SHO, Prynada Ukrainian Cafe, “Ostannya Barykada,” “100 Rokiv Tomu Vpered” – we’ve gathered the best Ukrainian cuisine restaurants in Kyiv that are definitely worth visiting with foreign tourists.
One of the oldest parks in Kyiv hosts one of the most atmospheric Ukrainian cuisine restaurants in the city. It features a second floor under a thatched roof, the most charming wooden cottage as a separate building, and the shade of ancient oak trees. Everything is elegant and refined, without overused folk motifs... In short, it's a place for those who want to taste Ukraine with classic etiquette and the comfort of starched napkins.
The creators of this establishment, led by famous chef Yevhen Klopotenko, have invented their own interpretation of Ukrainian cuisine, offering guests unique superfoods and reimagined recipes. Here, visitors encounter an extraordinary fusion of our culinary heritage and modern gastronomy techniques it’s a kitchen without limits or stereotypes. How about a dessert made of purple cabbage with pinecones or fried parsnip?
The restaurant serves certain dishes exclusively for tourists. They are only prepared when the guest places the order in English.
The venue is divided into three halls. The first, decorated with natural wood, is ideal for celebrations with a large group. The second, featuring large windows, is perfect for admiring the city streets. The third houses a magical space where the Food Theater and private events usually occur.
“Ostannya Barykada” (The Last Barricade), which opened in 2016 in honor of the Euromaidan, has become one of the most stylish and conceptual venues in Dima Borysov’s large family of restaurants. It’s not just a trendy Ukrainian restaurant — it’s a true museum of the Maidan revolutions.
To enter, you need to know a secret entrance and password. Tasting modern Ukrainian dishes and domestic alcohol can become part of a fascinating tour. The interior of OB is a work of art in itself, offering a revolutionary interpretation of our ethnic style. Any tourist here will genuinely feel the Ukrainian spirit of freedom.
SHO is rightfully considered the largest Ukrainian cuisine restaurant in the country. Just look at the facts: it’s two stories high, spans 700 square meters, and concentrates the maximum number of authentic traditions without any trace of cliché “folk kitsch.”
Add to this an interior seemingly made for Instagram: clay walls and ceiling, distinctive tableware, natural wood chairs and tables, towering columns, and bundles of wildflowers. It’s easy to guess that this resembles a traditional Ukrainian whitewashed village house.
The owners of the place often say: “If a prim British friend comes to Kyiv, be sure to take them to SHO. This is where they’ll truly understand the essence of Ukrainian national cuisine.” And we agree with them.
This Ukrainian cuisine restaurant focuses on authentic dishes from various regions. Here, you can taste all of Ukraine, and our regional specialties will be a delightful discovery, even in the shadow of the world-famous borscht. Brand chef Serhiy Baisarevych carefully crafts the gastronomic concept. Uniquely for a Ukrainian restaurant, they also offer signature cocktails, created by Nazar Makarov.
Introducing the first Ukrainian cuisine restaurant, opened in 1998. The founders chose an exceptionally picturesque and authentic location—the former gunpowder cellar of the Pechersk Fortress near the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Here, they recreated the interior of a traditional Ukrainian village from the 18th century using authentic household items from the past. “Tsarske Selo is also famous for its dishes based on ancient recipes. By the way, on the menu, you’ll find not modern but historical names of delicacies.
Another national masterpiece by Dima Borysov, which has already earned global fame. What sets “Kanapa” apart from other Ukrainian cuisine restaurants in Kyiv?
First, they present NEW Ukrainian cuisine. Second, they use only local products. Third, they interpret traditions in accordance with modern technology. Molecular borscht—something you won’t find anywhere else.
This Ukrainian cuisine restaurant in Kyiv has taken on the mission of introducing the world to young, contemporary, and ambitious national cuisine. Here, you'll hear the music of Onuka, Jamala, and other musical masterpieces of modern Ukraine, which we can proudly present to any foreigner. The atmosphere offers a cosmopolitan vibe in the rhythm of the metropolis, the city folk's interior style is created by our young designers. And the central motif in the design is the Petrykivka painting, which is part of our cultural heritage listed by UNESCO. The menu will surprise even the most refined gastro-tourists, such as Ukrainian-style sushi. The new authentic flavors of Ukrainian cuisine are crafted by Sanella Babovych, aiming to bring them to the forefront of modern trends.
“Kureni” is the reboot of one of Kyiv's oldest Ukrainian cuisine restaurants, now in an entirely new format. Today, it’s a place to have lunch and a venue for parties, festivals, exhibitions, or concerts. “Now, 'Kureni' is a space for exploration. Tastes, sounds, images, feelings, and oneself,” say the founders.
Undoubtedly, here, as before, you can taste traditional Ukrainian dishes. However, now, “Kureni” focuses on healthy eating. For instance, the restaurant serves the most delicious dumplings made with gluten-free flour and various fillings. However, you won’t find salmon or avocado on the menu. Instead, you’ll discover local superfoods like root vegetables, seafood, and Black Sea fish.
This is the classic example of “Ukrainian cuisine restaurants in Kyiv.” Here, the atmosphere reflects that of an old, elegant Ukrainian restaurant, with well-dressed waiters and a pre-revolutionary chic interior design. The food is served at the highest level, without any experiments—it’s the perfect place for business negotiations with foreign partners. Overall, the cuisine adheres to bourgeois Ukrainian traditions from the intersection of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Do you think Ukraine doesn’t have its own pubs? You’ll have something to surprise your English or German guests, nations proud of "creating" popular beer halls. At “Kyiv Ribs,” they take pride in authentic folk-style ribs in a honey-mustard sauce. They also have a fantastic beer menu.
Despite its rustic name, this restaurant has nothing in common with the authentic Gogol-esque vibe. Everything here is aristocratically refined, with dishes showcasing regional specialties. The main highlight – the restaurant is not on dry land but on the legendary waves of the Dnipro River. And there's a separate vodka room – ready to taste over 80 varieties from different corners of Ukraine?
“Hlek” is a restaurant serving modern Kyiv cuisine. Its menu focuses on dishes made with local ingredients familiar to every Ukrainian. The establishment's founders are young, creative city dwellers.
What treats should tourists come here for? For breakfast (from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM), for example, bread with spreads, for first courses, among which is Kyiv borscht with a dumpling and braised cheek, for mains (creamy rabbit), and for “Kyiv Cake” ice cream.
And here—true folk color. The perfect picture of Ukraine, elevated to the heights of global admiration by Gogol, will delight foreigners. First, they will be greeted at the entrance with homemade liqueurs and snacks. Second, they will be delighted by the hearty and beautiful Ukrainian cuisine. Also, there will be a variety of halls and folk instrumental-vocal ensembles in the evenings.
However, this establishment should not be called a tourist spot. After all, it is the locals of Kyiv who most love coming here for the atmosphere and delicious authentic food.
A Ukrainian cuisine restaurant in the heart of Pechersk continues the traditions of the legendary “Varenychna No. 1.” However, they are reviving these traditions here with European trends. In short, the location and concept recreate Ukraine's gastronomic culture holistically, but in the spirit of our time.
We previously shared about the TOP-10 restaurants for a bachelorette party in Kyiv.
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