The Best Restaurants In Kiev For Modern Ukrainian Cuisine

Traditional Ukrainian cuisine can be described in two words: hearty and fattening. That being said, today’s trends and a common desire to follow a healthier way of life have inspired local chefs and restaurateurs to interpret authentic dishes in a modern way. Here are the best eateries in Kiev for this delicious but unusual twist on the country’s signature dishes.

1. Chicken Kyiv

Restaurant, Restaurant with Rooms, European

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.

2. BARVY

Bar, Restaurant, European, Seafood

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.

3. Kanapa

Restaurant, European

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.

5. Prynada Ukrainian Café

Cafe, European, Seafood

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.

6. Bessarabiya

Restaurant, European, Seafood

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.

7. Ostannya Barykada

Restaurant, Restaurant with Rooms, European

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.