The Best Restaurants in Kiev for Modern Ukrainian Cuisine

The main dish that epitomizes modern Ukrainian cuisine is Chicken Kiev. It is already a popular dish in many restaurants in London and New York and, of course, Kiev. Not surprisingly, the Ukrainian capital has a restaurant of the same name. Chicken Kyiv is located in a cosy square in the city centre and is decorated in a Soviet modernist style. It also serves modern interpretations of authentic dishes like thick chicken soup or vareniki (filled dumplings) with chicken and mushrooms that are definitely worth trying.

BARVY is not only an art lover’s destination in Kiev, but also a venue that serves Ukrainian dishes in a contemporary manner. For instance, simple golubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls) are made with wild cabbage, mushrooms and boar meat. There are also the kind of seafood dishes that are extremely popular in the port city of Odessa. Grilled squid with vegetables or Black Sea mussels in white wine, cooked according to the signature recipe, is the best way to explore local food.

Located on Andrew’s Descent, one of Kiev’s most famous streets, Kanapa perfectly reflects the area’s historic and creative significance by serving modern reinterpretations of traditional Eastern European dishes like caviar and beetroot soup. Moreover, the venue should be visited for the Kanapa’s chef Yaroslav Artyuk, who was recently mentioned by the Michelin Guide as someone breathing new life into Ukrainian dishes.

Klukva & Brukva was among the first restaurants to introduce the local food movement in Kiev. Their menu consists exclusively of Ukrainian and seasonal products, prepared with innovative cooking methods. The traditional borscht becomes less fatty by substituting the pork with duck. Meanwhile, savoury pancakes are made with buckwheat flour. Thus, the popular dishes of Ukrainian and Eastern European cuisine are transformed into lighter and more creative versions.

In Ukrainian, Prynada means something attractive, and Prynada Ukrainian Café does indeed serve up some irresistible, delicious local food. Authentic Ukrainian dishes are prepared according to the chef’s recipes and only from natural farm products. It is not the place to come for colour or ancient traditions – the café is a favourite spot for those who keep up with the big-city pace of life in Kiev. A must-try dish is the Black Sea oysters.

Bessarabiya is a historical region on the Ukrainian Black Sea and Dunai River. It is known for the abundance of fresh seafood. The restaurant Bessarabiya is well known for the same things. Here you can come for breakfast and brunch, a business lunch, a fine dinner or even cocktails. Forshmak (minced fish) made from herring, or tartare made from rapana are perfect starters, while the shrimp salad with red caviar is an amazing meal option at any time of the day.

Ostannya Barykada is a unique place in Kiev that resembles Lviv’s popular venue Kryivka in terms of its colour and atmosphere. The menu features modern Ukrainian gastronomy, and the bar uses only Ukrainian-sourced alcohols. So, if you expect to be surprised by something except borscht and salo (pork fat), be sure to order Ukrainian whiskey and marbled meat. As Ostannya Barykada combines art and food, you can listen to the live music of local bands in the evenings. As a rather secret place, you’ll have to scan a QR code to get the password you’ll have to utter at the entrance to get in.