Cafés in Chernihiv are integral to the city’s culture. Locals love to enjoy a leisurely coffee on the terrace, taste seasonal dishes at their favourite spots while catching up for a chat. Therefore, to feel the real atmosphere of the city, just choose a venue and drop in for lunch.
Abazhur
Cafe, European, $$$
Abazhur is located within walking distance of the most popular attractions of Chernihiv. Its homely interior is decorated with a large number of knick-knacks from the 1950s. There’s also a cosy outdoor area, open during the spring and summer. Here you can find really good coffee, an assortment of tea, fresh pastries and delicious breakfast and brunch options. For instance, you can try traditional Ukrainian thin pancakes with both sweet and savoury fillings or classic European desserts like apple pies or éclairs.
Tsapa in Chernihiv is an urban bakery. The venue is popular among locals because of its signature strudels, freshly baked croissants and other pastries. In general, it serves European cuisine. Therefore, on the menu, you can find a wide choice of your favourite salads, soups and sandwiches. Whether for a business lunch, breakfast or brunch with friends or even a romantic dinner, this coffee shop is the perfect place. Moreover, all the dishes can be taken away for a lovely picnic in one of the city’s parks.
Dzhentlmeny Udachi (Gentlemen of Fortune) is one of the most popular Soviet movies, after which this venue is named. It is decorated as a jail, so a lunch here will definitely be an out-of-the-ordinary experience. At the entrance, you’ll be met by a hostess in the military uniform of the Ukrainian internal troops, who’ll offer you a seat in one of the two dining rooms. Here you can enjoy chebureki (a deep-fried turnover with minced meat), simple cabbage salads and soups. Chifir’ (strongly brewed tea, served in prisons) is a signature drink in Dzhentlmeny Udachi.
Varenicha in Chernihiv is a perfect venue to try the Ukrainian popular dishvareniki (filled dumplings). They are served with savoury ingredients like potatoes, cottage cheese and greens, meat or with sweet ones like cherries and strawberries with sugar and smetana (sour cream). In addition to vareniki, you can have a borscht and deruny (potato pancakes) and order drinks you will only find in Ukraine. You can also watch the chef preparing the orders, from the dining rooms. The friendly staff and modern Ukrainian music will raise your mood even first thing in the morning.
Markoni has an airy atmosphere, and everything reminds of ancient Italy. Here you can rest, meet with friends, watch sports on the big screen or arrange business meetings. Two spacious and cosy rooms accommodate around 100 guests. It is a family-friendly café where high chairs are provided for children, allowing them to sit together with their parents. Culinary offers are delicious and surprisingly inexpensive. Pizza on a thin-crust with fragrant spices is chef’s signature dish.
To try Italian delicacies, you should head to Pasta Basta. The menu features a variety of pasta and pizza. Among drinks, you can find different kinds of tea and coffee, as well as branded homemade limoncello (lemon liqueur). The café has an open-kitchen so everyone can observe the dishes being prepared. Pasta Basta is a venue for foodies or those who are in love with proper Italian cuisine.
Fika is a Scandinavian café in Chernihiv with an extensive selection of coffee drinks from the Swedish roastery Löfbergs and fresh pastries like pies, buns, desserts and sandwiches. Quite unusual for Ukraine, Fika is a common project of the Swedish Trade and Investment Board called Business Sweden and the chain of Reikartz Hotel Group, implemented with the support of the Swedish Ministry of Agriculture. Its aim is attracting Ukrainians to European culture through the opening of Scandinavian venues in the large cities of the country.
Lovka café is a spacious with large panoramic windows and views of the park. It has an amazing range of dishes going from healthy salads with chicken, avocado and tomatoes or seafood risotto to hash brown burger with egg and veggies. There are also Ukrainian dishes on the menu, so if you have not tried borscht yet, order it in Lovka café for lunch. In the evening, guests immerse in the exquisite atmosphere and enjoy chef’s interpretation of classic European dishes and a glass of exclusive wine.
Looking for a venue with a cosy and homely ambience? Sharlotka on Myru Avenue should be on your list. Here, guests are offered popular European dishes and a large selection of coffee drinks. Fragrant pastries (homemade) are a must-try. As the venue opens at 8 am, it serves breakfasts and brunch options. Meanwhile, at lunch, you will find a delicious offering of dishes to try. In case you’re short on time, you can always get your favourite food and drink to go.
