KURENI/КУРЕНИ

Kureni is definitely worth taking the time to find it. On its website, the restaurant describes itself as "the out-of-town restaurant at the city center", a branding that we have to confirm. Although it's situated in the center of Kiev, Kureni Restaurant gives you the impression to be somewhere in the countryside. With the restaurant being located on the bank of the Dnieper River, the upper terrace offers a magnificent view. The large yard sports a very unique design: up to 250 people can be seated between trees in little, colorfully painted huts that resemble the kossacks' "kureni" or underneath thatched roofs. The interior is a mixture of modern elegance and traditional kitsch that seems to work perfectly. The main hall can accommodate up to 80 people, while another 30 can have their private parties in the "VIP rooms". The big terrace with the many different seating areas as well as the nicely decorated interior welcome many locals, expats and tourists (once they found the well hidden spot) during the whole year, so a table reservation is highly recommended. Kureni is one of the oldest restaurants of Kiev. The menu that lists mainly regional dishes is extensive and leaves not much to be desired. Kureni has a rich variety of local cuisine, grilled and tandoor dishes. At Kureni the average main dish costs $ 15, entrées range from $ 10 to $ 26, prices that are totally justified by the quality and quantity of the food! The restaurant's website says the average bill is about UAH 500, so about $ 60. That is probably because the bar menu is as expensive as it is comprehensive. That seems to be the case almost everywhere in Kiev: While food prices are reasonable most of the time, drinks can cost quite a lot. Well, Kureni is certainly a bit more expensive than some of the other restaurants in Kiev but the location, the food and the service quality are really worth it. The service is attentive, professional and friendly, although a smile here and there would do them no harm. The view over Dnieper River and the park-like summer terrace do their best to make you forget the noises of the metropolis just a few steps away. So if you like to have a romantic dinner for two or a special night out with friends, Kureni is clearly to be considered!

Tips

Try the rabbit, they are famous for it!