into Georgian food.

Vano Ivano: Vano Ivano is a low-key Georgian food place, a solid choice if you’re looking for no-fuss, no-frills feasting with friends.

Radio Tblisi: I love this little hipster Georgian place. It’s cozy and some of the chairs are swings! It’s a bit far from the center, so you may not have time for the trek, but if you’re in the neighborhood it’s a solid choice.

Best Kiev Coffee Shops

One Love*: One Love has superb coffee and sleek interior design, whether it’s the warm wood of their Velyka Vasylkivska Street location or the modern ultra-white of their Pinchuk Art Centre location. The latter is a great place to work, though you might be in the middle of someone’s Instagram photo shoot, as people are constantly drawn to the views over Khreschatyk.

Bimbo*: Bimbo is my ultimate favorite café in Kyiv, in part because it offers both excellent coffee and a wide range of craft beer. It makes the transition between daytime work and nighttime work seamless.

Blue Cup*: I love the funky design of Blue Cup (seriously, the wallpaper has wolves wearing beanies). Great coffee and teas, as well as cakes that I indulged in way too much. It’s also pretty central and a great place to stop while sightseeing, though it does get pretty packed.

First Point: First Point is all my whimsical coffee shop dreams come true – the menu is designed like a flight departure board! It’s best for hanging out with friends or a book, maybe before heading over to Zhovten Cinema for a movie, rather than working on laptops.

Squat 17B: Only open during the summer, Squat 17B is a ramshackle outdoor café set up in a narrow courtyard niche. It’s a perfect place to slip away from the center of the city and escape the chaos.

Kharms: I practically lived in Kharms for a few months, what with the tasty coffee, the plentiful seating, and the warm staff. Kharms is hidden in a courtyard, but as word about this café has spread more and more people began encroaching upon my secret office. They also host events sometimes, and it has a bookstore and cute handicrafts for sale.

Call Me Cacao: Ok, not technically a coffee shop at all, but instead a cacao café. Still, I regularly ended up there for cacao and quiche and their pseudo-American Southwest vibes.

Living Room: This might be the closest thing Kyiv has to an art café, the interior design a hodgepodge of furniture and an atmosphere that promotes conversation over work. Add in live music and you have all the ingredients for the perfect café home.

Coffee Buses: Scattered throughout the city are double-decker buses that try to transport you to different cities around the world, from London to Paris to New York City (listen, they captured it pretty well. So well that I’d suggest London over New York). The coffee is decent but the real draw here is the experience of cozying up on the second floor of a bright red British double decker.

Coffee Cars: Also parked around the city are little hatchbacks, espresso machines set up in their boots. Most of my local friends turned their noses up at these little on-the-go refueling stations, but I always got a kick out of them.

Best Kiev Bakeries, Diners, and Quick Lunch Stops

Druzi*: With two locations in the center of Kyiv, Druzi is a great place for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. Dishes have more of ‘international’ slant, and I almost always ordered couscous with vegetables or with chicken. They also have some tasty open-faced sandwiches. It’s pretty popular with students – ‘druzi’ means friendship.

Zheltok: Guys, this diner is kinda weird, but I love that about it. They’ve got posters of things like a cupcake jumping out of its wrapper, gleefully shouting, “NUDE!” Also, it’s one of the few places that serves American style pancakes. It’s not a New Jersey diner by far. More like, what a Ukrainian would think a New Jersey diner would be like (the American breakfast comes with a Pepsi), but I returned again and again.

Salateria: Ok, I actually don’t know where to put a salad bar chain, so it’s going in this category. If, for some odd reason, you tire of varenyky and khachapuri, Salateria is my favorite of the ‘healthy fast food’ chains in Kyiv, with an extensive salad bar that piles up big portions.

Boulangerie: This little French bakery chain is a great place for coffee and a morning pastry or to grab a sandwich for on-the-go sightseeing.

Wolkonsky: Another solid bakery option, though the stars here are the pastries, not the sandwiches or salads. Apple hand pies for daaaaays.

I hope this Kiev restaurant guide keeps you plenty busy! If you’re looking for more advice on best restaurants in Ukraine, check out my comprehensive Ukrainian travel page — at the end of each city post is a list of recommendations.

And if you find any other hidden culinary gems in Ukraine, please drop a note in the comments. I always have time for more research.