The Best Cafés in Poltava, Ukraine

Komora is the originator of the regional dish halushka (a kind of dumpling) in Poltava. It is a quick, casual spot that offers a combination of authentic Ukrainian dishes and the world’s best recipes. The highlight of the café is its open kitchen and the fresh preparation of every order. In addition to traditional halushkas, one can also find modern variations of the dish. Whether plain, sweet or filled with foie gras, your taste buds are definitely in for a treat.

The welcoming and romantic atmosphere of Lviv is embodied in the charming Lvivska Kavyarnya chain of cafés, making them popular across Ukraine. In the very centre of Poltava, you can try both European and local dishes, have a good breakfast, pop in for lunch during a work break or enjoy a light afternoon snack. Moreover, the café always has fresh and delicious home-made pastries. The beautiful and minimalist interior design will make you enjoy your time here even more.

Chebu Bar is a café where you can find anything from burgers and fries to grilled dishes or even a cheburek (fried turnover). However, the signature dish here is pizza made in a Pompeiian wood-fired oven. The venue is open from the early hours to late at night. In the morning it is a nice spot for breakfast or brunch, while in the evening it transforms into a crowded bar with a rich selection of draft beers and branded infusions.

Galushka is a spot where you can find home-made cuisine and Ukraine’s mouthwatering speciality of the same name. There is a huge selection of different varieties of the dish with different fillings and toppings, as well as an abundance of other popular traditional food options like vareniki (filled dumplings) or borscht. Along with these, you can order a pint of beer to wash it all down. Yet, eating and drinking are not the only reasons to come to Galushka. The café also has a bright interior that is decorated in a traditional Ukrainian style.

Nothing can be better than lunch in Oliva and its home-made pizza or pasta. The café has a cosy interior with black-and-white photos on the walls and wooden furniture. There’s also a good wine list with options that will perfectly fit your dish. Oliva is also a coffee lover’s destination, with fragrant and freshly ground beans for your cappuccino or latte.

The CheeseCake isn’t just a dessert shop; it serves amazing steaks, tasty burgers and fresh salads. The café has a summer terrace and often hosts live music, making it a great venue for events and parties. During lunchtime, The CheeseCake has mix-and-match meal deals consisting of soup, salad and a main course, which it promises to serve in less than 10 minutes.

The New York Street Pizza chain is known for delicious food at affordable prices. The place specialises in Italian cuisine, offering New York-style thin-crust pizza as well as lasagna and other popular European dishes. It is a stylish café with a spacious terrace and pleasant atmosphere.

Vanil is a sweets shop and a café, ideal for some quality family time. Here, you can try freshly baked goods, desserts, ice cream, cakes and one of the most delicious syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes) in Poltava. Vanil looks much like a café in Provence, with the walls decorated in cosy pastel shades and furniture made of light wood dotted throughout. The brunch, in particular, is very goof.

In Ukrainian, Kavun means watermelon. It’s no surprise then that this café’s signature drink is a watermelon raf. But that’s not all. There are also a variety of coffee drinks with different flavours and toppings, such as a matcha and ginger latte, a banana or lemon cappuccino and many others.