Dining out in Kiev

A guide to the best restaurants for Kyiv city breaks

You won't die from starvation in Kiev, that’s for sure. Today the capital boasts hundreds of restaurants serving various cuisines and offering their customers comfort and style. Whether you are seeking for traditional Ukrainian restaurants or restaurants serving classical French, Chinese and Italian cuisines, you will find the most suitable establishments. Restaurants, bars and cafes are available throughout the city, particularly in the centre and near the places of tourists' interest. Read on for our top city break tables to try on your Ukraine holidays.

Most of the best restaurants are tucked away in basements or in storefront buildings, but there are exceptions. Panorama is located on the 12th floor of the Dnipro Hotel. This restaurant has the most stunning views of the Dnipro River that stretches from St. Sophia's Cathedral in the west to the Friendship Arch in the east. The Panorama like most of the other principle hotel restaurants offers quality ethnic Ukrainian cuisine. For the views alone, its worth seeking out the Panorama restaurant, but remember to make advance bookings, as its only a small place. New establishments with new themes open regularly, delivering top class food in modern surroundings. The prices at some new, trendy restaurants in the centre 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.

On the right bank of the Dnipro River, resting in the water is the lovely Poseidon restaurant. This well designed restaurant offers an intimate and truly marine atmosphere and is also very close to many fantastic landmark tourist attractions in Kiev. Poseidon boasts a range of astounding dishes and the fish is cooked with detailed perfection. For a romantic breaks meal on your Ukraine holiday, then Poseidon, with its extraordinary water views, great food and quality service, will certainly be a great dining choice. Another different styled restaurant to consider is Capuchin. This medieval decorated restaurant, offers its European short break guests an extensive menu and is well known for its game dishes. Furnished like an ancient castle, with stone walls, armory and wax candles, the atmosphere is unique and will transport you to the past, where you can truly have a magnificent gourmet meal & enjoy plenty of night entertainment. Also attached to the restaurant is a popular pub, where most evenings they have live music, ranging from jazz and blues. Capuchin represents great value for money, an excellent night out and of course great food.

A stylish restaurant in Ukraine’s capital is the jazz themed ‘Dixieland’. The menu is every bit as sophisticated as the jazz sounds you’ll hear & experience. The service is attentive but not over bearing and the dishes presented are culinary delights. Nobel restaurant has a strong reputation for being one of the best places to dine in the capital. The cuisine is fusion and the interior design is modern-minimalistic. It has won over the Ukraine public through its innovation, creativity and consistency in quality. If you would like is us to reserve a table to avoid disappoint whilst on your Kiev city break, we would be delighted to assist. For first class Japanese cuisine, then we highly recommend Nobu on your short stay holiday. Located in the city centre, Nobu has established itself firmly within the dining scene in Kyiv dining scene. They offer high-class Japanese cuisine, a menu mainly consisting of sushi and sashimi, using only the freshest ingredients, delivered to the Nobu from a Japanese food centre, serving all Japanese restaurants in New York. The dishes are prepared by Japanese sushi masters that will please both your eyes and your mouth. Not only is the food outstanding but the prices are very reasaonable, another great reason to visit this restaurant.

New Bombay Palace is the best restaurant for Indian cuisine. The interior is saturated by Indian features, the menu is extensive with reasonable prices and there are plenty of vegetable dishes for vegetarians. They except large bookings, but reservations will have to be made in advance. Unlike in the UK, they don’t encourage stag weekend party’s, so discerning travelers can eat in peace. The best two Chinese restaurants are Du Long and Mandarin. Mandarin in particular is very authentic and is a true piece of the Orient in Kiev to enjoy ancient cuisines and a harmonious atmosphere. Tequila House is a Mexican restaurant that is a great place for vegetarians. The vegetarian fajitas are huge and extremely tasty. The staff are also flexible with adapting dishes from the main menu. It is also worth noting that in a recent Ukrainian survey of ‘best restaurants in Kiev’ the Tequila House was voted no.1, in joint position with Arizona. Arizona is a short taxi ride from Khreschatik, located on the outskirts of the Podil district. They serve Tex/Mex food of good portions in a relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant also has got quality pool tables to give you something else to do, but is general monopolized by a Kiev stag parties or expats. It is also worth noting that they do fantastic breakfasts, great for after a heavy night on the town.

L’amour is a great choice for a meal for two as part of a romantic city break holidays. The interior is based around an 18th century French chateaux and the menu takes you on a geographic tour of French cuisine with recipes that are based on regional dishes covering the whole of France. We highly recommend this restaurant during your short break trips. On the outskirts is another restaurant that specialises in French cuisine, called Pokava. It’s set in a large picturesque building, with many banqueting halls, perfect for large corporate functions & dinners. For large groups, it is the ideal place for big occasions, dinner speeches and having a superb party. A highlight in the dining scene is the Vagon-Restaurant in the very centre of the city. The restaurant is designed around ‘train dining compartments’ of various styles and origins, ranging from Cowboy wagons and oriental express to Royal compartments and traditional British. The experience in itself is wonderful, enhanced by good food & friendly service. Other restaurant’s worth a mention: Fellini, San Tori, Khutorets, Le Grand Cafe, Mimino, Pantagruel, Zaporizhya, Concord, Amazonka, Apollo, Barcelona, Butterfly, Caesar, Campai Sushi Bar, Caravella, Cave, Himalaya and Tapac.