You're reading: Food Critic: Druzi Cafe for friendly gatherings

There’s never a boring moment on Andriivskiy Uzviz, Ukraine’s historic pedestrian walkway that connects the upper part of Kyiv with the Podil neighborhood near the Dnipro River.

The street is filled with souvenirs, musicians, museums and cafes.

But the courtyards also have their worthy secrets. Going up, on the right side of the street, look for a sign with a bicycle on it and go through the arch to find Druzi Cafe.

It’s located on the first floor of the Dream House hostel and looks like a big, welcoming living room. Originally planned as a hangout for foreigners, due to the proximity of the hostel, its guests represent a diverse mixture.

The interiors seem to be decorated by a haphazard collection of objects brought together by random people, but somehow everything comes together anyway. Wooden furniture, bicycles, old fashioned record players and a decorative fireplace all come together to produce a harmonious and cozy atmosphere – as if made by friends for friends.

The Russian- and English-language menu is fairly broad and varied, mixing various kinds of cuisine. 

Starting at 8 a.m. those living at the hostel and early guests can order breakfasts, light – cereals with milk, toast with butter and cheese, tea – or heavy – scrambled eggs with sausages, french fries, toast with butter, sauce and tea/coffee/juice.

Visiting Druzi after work, I decided to try their chicken sandwich (Hr 29) and my friend ordered a margarita pizza (Hr 55). Food was elegantly served on wooden plates. 

I really enjoyed my sandwich, which had plenty of green salad, cheese and sauce, but the pizza was a disappointment. Out of season, the tomatoes were unconvincing, and there was too much oregano seasoning. Yet it could also had more spices.

Besides food and standard drinks, Druzi serves homemade lemonade, tinctures and chasers. Classic lemonade (Hr 9 for 250 ml) is not too sour and refreshing. A tincture with bourbon and orange (Hr 35 for 50 ml) is a great way to warm up and stimulate your appetite.

As its name would suggest. Druzi (Friends) is a really nice place to meet friends, and has quite a few board games for just such occasions. Those who require more activity can play foosball. Larger parties, however, should make reservations in advance.

Like almost all cafes in central Kyiv, Druzi has WiFi, and can be a nice place to get some work done outside the office. When it gets warmer, there will also be a summer terrace and a place to rents bicycles.

Druzi Cafe 
Time: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
2D Andriyivsky Uzviz 
Tel. 044 580 2469
druzicafe.com.ua

Kyiv Post staff writer Elena Pashkovskaya can be reached at [email protected]