Restaurants in Western Ukraine
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Amadeus
The refined interior, peaceful music and patio perfectly placed in the shadow of three churches are reason enough to plop down in one of Amadeus’ stylish wicker chairs. But it’s the food that puts it on another level. The menu leans toward fancy European fare like fondue and risotto, but there are stuffed baked potatoes (10 to 20uah) and varenyky (dumplings) on offer for the price-conscious hryvnia hoarders. The pizza-sized omelettes are legendary, and the surf-and-turf ‘gypsy shashlyk ’ is quite simply the best shashlyk we’ve ever tasted.
reviewed
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Kupol
It’s designed to feel like stepping back in time – to 1938 in particular, ‘the year before civilisation ended’ (ie before the Soviets rolled in). How well this former mansion and arts salon recreates that specific year is moot, but, goodness, is the overall effect winning. The olde-worlde chintzy interior is lined with framed letters, ocean-liner ads, antique cutlery, hampers and other memorabilia. The Polish-Austrian-Ukrainian food is delicious and beautifully garnished.
reviewed
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Brave Schwejk
Named for the famous fictional Czech soldier Svejk (or Schwejk in German), this place harks back to the novel’s Austro-Hungarian era with its mix of sausages, goulash, pig’s knuckles, milk veal and similar specialities. The atmosphere is that of a small beer hall, where you’ll find the likes of Paulaner, Warsteiner and Beck’s from Germany alongside Staropramen and Krusovice from the Czech Republic.
reviewed
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Sadko
With a balcony offering primo views across the lake, Sadko produces a fine interpretation of Chinese cuisine. There’s sushi in the clubby room downstairs too. Although some to-share dishes like Peking duck (198uah) and Mongolian mutton (190uah) are quite luxurious, you can also eat frugally here. Simply add a filling plate of delicious rice shortcakes with onion (13uah) to an order of soup (around 6uah).
reviewed
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Stolova Idalonya No 1
It’s fun finding such a Soviet-style student cafeteria in forward-looking Ivano. Even more surprisingly, some of the dinner ladies dishing up simple fare like fried chicken, pork cutlets, spaghetti, salads, borshch and Crimean Tatar plov (rice and meat) also speak English. The cafeteria’s sign is virtually illegible, so look out for neighbouring Kafe Petrus.
reviewed
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Slovan
Slovan’s white walls, dark wooden panelling and brown floor tiles make it one of Ivano’s most stylish restaurants and its wooden-decked terrace is a popular spot to be seen on in summer. Breakfasts (French, Italian or Hutsul; 15uah) are complemented by homemade pastas, gourmet fillets of beef and humble fare such as jacket potatoes (8uah) and pizza (19uah to 37uah).
reviewed
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Bristol
Treat yourself at this elegant Ukrainian-European-French establishment. Among a menu that includes Caesar salad, spaghetti, veal, frogs’ legs and even pâté de foie gras (106uah), the pork served with zingy mustard sauce comes highly recommended. The Georgian and Moldavian wines, especially the Acorex Select Cabernet VDCC, are reasonably quaffable too.
reviewed
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E
Marrakesh
This North African restaurant might be more to write home about if it always served the tajine, couscous and plov dishes on the menu. Usually you have to improvise with salad, baba ganoush style pickled eggplants, spicy sauce or other alternatives. Still, the bright colours make the place cheerful and the oriental-style concrete basement is cool in summer.
reviewed
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Orteol
Although it touts itself mainly as a patisserie and café-bar, Orteol also serves meals ranging from Ukrainian and Georgian to French and Spanish. There’s even a slight Japanese touch in the deliciously oil-free Kyoto salad. Indeed, carnivores and vegetarians alike find the worst thing about the place is having to make a choice from the extensive menu.
reviewed
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Panorama
The Opera Hotel’s rooftop restaurant has quality food and is high on terms of ambience. The main selling point is the view – the goblins adorning the roof of the opera house stare right at you while you chew your veal cutlet or roast duck. The heavenly couches and groovy music are perfect for chillin’.
reviewed
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Kafe Pid Bramoyu
Although the service at this shashlyk restaurant-café can be spotty, the view overlooking the fortress never takes a day off. The menu covers all the Ukrainian basics, including deruny (potato pancakes) and varenyky (dumplings), plus fresh fish that you can pick out of their small pond.
reviewed
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Delfin
Locals consider this one of the better restaurants in town. European and Ukrainian dishes are served, but it’s known for its grilled meats and rooftop terrace. It’s at the end of the pedestrian bridge on the south side of the river. You’ll have to go upstairs once you get to the building.
reviewed
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Hostynny Dvir
If you can forgive the spread-eagled bearskin pinned to the far wall, this refined restaurant has the best food in the old town, although service can be snail slow. Despite the carnivorous, mainly Russian menu, they’ll rustle up meat-free options if you tell them you’re vegetarian.
reviewed
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Cafe Kimbo
Black-and-white photos and old newspaper-style menus give this café an arty atmosphere – with the accompanying smoke. In summer head for the outdoor seating. Besides coffee or beer served in a frosty mug, there are good desserts.
reviewed
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Kaktus Kafe
Probably the most popular hang-out in town, this smoky, noisy joint is full of beer- and coffee-drinkers. The theme is decidedly Wild West upstairs; downstairs it seems to be Aztec. The food is pretty good, but the service can be slow.
reviewed
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Grand Hotel Lobby Bar
Didn’t think you could afford to eat at a top-end hotel? Think again. With dirt-cheap sandwiches, hamburgers and Lvivske pivo (beer; 5.50uah), the piano bar in the lobby of the Grand Hotel is a surprise bargain.
reviewed
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Puzata Khata
Puzata Khata is a small mercy anywhere, but this super-sized version of Ukraine’s number-one 1 restaurant chain stands out for its classy, Hutsul-themed interior and pure Ukrainian-rock soundtrack.
reviewed
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Stara Fortetsya
Unfortunately you can take drinks only on the balcony, perched dramatically on a 40m cliff over the gorge. Inside is where the Ukrainian food is served. Watch out: prices are listed per 100g.
reviewed
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Celentano
This cheery, upbeat and well-kept branch of Ukraine’s favourite home-grown pizza chain isn’t huge, but sharing a table is a good way to meet the locals.
reviewed
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Rose Cafe
This violet-and-rose postmodern café is not only a chic place to be seen, it serves pretty good coffee, sandwiches, milkshakes, cocktails and spirits, too.
reviewed
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Cafe Da Da
Funky-arty-bohemian is what it is, just down the hill from the Uzhhorod Castle. Not much serious food here – mostly just snacks and beverages.
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Frantsuzky Piven
Of the two neighbouring wrap shops on vul Lesi Ukrainky, this is the best. It’s great for a quick bite, plus they deliver.
reviewed
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Pidpilya
Shabby chic resto in Kabinet Café’s basement doing good pirogi (Polish dumplings).
reviewed
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Celentano
Ukraine’s most popular pizza chain is typically mobbed with young locals.
reviewed
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