Digenis.org

Fifteen years ago today Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union. Congratulations to all Ukrainians who may read this post.

I figure it might be helpful to list a few of the cafes and restaurants I liked while I was in Kyiv. Here’s what I can recommend:

Double Coffee - A chain of coffee shops around Kyiv. I believe they have three locations, but the one on Khreschatik’s the best. They’ve got a veranda and it’s a nice place to enjoy coffee on the weekend, when Khreschatik is transformed into a pedestrian street.

Dim Kavi - The name means ‘house of coffee’ in Ukrainian, but please, oh please, do not confuse this shop with Кофе-хауз. We often stopped at the location on Proreznaya ulitsa (coincidentally located near a Кофе-хауз) for cheap espresso. You can get your coffee to go and sit on the benches just outside the cafe.

Repriza - A great European cafe and bakery with three locations, but go to the one on ulitsa Sagaidachnogo; it’s the most comfortable. They’ve got a great tomato soup that comes in a tasty bread bowl. The stuffed eggplant and perch is also decent.

Kozak Mamai - If you want some authentic Ukrainian food for reasonable price, check out this place. It’s also on Proreznaya ulitsa, just off of Khreschatik. People-watching is a fun pastime here.

Himalaya - Great Indian food on Khreschatik. On weekdays they have a business lunch for 40 grivna (8 dollars). I asked for it to be spicy and that’s just what they gave me. They’ve also got wifi.

Vedenskiye Bulochki - At least that’s what it’s called if my memory serves me correct. It’s near the intersection of Proreznaya and Pushkinskaya streets. They’ve got some delicious pastries and the coffee isn’t too shabby either.

Olimp Located next door to Vedenskiye Bulochki. It’s kind of smoky in the evenings, but they serve a yummy greek salad and offer free wifi. Worth checking out.

Anything I missed while I was there? Not that I plan to make it back anytime soon, but let’s make this page a good resource on the best eats in Kyiv.