The Best Cafes in Kazan, Russia

A straightforward self-service canteen on the main drag that serves up reliable and filling Russian and Tatar meals. While the decor is a no frills type of affair, the perfunctory dinning room is usually full of locals filling up on affordable and tasty fare. There are plenty of soups, sweets and an assortment of pies to choose from as well as first and second course dishes. If you want table service, head up stairs to the second floor.

A reliable, cosy chain that offers light meals and snacks, as well as non-alcoholic drinks. There is a breakfast menu, served before noon, that is mainly consists of different kinds of omelettes, although it also offers tvorg cheese cakes, a slightly sweet breakfast dish. There are plenty of salads and mains to choose from, although the vegan options are not that substantial. There is another cafe on Ulitsa Peterburg.

Another bare-bones self service canteen that offers cheap Russian and Tatar meals. Food, although prepared fresh, is ready to be served, which helps to get around language barriers as you can just point to what you want. In particular, there is a good range of desserts and sweets, so if you want to try chak-chak, try it here. There is a play area for children and so it is a good option if dining with kids.

An all rounder of a restaurant/wine bar, this is a great place to come, whether you want a late night glass of wine, a coffee and a snack, or to grab some lunch. The extensive menu has got you covered whether you want to try a modern takes on Russian cuisine, nibble on tapas or have something sweet. While the drinks menu boasts a large selection of wines, there are also coffees and non-alcoholic drinks available too. Stylish but informal, bread and wine is an easy eating option any time of day.

A French style bakery-cafe that has meals as well as an extensive selection of pastries and sweets to choose from. The menu offers up pate, cheese plates, quiche, baked goods and other French inspired dishes, including snails. There are also plenty of drinks to choose from including several boozy coffees. The crisp, chic decor does its best to evoke Parisian coffee shops, keeping in line with the cafe’s theme.

Translating to fairy-tale, Skazka prides itself on providing for the whole family. Earthy, hearty meals are served up in cosy relaxed cafe. While the hot dishes are all fairly meaty, there are plenty of soups, salads and baked good for vegetarians to choose from and there is a mix of Russian and Tatar cuisine. For dessert, try an ice-cream scoop or two, or get one to go as you stroll about town.

A small, hipster coffee house that is serious about the drinks it brews.  Staffed by caffeine aficionados, this is the cafe to go to if you want a strong cup. Enjoy freshly brewed coffees along with a snack or a light meal such as pancakes in the minimal, clean interior and peruse the pottery available for sale. The cafe also sells beans to take away, so you can get a caffeine fix any time of day.

A cute little coffee shop/gallery that also take its coffees, but not itself, seriously. It offers cold brews, and percolator as well as barista coffee in a hip relaxed atmosphere, which makes it a popular choice for students. More of a drinks place, the cafe offers snacks and pastries if you’re feeling peckish, but the food is limited. All of the art on the walls are for sale, so you just might leave with a painting as well as a latte to go.