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Restaurants
In the not so distant past, hungry tourists were limited to a handful of hotel restaurants with appalling service and tasteless food. Thanks to innovative entrepreneurs from Ukraine and the rest of the world, visitors can now choose from a vast range of options of local and international cuisine that rivals many Western European cities. New establishments with new themes open regularly as the quality of food, service, and decor improve as well. The prices at some new, trendy restaurants in the center are rising accordingly, but an evening dining out at most places will still cost less than you would expect to pay for the same level of service and quality at home. Equally appetizing moderately priced and budget options are widely available in all parts of the city. When the weather has warmed up sufficiently, many of the cafes and bars around the centre will set up outdoor seating. Our guide lists popular eating establishments from American to Ukrainian, so whatever dining atmosphere you find yourself in, the word here is bon appetite!
Useful information:
Alcohol.
Many a tourist has enjoyed an icy-cold draft beer on a hot summer's day in Kyiv simply because the soft drinks are often lukewarm - but probably very few have regretted it. Ukrainian beer (pivo) is quite tasty and extremely cheap to boot. Tipsiness may set in early, though, as its alchohol content is higher than Western brands. The leading domestic beers are Obolon, Slavutich and Chernihivske. Those preferring foreign brands can find their favorites at finer shops and establishments. Ukraine also produces a wide selection of vodka, which flows freely at many parties and gatherings. But guests should beware offers of homemade vodka (samohon). While good samohon can be better than some bootleg labels in shops, the overall odds are against you and your stomach. And whether it's Ukrainian vodka or moonshine, be ready to offer a toast at some point. A modest 'cheers' (budmo) will do for a foreigner.
Tipping.
Kyivskiy tipping culture is developing slowly. While no general rule exists yet, most restaurant-goers leave around 10% of their bill. But your waitstaff will expect more from you as a foreigner! Some places include a service charge of five to 10 per cent, so read the fine print or ask.
Recommended American restaurants:
Arizona BBQ
08:00-01:30
Kyiv's first ex-pat hangout has excellent burgers, Mexican food and a 39hr business lunch. American pool and darts keep the adults happy, while children's parties are held every Sunday 11:00 - 12:30 and 15:00 - 16:30. Great American breakfasts are served daily, complete with free coffee/tea refills.
Naberezhno- Khreschatyts'ka 25
Tel: 416 24 38
Soho
11:00-24:00
This American owned and operated New York style steakhouse, creates a relaxed and elegant atmosphere that's fitting for any dinner occasion. The clientele ranges from the highest government officials to the friendly family tourist simply looking for a great steak dinner with excellent service. Although Soho may look and feel expensive, the average price per person for this wonderful dining experience is approximately 110 hr. Reservations are suggested but not needed. As a footnote, the management as well as most of the floor staff speak fluent English, so there's never a communication problem when ordering your steak well done.
Artema 82
Tel: 224 73 51
T.G.I. Friday's
12:00-24:00
Thank God that McDonald's is no longer the only American chain restaurant in town. Friday's will always attract ex-pats longing for familiar food and extremely outgoing waitstaff. The menu has more salads and grilled meats than the Stateside version. A wide selection of cocktails is intact, but curiously there's no bar at which to drink them.
Bessarabs'ka pl. 5A
Tel: 235 42 64
Time Out
00:00-24:00
If you take a break to come here, your options are endless: big-screen TVs, pool, billiards, snooker and a casino plus live piano music on Friday and Saturday nights. Also a special kid's menu.
Horkoho 50
Tel: 248 73 96
Recommended Asian restaurants:
Asahi
11:00-24:00
An extensive and inexpensive sushi list is followed by pricey Japanese wines and intriguing green-tea ice cream. Traditionally-dressed and helpful waitstaff complement the attractive decor. There's a nice outdoor seating area, although the view of the back of Republican Stadium is less than inspiring.
Saksahans'koho 1G
Tel: 244 24 37
Campai
12:00 -23:00
The details of the interior of this restaurant include wooden spoon sets for spices imitating traditional Japanese dolls and ceramic fish, and serve as supports for chopsticks. A waitress will recite poems in Japanese putting all of her heart into it. Curious visitors will be taught to have a ritual Japanese meal, while creative people can help to prepare sushi, and for your stomach there is a great variety of Japanese dishes.
Saksahans'koho 20
Tel: 246 75 79
Fax: 220 14 09
Green Bamboo
11:00-23:00
What first comes to mind when you hear the word 'bamboo'? If somehow it is related to Asian food, this place is definitely for you. There is no confirmed information that you will be served green bamboo, but at least you can enjoy Asian fusion food. By 'fusion' they mean a mixture of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Thai cuisine with appropriate decorations' lanterns and screens.
Kostiantynivs'ka 2A
Tel: 230 60 27
Fax: 230 60 27
Hokkaido
12:00-23:00 except: Fri: 14:00-23:00 Sat: 14:00-23:00 Sun: 14:00-23:00
Traditional and non-traditional dishes are served up at reasonable prices here, from sushi to yakitori to tempura. European-style business lunches are available, while Japanese selections are planned for the near future. The Japanese-house interior is pleasantly decorated.
Saksahans'koho 36B
Tel: 246 66 10
Jackie Chan
10:00-24:00
Sadly for fans of the international martial arts master, there are no movies or memorabilia here - or an English menu for that matter. But you will find a small, tastefully-decorated place with Chinese and Ukrainian cuisine at great prices. Specialties include chicken, fish or calimari served in hot pans and fruit with caramel desserts.
Dymytrova 16
Tel: 220 86 11
Lun Van
11:00-01:00
A Chinese restaurant with the classical styles of the Emperor's palace: carpets, watercolors, silk, and all the classical details of Chinese cuisine and its traditions, including Peking Duck, fried rice, and chopsticks instead of forks. The Chinese menu is accompanied by a range of Japanese dishes. Everything seems to be nice, but don't be surprised when you see your bill ' royal honors demand royal payment.
B. Khmel'nyts'koho 26
Tel: 229 81 91
Mandarin
12:00-24:00
This floating Asian restaurant boasts 25 Chinese cooks and over 100 menu items, including pig's ears, jellyfish and quite expensive sushi. Most portions are for two or more people, so don't be selfish and share with your tablemates. A special tea room and complimentary shelled sunflower seeds also set Mandarin apart.
Naberezhno-Khreschatyts'ka, pier 6
Tel: 459 08 77
Nobu
12:00-24:00
Exquisite Japanese dishes served by very professional waitstaff. Nobu's sushi bar contains 25 different variations, plus there are many soups and salads. Save room for dessert, too, especially the green-tea ice cream with Japanese biscuit. The interior is inviting and has small rooms ideal for more private occasions.
Shota Rustaveli 12
Tel: 246 77 34
Pena
12:00-24:00
This expensive, image-conscious fusion restaurant sports an ultra-chic and aromatic interior: wicker sofas, curved walls and ceilings, and Fashion TV on flat screens. As for the food, there is the obligatory sushi plus different meat and seafood dishes in interesting sauces. We hope the 'degustation', an appetizer sampler, tastes better than it sounds.
Yaroslaviv Val 30/18
Tel: 234 17 01
San Tori
11:00-01:00
San Tori's unique Thai and Japanese fusion cuisine is on summer vacation until sometime in September due to renovations. Go back then to pick out your favorite lobster - just don't get too attached, because it'll soon be your dinner. The decor is an intriguingly comfortable mix of different styles.
Sahaidachnoho 41
Tel: 462 49 94
Tampopo
11:00-23:00
The smell of incense greets visitors entering the minimalist, glassy interior of this relative newcomer on Kyiv's Japanese restaurant scene. Tampopo offers 20 different kinds of sushi which can be tried as they pass by on a circular conveyor belt. There's also an extensive wine list and an innovative VIP room.
Saksahans'koho 55
Tel: 244 44 20
Tokio
12:00-24:00
This place knows something about preparing excellent food, or at least more than about how to spell 'Tokyo'. The cuisine embraces 21 kinds of sushi, in addition to sashimi, tempura and more. Special dishes include lobster tail with fruit, and food is prepared on a large grill in the middle of each table.
Zoolohichna 10
Tel: 490 06 04
Vostok
12:00-24:00
The name speaks for itself. You have can expect halls decorated in the Chinese style, and Pekinese duck on the menu. Most of the time the food is good and the waitresses friendly. If faced with a situation where you don't like something, don't forget that although it is a Chinese restaurant, it isn't in China.
Naberezhno-Khreschatyts'ka 11
Tel: 537 02 40
Fax: 537 02 40
Recommended European restaurants:
Captain Nemo
11:00-23:00
Take a dive on one funky submarine. Most tables have fish-tank hatches, and there are nautical instruments and maps everywhere. The mostly moderate-priced menu is 'adapted European' and includes delicious fish dishes. But somehow such exotically-priced and flavoured dishes as kangaroo and ostrich steak made it onto this sub.
Khoryva 15/7
Tel: 467 61 35
Fax: 467 61 35
Capuchin
11:00-23:00
Restaurant is named after Capuchin order. Two halls and pub are designed in middle-aged castle style. Dishes of European cuisine with strong French influence. Especially for gourmets we offer game dishes. The choice of alcohol drinks can surprise one's mind: great wine card (more than 50 sorts of wine), over 30 sorts of whiskey, 60 classic and special cocktails. Individual program, holiday cake from chef, clowns, karaoke, live music are at your services.
Chervonoarmiys'ka 81
Tel: 531 13 78
Excalibur
True knights can relax here after completing their usual heroic deeds. The interior in the style of a medieval castle will create the proper mood. Billiard tables replace jousting tournaments, and grilled dishes will satisfy the hunger you will be dying of after the tournament. True, you will not hear knight ballads here, but you can surely hear Russian pop music hits performed by local musicians. 24 hrs.
Malyshka 3
Tel: 513 27 55
Le Grand Cafe
12:00-02:00
The sophisticated, refined interior will shame anyone thinking that jeans and a t-shirt will do. The prices are very high and the portions are not what you would call big, but the entire menu of French cuisine is excellent. An opportune place to have a romantic dinner or to impress your friends.
Muzeinyi prov. 4
Tel: 228 72 08
Son.tse
10:00-23:00
The name in Ukrainian is a pun. 'Son.tse' has two meanings, 'the sun' and 'a dream is' It is a dream only for a person who ended up downtown, does not have a lot of time, and does not want to spend a lot of money on delicious food. It could be called 'the golden mean' between fast food and a not-so-fancy restaurant, although sometimes the waitress can be a little bit slow and people around you can be too loud.
Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Globus)
Tel: 238 20 71
Fax: 229 82 01
Swing
10:00-01:00
It don't mean a thing if you haven't eaten here, at least in terms of great live jazz music at a conversation-friendly volume. The food is predominantly French but also has European dishes, plus more unusual choices such as wild boar and moose. Swing on over here for some relaxation after climbing up Andriyivsky uzviz.
Volodymyrs'ka 11
Tel: 229 28 65
The Cavern
10:00-02:00
The motto of this place is 'to revive the holy', 'holy' being Beatles music. It is not a club, but rather a cozy restaurant with a romance in the air, Beatles pictures, and live music in the Beatles style in the evening. The restaurant is quite new and has the advantage of not being crowded.
Pushkins'ka 9A
Tel: 536 15 31
Recommended French restaurants:
Basilic (Basil)
11:00-01:00
The interior and the kitchen reproduce an air of famous Parisian cafes. There are French omelets for any taste; with bacon and spinach, with crab and grilled vegetables, and a Norman omelet with apple. In Bazilik you can have real French bouillabaisse, a fish and cream soup. The chef pays special attention to sea products, which are in the proprietary salads and hot snacks. Croissant and baguettes are fresh-baked by the chef. The menu changes every week.
Saksahans'koho 38
Tel: 227 41 66
Fax: 294 89 01
Central
11:00-02:00
An elegantly-decorated restaurant, Central specializes in European cuisine with accents on French and Ukrainian themes. Cream soup with sweet peppers and duck brisket with mango sauce are some of the best. Presents are given to children, and the personnel speak English and Italian.
Mezhyhirs'ka 28
Tel: 467 78 26
DixieLand
09:00-02:00
This is not some bastion of American Confederate values, but rather a relaxing jazz restaurant serving French cuisine. The orchestra plays your favorite songs on request, and the food and wine selections don't disappoint - except in price. Also, it's a rather out-of-the-way location.
Kyrylo-Mefdyivs'ka 14/2
Tel: 236 82 28
Fax: 236 11 37
Egopist
This restaurant, supposedly by egoists and for egoists, was certainly created by some people trying to make a name for themselves. And they've succeeded with a unique retro interior including a special smoking room for cigar-lovers and a 'Hall of Famous Egoists'. The fresh oysters and high prices are also of note.
Moskovs'ka 44
Tel: 290 22 22
Fellini
A wonderful location for people-watching, as the two terraces overlook the fashionable Ukraina cinema just off Khreschatyk. Fellini offers delicious French and Italian food, including frog legs and goose liver for those who like such delicacies. The food and drinks are rather expensive, and service can be slow. 24 hrs.
Horodets'koho 5
Tel: 229 54 62
Gorchitsa (Mustard)
12:00-23:00
Don't seek any hidden meaning in the name, the owner of the restaurant just thought the word was appropriate (Russian version). However, this Frenchman is not likely to use stock phrases at all. When asked, 'Why is the subject of your paintings worthy of special attention in a French restaurant?' he answers, 'Why not? I like it.' The classic sinterior with mirrors and dark wood, low and calm music (generally jazz), unobtrusive but attentive service, produces a nice background for a business meeting or a leisurely conversation over a glass of wine.
Shovkovychna 10
Tel: 253 76 91
Fax: 253 18 36
L'Amour
11:00-24:00
Calling itself the 'restaurant of aromas', L'Amour displays part of its extensive wine list in specially-designed jars on shelves to add to the dining experience. Classic French cuisine is served in a number of settings - a plant-decorated summer terrace, an elegant dining room and a peasant tavern downstairs.
Naberezhno-Khreschatyts'ka 17/18
Tel: 467 78 97
Marche
08:00-24:00
The cuisine and decor of this classy restaurant reflect different, exotic French colonies. The Algerian hall hosts romantic candlelit meals to the sounds of gentle murmur of a waterfall. Another room has the aromatic scent of eastern colonies. The third and most elegant hall embodies France in the Middle Ages.
Chervonoarmiys'ka 13
Tel: 451 40 50
Merci
10:00-12:00
Merci is a far attempt to bring the best of traditional French cuisine to Kyiv. The emphasis is on Provence and the Azure Coast traditions, perhaps the most interesting "culinary" region to a sophisticated gourmans. And the chef lives up to the expectations, pleasing not only you stomach, but also the eye. The restaurant is french in every detail, from menu to interior to the spirit.
Moskovs'ka 41/8
Tel: 254 36 12
Nouvelle
09:00-23:00
Sweet-tooths and coffee lovers, come here! The restaurant is divided into two areas, but the hall situated near the bar is just for you. In the showcase at the bar there are sweets, cakes, and other baked confections. Best of all you will be elated by the pride of the restaurant: handmade sweets from the best sorts of chocolate made just the day before. If the sweets are not enough for you then in the second hall you will be offered French entres.
Khreshchatyk 15
Tel: 229 57 16
Richelieu
08:00-23:00
Both Vatican cardinals and laymen alike will praise the healthy portions of delicious French cuisine and good wine selection. The service is attentive but not overbearing, while the impressive interior combines a 17th-century king's palace and a peasant tavern downstairs with a modern upstairs room.
Chervonoarmiys'ka 23,
Tel: 235 88 62
Surprise
09:00-02:00
One of the city's most expensive eateries, which is probably why it's a favorite of the Ukrainian noveau-riche class. The interior oozes European elegance, while the French cuisine features wild game dishes such as rabbit pate and five kinds of goose liver. The entrance area also offers delectable patisserie selections.
Pyrohova 3
Tel: 246 48 28
Recommended Georgian restaurants:
Alazani
13:00-02:00
Formerly called Aragvi until a fire forced a move, the new location inside the Republican Stadium grounds offers the same fine dining under a starry-sky celing.Appetizers such as lavash bread and kachipuri go great with shashlik, similar to shish kebab, or satsivi, chicken in walnut sauce. Nice wine selection, too.
Saksahans'koho 1G
Tel: 205 44 67
Fax: 205 44 67
Gorets
12:00-01:00
You don't have to go into the mountains to enjoy the best traditions of Georgian food and wine, along with Armenian and Azerbaijani dishes as well. Not only that, but Gorets features exotic ethnic dancing and live music from a pop-folk ensemble. Become a regular visitor and you'll be presented with their CD.
Vorovs'koho 9
Tel: 212 15 49
Mimino
11:00-01:00
Named after a famous Soviet movie featuiring a Georgian pilot, this restaurant entertains with waiters dressed as airline stewardesses and pictures of film scenes. The Georgian food and wine are of high quality, and in particular the kharcho soup should not be missed. A business lunch is also served.
Spas'ka 10A
Tel: 417 35 45
Recommended Indian restaurants:
Himalaya
11:30-23:30
Scale the heights of Indian cuisine at this quiet restaurant above the hustle and bustle of Khreschatyk. The selections include tandoori dishes cooked in an original clay oven at 300sC, chicken lollipop and authentic Indian cheese. They also boast a new 40hr business lunch menu every week.
Khreschatyk 23
Tel: 462 04 37
Recommended International restaurants:
Atlanta
10:00-02:00
In business for seven years but looking rejuevenated after remodeling last year, Atlanta's large menu offers a variety of reasonably-priced fish entrees as well as many cocktails. In addition to the bar area, there's a restaurant downstairs while the upper floor features a private table located across a walkway.
Chervonoarmiys'ka 56
Tel: 220 00 91
Ceasar
10:00-23:00
When in Kyiv, go to Rome. A favorite place of sports fans, Caesar also offers a great variety of Italian and some Ukrainian cuisine. In addition to a separate room with a big-screen TV, there is a downstairs room featuring Roman decor and a more modern upstairs.
Horkoho 10
Tel: 220 76 66
Caravella
11:00-23:00
Riverside dining is available on this double-decker boat restaurant offering a wide range of seafood selections on the first floor 'mess hall'. European cuisine reigns on the more expensive 'admiral's hall' with such game dishes as wild boar, elk and bear. The chef is a descendant of a famous Russian count, so he should be qualified.
Dniprovs'ka naberezhna
Tel: 553 68 92
Concord
12:00-24:00
This extremely upscale restaurant is a favorite with top businessmen, models and the like. The cuisine is called 'French Fusion' and includes some sumptious Asian and fish selections. Pop in for coffee and dessert if you're on a budget but would like to admire a great view of central Kyiv from this rooftop location.
Pushkins'ka 42/4
Corsair
Get in touch with your swashbuckling side in this pirate-ship wonderland. You can fry a wide variety of fish on special stones whilst enjoying live jazz Thursday to Sunday. Extensive wine and tea menus are complemented by attentive service. Corsair also does breakfast and a business lunch for the workaday pirate. 24 hrs.
Sahaidachnoho 14A
Tel: 416 55 78
Deja vu
12:00-02:00
The eclectic rock-and-roll style of this ex-pat and New Ukrainian (nouveau riche) hangout is unique - Harley Davidsons, space suits and parachutes are some of the more eye-popping decorations. Dancing and live music after 20:00 give it the feel of a club, and the food is at once American, European and Ukrainian.
B. Khmel'nyts'koho 30
Tel: 235 98 02
Fondue Bar
11:00-02:00
The city's first fondue restaurant opened this spring under the big dome on Maidan Nezhalestnosti, and its modest yet classy interior of comfy armchairs and low glass tables has been as much of a revelation here as its dipping dishes. Fondue choices include cheese, meat, vegetable and dessert.
Khreschatyk 52A (Globus Shopping Centre)
Tel: 238 20 72
Hunter
Luckily the hunting has already been done for you, so you're free to sit back and watch your game get cooked over a grill. Chicken, venison, partridge and other game are prepared using original hunting recipes. Stuffed and mounted animals and armour complete the restaurant's festive carnivore atmosphere. 24 hrs.
Saksahans'koho 147/5
Tel: 236 37 35
Korona Club
There is a restaurant, a bar, and a casino. Metal, wood, and plush sofas create an atmosphere of unreality strengthened by an improvised pirate with a fool s crown on his head, and by aquarium portholes with bright fish. The closed summer terrace would be a lovely place for visitors, if only it was not so stuffy. There is a large number of serving staff, but they are not always attentive. 24 hrs.
Rohnidyns'ka 4
Tel: 220 02 16
Nobel
11:00-01:00
Comfy fabric-draped sofas and pillows with lamps shooting out of the walls fill the stylish interior here. A wide-ranging European menu with Italian and Ukrainian overtones includes creatively-named (or maybe just poorly translated), dishes like 'milky rabbit'. A big dessert list and a summer low-calorie menu are also offered.
Chervonoarmiys'ka 65
Tel: 238 69 71
Non-Stop
The name says it all - from the food to billiards and video games, the fun never stops here. The menu encompasses Slavic, German and American food and also includes vegetarian dishes. Half-portions can be ordered for kids, and there's an attractive summer pavillion complete with a fountain. 24 hrs.
Peremohy prosp. 6
Tel: 216 40 73
Oranzhereya
12:00-03:00
The restaurant is located on the ninth floor of the Mandarin Plaza, which you can ascend to by the glass capsule-like lift. A visitor s first impression is that of the spaciousness of a huge, brightly lit hall, with walls composed exclusively of glass and mirrors. By the way, be careful: on a bright summer day you can hardly hide from the sun rays here. At night the atmosphere is converted turns into noisy, impetuous merriment, which is given rhythm by Ukrainian DJs.
Baseina 4
Tel: 230 95 02
Pechera
11:00-24:00
Think cavemen and not Orthodox monks, although Kyiv has those types of caves, too. Stalactites, stalagmites and waiters in animal skins make Pechera considerably more fun than solitary existence. Steaks are still cooked on hot stones, but the food quality is anything but primitive. Non-smokers might want to sit farther away from the stones.
Tarasyvs'ka 10A
Tel: 244 33 72
Salyut
This typical hotel restaurant features an airy interior with exotic plants and fresh flowers, in addition to a commanding view of Park Slavy. The cuisine offers a wide variety of very reasonably-priced local and European dishes. A nightly dance show and music spice things up in the night club area.
24 hrs.
Sichnevoho Povstannia 11 B
Tel: 290 70 47
The Wall
11:00-02:00
A traditional ex-pat hangout which also attracts its fair share of famous locals. The Wall offers quality Ukrainian and international food, along with a good selection of snacks and beer. The darkish basement atmosphere is cosy in winter, but on long summer nights the crowds stay away.
Bessarabs'ka pl. 2
Tel: 235 80 45
U Panikovskogo
Located inside Split Club, U Panikovskoho serves European dishes with unique names off a menu containing quotes from famous Soviet authors. Soft upholstery on the armchairs may invite dozing off, but live music Wednesday through Friday and a big-screen TV will save you the embarrassment of falling asleep during your meal. 24 hrs.
Prorizna 8
Tel: 536 17 06
Vagon-Restaurant
11:00-02:30
Different styles of train carriages make up one of the most fantastic restaurant interiors in the city. Seating areas include English, Western and Eastern Orient compartments, in addition to a French boulevard and a waiting hall where you can pour yourself beer from taps on the table. The cuisine is Euro fusion.
Chervonoarmiys'ka 52
Tel: 227 04 90
Recommended Italian restaurants:
Columbus
10:00-23:00
The atmosphere is authentically Italian, from the chef and products to the live music and multi-language karaoke every night. Special menus cater to vegetarians, business-lunchers, weight-watchers and kids - the latter also receive colouring books and instruments. Most tables are separated by beautiful partitions.
Prorizna 15
Tel: 229 54 30
Da Mario
12:00-24:00
This friendly Italian restaurant creates a comfortable atmosphere for foreigners, Ukrainians and their families. Traditional pasta dishes and a wide collection of wines highlight the menu, and live music can be booked in advance.
Saksahans'koho 52
Tel: 220 80 62
Da Vinci Fish Club
11:00-24:00
Opening after its cousin restaurant Da Vinci, this swanky joint can prepare a variety of fish in a variety of ways. The interior is very original - a round bar on the first floor with a cozy balcony on the second. Whether the taste and/or portions match the quite high prices is debatable.
Volodymyrs'ka 12
Tel: 490 34 34
Diva
11:00-22:00
Officials of the Italian embassy in Ukraine like to visit this restaurant. They appreciate it for its customary cooking. There are sofas reminding of the English trains of last century, Ukrainian landscapes in "the windows" and almost garden furniture in the centre of the hall. In the down hall (to find it orient toward the traffic lights) there are two billiards tables, separate cabins and very smoky.
Yaroslavs'ka 21A
Tel: 416 54 52
Fax: 416 54 52
Il Patio
12:00-24:00
Friday's next-door neighbor has a retro Italian interior and a great salad bar boasting 30 kinds of salads and hors d'oeuvres. Business lunches and Happy Hours bring in the workers, and there is plenty for vegetarians to choose from as well.
Bessarabs'ka pl. 5A
Tel: 246 43 27
La Bella
10:00-24:00
Thin, crust-like bread baked fresh upon ordering is a favorite here, where you can watch your pizza being baked in a large oven. A wide selection of grilled meats and fish, Italian wines and desserts such as tiramisu and profitrol are also available in this cosy restaurant.
Pushkins'ka 7
Tel: 229 27 01
Fax: 229 28 42
Limoncello
11:00-01:00
Formerly a Spanish-style restaurant called Gold Cup, it's been remade by Venetian-born chef Walter Rossit into a place of high Italian cuisine. Charcoal-burning ovens imported from Italy produce authentic pizzas, while meat and fish are cooked on special stones. The wine list is impressive, as is the summer terrace.
Moskovs'ka 22
Tel: 254 20 24
Pantagruel
11:00-23:00
Pantagruel has a wonderful location - despite the scaffolding work on the nearby Golden Gate, an Italian meal in the summer shade of the beautiful fountain really hits the spot. Their bruschetta is a great starter, to be followed by delicious pasta dishes such as penne and fusilli.
Lysenka 1
Tel: 228 81 42
Primavera
A simple but more original dining choice out near Lukyanivska. Thirty kinds of tasty pizza can be enjoyed in a pleasant summer pavilion, and the service is efficient with a smile. Thursday evening is Moroccan cous-cous night, but the stuff goes fast so don't arrive too late.
Open Mon -Fri 10:00 - 23:00, Sat-Sun 11:00 - 23:00.
Mel'nykova 6
Tel: 239 97 29
Stradivarius
10:00-23:00
Italian food has become very popular in Kyiv, and here is one more "pizza-place" (and certainly not only pizza) downtown. A good thing about this restaurant, besides a wide range of the representatives of Italian cuisine, is "own-confectionary-made" pastries and a substantial wine list. The advantage of the location is unquestionable - a nice view of Khreschatik street, especially if you take a table near the window on the second floor.
Kreschatyk 14
Tel: 229 29 72
Fax: 229 20 01
Valentino
11:00-23:00
This new Italian restaurant was named after romantic Italian actor. The gastronomic program stars pizza, but pastas, other traditional Italian dishes, soups and snacks are also featured. Your kids will simply enjoy the locally made cakes, pastries and ice-cream. Home delivery service is also available.
Sahaidachnoho 27
Tel: 416 23 09
Recommended Mexacan restaurants:
Cantina Azteca
10:00-22:00
Some of the most reasonably-priced Mexican food in town, and the fried ice cream is a real treat. Did someone say free giveaways? All those who choose to dine here on Saturdays this summer will receive a complimentary bottle of Vynodel wine with their meal.
Vorovs'koho 31A
Tel: 216 86 56
Recommended Ukrainian restaurants:
Hostynnyi Dvir
12:00-01:00
Hostynnyi Dvir boasts a large and unique menu of Ukrainian soups and dishes made according to traditional recipes. Tablecloths are embroidered by hand and are changed to match different holidays. The authentic-looking interior was painted by artists who worked on St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral.
Kontraktova ploscha 4
Tel: 416 68 76
Khutorets
12:00-24:00
Foreigners flock to this floating restaurant offering traditional Ukrainian decor and food. The portions are big and tasty, and the prices are very reasonable. Service can be a bit slow, but you'll be OK as long as you don't get seasick. Live music nightly.
Naberezhno- Khreschatyts'ka, pier 1
Tel: 416 80 39
Kozac Mamai
09:00-23:00
Centrally located across from metro Khreschatyk, the interior's river setting and waiters in authentic, baggy Cossack trousers distinguish this place from other Ukrainian restaurants. From borsch to varenyky, everything comes in hearty portions but at moderate prices. We also recommend the business lunch from 12:00 - 15:00.
Prorizna 4
Tel: 228 42 73
Kozachok
00:00-24:00
A traditional-looking Ukrainian village pub, Kozachok has an authentic pondside atmosphere and delicious inexpensive food to boot. The menu features various meats grilled on an open fire. Deserving special mention are the varenyky (dumplings) with strawberries or sweet cherries, as well as different homemade fruit drinks.
Kirovohrads'ka 118
Tel: 250 93 52
Lypsky Osobnyak
11:00-01:00
This mansion is probably the world's only home to Ukrainian 'haute cuisine', but on this basis there should be more. Located in the political heart of Kyiv, its sophisticated and elegant atmosphere befits the capital's privileged classes. Wild game such as rabbit and duck are expertly prepared, and the wine collection is unmatched in the city.
Lyps'ka 15
Tel: 254 00 90
Pechersky Dvoryk
11:00-24:00
The refined bourgeois atmosphere of turn-of-the-century Kyiv is effectively recreated here for the capital's present-day power players. Bright yellow-clad waitstaff deliver traditional Ukrainian dishes with extravagant names - boiled tongue is called 'Charming Chatterbox'. A reasonably-priced business lunch is served from 12:30 to 16:00.
Kriposnyi prov. 6
Tel: 253 26 67
Pervak
11:00-24:00
Take a trip back in time to early 20th-century Kyiv. The decor includes the showing of silent movies, and the restaurant itself is on the site of a famous merchant's house. Friendly waitstaff in costumes serve up a variety of hearty Ukrainian dishes with inventive names. Twenty per cent family discounts on Saturdays until 17:00.
Rohnidyns'ka 2
Tel: 235 09 52
Puzata Hata
08:00-23:00
The name itself hits the nail on the head: eat here every day without controlling yourself and you will have an opportunity to look paunchy. It is a great place for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner with your sweetheart, and there are a wide variety of pastries on the second floor. For people who know almost nothing about Ukrainian food and are not sure if it is worth spending a lot of money in a restaurant to find out what Ukrainians like the most, it is a good opportunity for a trial taste. Besides, you will find yourself in a real Ukrainian peasant house, so, enjoy!
Baseina 1/2
Tel: 246 72 45
Fax: 246 72 45
Tsarske Selo
11:00-01:00
A bit expensive, but the colourful village decor and traditional singing are quite entertaining, especially if you have no plans to go near a real Ukrainian village. The food is traditional and tasty, and don't forget to take your picture with the man laid out but still clutching a jug of spirits.
Sichnevoho Povstannia 42/1
Tel: 290 30 66
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