Where to Eat in Almaty: 17 Best Restaurants to Try in 2026

With the snow-capped Trans-Ili Alatau mountains framing the skyline, Almaty makes an unforgettable first impression. But beyond the scenery, leafy boulevards and Soviet-era architecture, Kazakhstan’s former capital has quietly built one of Central Asia’s most exciting food scenes.

Here, travellers can try horse meat reimagined in modern dishes, explore centuries-old nomadic recipes, enjoy meals cooked over open fire in the mountains, or simply slow down with coffee and pastries in a design-led café. From refined Kazakh dining rooms to casual burger spots and stylish brunch cafés, these are the best restaurants in Almaty in 2026.

[Information and regular opening hours were verified as of 2 Aug 2026. Hours and menus may change during public holidays.]

Also read: Family Friendly Airbnbs in Almaty, Kazakhstan to Book in 2025

1. YURTA

At YURTA, Kazakh cuisine is given a modern, elegant twist. Set beneath a striking dome, the restaurant revisits ingredients that have long sustained nomadic life, including horse meat, camel meat, dairy, grains and traditional fire-baked breads.

The kitchen follows a farm-to-table philosophy, focusing on natural ingredients and minimal processing. One standout dish is the horse-meat pastrami served with Kazakh-style gnocchi. Other favourites include warm horse-meat tartare with smoked kurt aioli, lamb shank, beshbarmak and baursaks. There is even a dedicated qymyz bar for those curious to try fermented mare’s milk.

Address: 106G Dostyk Avenue, Medeu District, Almaty 050021, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Daily, 12pm–12am

Must-try: Horse-meat pastrami with Kazakh-style gnocchi, lamb shank, baursaks

TripZilla tip: Dinner reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends. A 10% service charge is included.

2. Alcha

For those who can’t choose between Kazakh and Azerbaijani cuisine, Alcha offers both in a warm, elegant setting near the foothills of Almaty. It is halal and especially convenient for families or groups looking for a relaxed sit-down meal.

The experience often begins with kutab—thin stuffed flatbreads filled with pumpkin, cheese or herbs—before moving on to chicken lavangi, lamb dishes or horse-meat beshbarmak. Azerbaijani-style tea rounds off the meal nicely. Rose tea is often mentioned online, but since it is not listed on the current menu, it is best to check availability with the restaurant.

Address: 109B Dostyk Avenue, Medeu District, Almaty 050051, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Daily, 11am–12am

Must-try: Horse-meat beshbarmak, chicken lavangi, kutab

TripZilla tip: It gets busy at dinner, so booking via Instagram or WhatsApp is recommended. Ask in advance about rose tea.

3. AUYL Restaurant

Few places in Almaty feel as atmospheric as AUYL. Located high in the Medeu gorge, it sits inside a Soviet-modernist building reimagined with yurt-inspired interiors, warm lighting and handcrafted details—all surrounded by mountain views.

The menu focuses on neo-nomadic cooking, with meat and bread prepared over open fire, in qazan cauldrons, on mangal grills and in tandoor ovens. Highlights include horse-meat tartare, smoked horse-brisket beshbarmak, baursaks and freshly grilled shashlik.

Address: 586 Kerey-Zhanibek Khandar Street, Medeu District, Almaty 050020, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Mon–Fri, 12pm–12am; Sat, 11am–12am; Sun, 11am–11pm

Must-try: Horse-meat tartare, beshbarmak, baursaks, shashlik

TripZilla tip: Book well ahead and take a taxi, as it is outside the city centre. It pairs well with a trip to Medeu or Shymbulak.

4. Cafe Alma

At Cafe Alma, even horse-meat lasagne feels surprisingly natural. The restaurant takes familiar European bistro dishes and reinterprets them through Almaty’s local ingredients and culinary traditions.

Its signature lasagne layers horse meat with jusai (a local chive) and kurt mousse. Breakfast is equally popular, with dishes like horse-meat pastrami hash browns and an Almaty-style breakfast featuring kazy sausage. The result is modern, but still deeply rooted in the city.

Address: 79 Kabanbay Batyr Street, Medeu District, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Mon–Thu, 7.30am–10pm; Fri, 7.30am–11pm; Sat, 8am–11pm; Sun, 8am–10pm

Must-try: Horse-meat lasagne, Almaty breakfast, pastrami hash browns

TripZilla tip: This refers to the central branch; Cafe Alma also has locations at MEGA Alma-Ata and the Almaty Museum of Arts.

5. Bahandi Burger

Not every meal in Almaty needs to be a long, sit-down experience. Bahandi Burger is the city’s go-to for quick, satisfying fast food with a local following.

The menu is simple: juicy beef patties, soft buns, melted cheese, fries and plenty of sauce. The classic cheeseburger or double cheeseburger are the most popular choices, especially for hungry travellers. Prices are generally much lower than Almaty’s more design-focused restaurants.

Address: Ground floor, 140 Auezov Street, Bostandyk District, Almaty 050057, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Daily, 11am–12am

Must-try: Beef cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, fries

TripZilla tip: There are many branches across the city; use 2GIS to find the closest one.

6. Chaihana NAVAT

NAVAT is one of Almaty’s most popular Central Asian teahouses, known for its colourful interiors, patterned décor and generous portions. It is especially good for groups and families.

The menu spans across the region, featuring plov, manty, lagman, samsa, grilled meats, beshbarmak and baursaks. The idea is simple: order several dishes, share everything, and enjoy a long, relaxed meal with tea.

Address: Unit 103, ground floor, 48 Dostyk Avenue, Medeu District, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Daily, 10am–12am

Must-try: Plov, beshbarmak, manty, lagman, baursaks

TripZilla tip: The Dostyk branch includes a terrace, VIP rooms and a children’s play area.

7. Aspandiyar

Travellers may still find “Salsabil” in older reviews, but the restaurant now operates as Aspandiyar. It is a 24-hour halal restaurant serving a wide mix of Kazakh, Central Asian and international comfort food.

For a more local experience, dishes like beshbarmak, manty and grilled meats are the best choices. It is also one of the most reliable late-night dining spots in the city.

Address: 49 Rozybakieva Street, Bostandyk District, Almaty 050046, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: 24 hours

Must-try: Beshbarmak, manty, grilled meats

TripZilla tip: Search for “Aspandiyar” in maps. The restaurant includes a prayer room.

8. Sandyq

Sandyq is where travellers can go deeper into Kazakhstan’s culinary heritage. The restaurant researches traditional recipes from across the country and presents them with modern precision.

Expect dishes like beshbarmak (Kazakh et), kuyrdak, lamb ribs cooked with qymyz, bone marrow and zhent, a traditional sweet made from grains and butter. The setting feels cultural but not overly formal, with crafts, tableware and occasional live music.

Address: 55 Abylai Khan Avenue, Almaly District, Almaty 050004, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Daily, 12pm–12am

Must-try: Beshbarmak, kuyrdak, lamb ribs, bone marrow, zhent

TripZilla tip: Reserve for dinner and check for live music nights.

9. Chef

Chef feels like stepping into another era. Located in a basement space, it blends Russian and European comfort food with a nostalgic, slightly retro atmosphere that feels more like a private club than a modern restaurant. Dim lighting, vintage-style décor and a slightly theatrical presentation of dishes all add to its old-world charm.

The menu is hearty and familiar, featuring beef stroganoff, veal cheeks, tobacco chicken and grilled meats. Portions are generous, and the flavours lean into rich sauces, slow-cooked meats and classic Eastern European techniques. It is the kind of place where dinner naturally turns into drinks and conversation, especially as the evening progresses and the space becomes more atmospheric.

Address: Basement level, 104 Bogenbay Batyr Street, Medeu District, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Mon–Thu, 11am–12am; Fri–Sat, 11am–1am; Sun, 11am–10pm\

Must-try: Beef stroganoff, veal cheeks, tobacco chicken

TripZilla tip: The entrance is easy to miss; follow the map pin carefully. It can feel almost hidden from the street, so look for signage at ground level before heading downstairs.

10. Qarlygash

Qarlygash is a polished city café that reinterprets Soviet-era and European comfort food with a cleaner, more modern presentation. The interior is bright and contemporary, with a slightly upscale café feel that makes it suitable for both casual lunches and relaxed dinners.

Dishes like veal borscht, beef stroganoff and forshmak (a chopped herring appetiser) are popular, along with lighter options such as the smoked-chicken Malibu salad. The menu balances nostalgia with refinement, offering familiar flavours but with more careful plating and updated recipes.

Address: 145 Nazarbayev Avenue, Almaly District, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Mon–Fri, 10am–12am; Sat–Sun, 9am–12am

Must-try: Borscht, forshmak, beef stroganoff

TripZilla tip: Search for the correct spelling “Qarlygash” when navigating, as alternative transliterations may lead to incorrect locations.

11. Fika

Fika takes its name from the Swedish coffee ritual, but it has developed its own identity in Almaty. Set in a converted mid-century house, it is bright, relaxed and ideal for slow mornings, remote work or long brunches that stretch into the afternoon.

Syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes), tartines, pastries and egg dishes are all popular, alongside strong coffee prepared with careful attention to detail. The menu is designed for comfort and simplicity rather than complexity, making it a reliable everyday café. Vegetarian options and an English menu make it easy for international visitors to order without difficulty.

Address: 104 Kabanbay Batyr Street, Medeu District, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Daily, 8am–11pm

Must-try: Syrniki, pastries, coffee

TripZilla tip: Weekday mornings are quieter than weekend brunch hours, when the café can become quite busy and seating may be limited.

12. Line Brew

A long-standing favourite since 1997, Line Brew is known for steaks and house-brewed beer in a classic beer-hall setting. The atmosphere is warm and slightly rustic, with wooden interiors and a lively buzz that makes it popular with both locals and visitors.

The menu includes ribeye, horse steak, shashlik and grilled meats, paired with in-house beer brewed on-site. The portions are substantial and designed for sharing or long, leisurely meals. For steak lovers, Line Brew Reserve offers a more premium experience with upgraded cuts and a more refined setting.

Address: 187A Nazarbayev Avenue, Almaty 050013, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Sun–Thu, 12pm–1am; Fri–Sat, 12pm–2am

Must-try: Ribeye, horse steak, house beer

TripZilla tip: Reserve on weekends, especially for dinner. Be sure to confirm whether you want the original Line Brew or the more upscale Line Brew Reserve, as they offer different experiences.

13. Bitanga

Bitanga offers a refreshing break from Central Asian cuisine with Ukrainian comfort food served in a modern, playful style. The interior is casual yet stylish, making it a comfortable stop for both quick meals and longer dinners.

Highlights include borscht with pampushki (garlic buns), varenyky, Kyiv cutlet and salo. The dishes are hearty and satisfying, with a focus on traditional Ukrainian flavours presented in a slightly updated, restaurant-friendly way. It is especially popular for those looking for something familiar yet different from Kazakh cuisine.

Address: Dostyk Plaza, 111 Samal-2 Microdistrict, Medeu District, Almaty 050059, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Daily, 10am–12am

Must-try: Borscht, varenyky, Kyiv cutlet

TripZilla tip: Only the Dostyk Plaza branch is currently operating, so make sure to navigate to the mall location rather than older standalone listings.

14. AIZA Neo Bistro

AIZA brings a touch of the Mediterranean to central Almaty, with sunlit interiors, soft tones and a relaxed, island-inspired atmosphere. The design feels airy and modern, making it a popular spot for brunch, long lunches and evening cocktails.

The menu leans into Greek and Mediterranean flavours, with dishes like Greek breakfast, chicken souvlaki, oven-baked flounder and lamb. Ingredients are fresh and presentation is clean, with a focus on simple but well-executed dishes. In the evening, the space becomes livelier, with music and a stronger bar presence.

Address: 115 Abylai Khan Avenue, Almaly District, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Sun–Thu, 8am–1am; Fri–Sat, 8am–2am

Must-try: Greek breakfast, souvlaki, lamb dishes

TripZilla tip: Breakfast is served until 2pm. It is a 21+ venue, so check policies in advance if travelling with children.

15. Bangkok Thai Café

For Southeast Asian flavours, Bangkok Thai Café is one of the more authentic Thai options in Almaty, with a Thai-led kitchen that focuses on traditional recipes rather than fusion interpretations.

The menu includes tom yum, tom kha, pad Thai, green curry and sticky rice. Flavours are bold and aromatic, with a good balance of spice, sourness and sweetness. Guests are usually asked about spice tolerance, but it is still worth confirming your preferred heat level when ordering.

Address: 57/6 Luganskogo Street, Medeu District, Almaty 050051, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Daily, 12pm–10pm

Must-try: Tom yum, pad Thai, green curry

TripZilla tip: The restaurant closes earlier than many others in the city, so it is better suited for lunch or early dinner rather than late-night dining.

16. AKAMI

AKAMI is a refined Japanese dining experience rather than a casual sushi spot. The dark, elegant interior, minimalist design and open raw bar create a calm, upscale atmosphere that is ideal for special occasions or a more refined evening out.

Expect high-quality sashimi, nigiri, hamachi with yuzu and shiso, and a selection of creative small plates such as crab gyoza. The presentation is precise and modern, with a strong emphasis on freshness and technique. It is one of the more polished Japanese restaurants in Almaty.

Address: 66 Kurmangazy Street, Almaly District, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Daily, 12pm–12am

Must-try: Sashimi, nigiri, hamachi, crab gyoza

TripZilla tip: It is one of the pricier restaurants in Almaty, so reservations are recommended, especially for dinner or weekend visits.

17. SIX Coffee + Wine

SIX Coffee + Wine blends café culture with wine bar energy, moving smoothly from breakfast and daytime coffee to evening drinks and full dining service. The space is modern and stylish, with a relaxed but slightly upscale feel.

Croissants, brunch dishes and the croissant burger are popular choices during the day, while veal cheeks and other mains make it a genuine all-day dining option. In the evening, the wine list becomes a central focus, making it a good spot for a slow, social night out.

Address: 17 Abay Avenue, Medeu District, Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan

Opening hours: Mon–Thu, 8am–12am; Fri, 8am–1am; Sat, 9am–1am; Sun, 9am–12am

Must-try: Croissants, croissant burger, veal cheeks

TripZilla tip: The streamside terrace is especially popular for slow mornings and sunset drinks, so try to arrive early to secure outdoor seating.

Also read: Central Asia: A 7D6N Fun Itinerary For Your Next Big Adventure

Useful dining tips for Almaty

A few simple tips can make dining in Almaty much easier. It’s helpful to use apps like 2GIS or Yandex Maps, since restaurant names can vary in English. For popular places, it’s often best to book a table via WhatsApp or Instagram. Be mindful of local ingredients such as horse meat, kazy sausage, dairy, and nuts, which are common in traditional dishes. It’s also a good idea to carry some cash in Kazakh tenge alongside your bank card. Before paying, check whether a service charge is already included in the bill. Finally, always confirm opening hours, especially during holidays or in winter, when schedules may change.

Almaty’s food scene is incredibly diverse. In a single trip, travellers can move from traditional Kazakh feasts to modern cafés, then end the day with Thai curry, Japanese sushi or Ukrainian comfort food. For first-time visitors, places like AUYL, Sandyq, cafe Alma, Alcha and YURTA offer the most authentic introduction to the city’s culinary identity.