Those who are looking for a place to have snacks or dinner near the main Eurovision 2017 venue, International Exhibition Center at the left bank of Kyiv, all face one problem: The dining options are quite limited in this area.
While there are plenty of fast-food cafes nearby, there are almost no restaurants except from the one in Tourist Hotel just next to the Livoberezhna metro station.
But don’t hurry to despair: Just a 15-minute walk from International Exhibition Center there is a picturesque Rusanivska embankment with great views of Dnipro River and the city’s right bank, and various coffee shops and restaurants.
For centuries, Kyiv’s left bank wasn’t a part of the city. It changed during the Communist rule: This part of the city became a housing area for workers. Rusanivka neighborhood along with the embankment were built in the 1960s at the first artificially created island in the Soviet Union.
Most of the architecture constructed by Communists was preserved and still shapes the general appearance of Rusanivka. Lately, however, the area is slowly getting a more modern look with new buildings popping up and Kyiv authorities amending the embankment, which now has a huge park with playgrounds and jogging tracks.
Rusanivska embankment stretches for around 1.5 kilometers, so it’s never overcrowded with people.
The embankment offers a view at the golden domes of Kyiv’s many churches and at the impressive Motherland statue on the right bank — all to improve the dining experience.
The Kyiv Post made a list of venues near the Rusanivska embankment for those who crave for tasty meals and drinks but doesn’t want to go too far away from the Eurovision venue.
Smorodyna
Those looking for chilled, relaxed atmosphere will find it in Smorodyna (Ukrainian for “black currant”) restaurant located amid the park near Rusanivska embankment. Although the restaurant doesn’t offer access to the Dnipro River, one can still escape here from the heat and enjoy the picturesque view of the park through the large panorama windows.
The two-floor restaurant has a cozy summer terrace that would be perfect for a quiet family outing. Smorodyna offers mix of popular food from various countries — they serve pizzas, pastas, sushi, hummus and some Ukrainian dishes such as salo (lard), borscht and the famous Kyiv Cake. Main courses start at Hr 80 and go up to Hr 1,025 for a 1-kilogram grilled meat plate. One can also smoke hookah for Hr 220–360.
Smorodyna. 7 Rusanivska Naberezhna St. 12 p. m. — 12 a. m. +38044–377–5227
Matsoni
A chic Georgian restaurant Matsoni, which is named after the dairy drink popular in Georgia and Armenia, attracts guests with authentic dishes and Georgian cheese made in-house. The restaurant has a main hall and two private rooms with simple yet elegant design in beige and brown colors and an open kitchen where one can see how the cheese is being made.
The place has an extensive choice of khachapuri, traditional cheese-filled bread, from Hr 78 to Hr 200 for a 950-gram khachapuri. Various types of Georgian wine such as Tsinandali, Saperavi and Kindzmarauli are sold from around Hr 70 for a glass.
Matsoni. 1 Ihoria Shamo Blvd. 12 p. m. — 10 a. m. +38050–108–2838
Zheltok
Zheltok (Russian for “yolk”) is a popular Kyiv chain of American cuisine restaurants that offers all-day breakfasts to its visitors. One of the cafes is at Rusanivska embankment.
The restaurant’s design follows old-time American diners with an addition of bright yellow color and Hollywood-themed posters. The place offers burgers for Hr 55–130, an “omelet pizza” stuffed with vegetables, meat or fish for Hr 55–60, salads for Hr 40–95, hot-dogs (Hr 60) and coffee with free refills (Hr 45).
Zheltok. 8/2 Rusanivska Naberezhna St. 8:30 a. m. — 12 a. m. +38063–208–7177
Banka
The owners of Zheltok have one more spot not far away — a jar-themed bar Banka that is famous for its shots, cocktails and various snacks served in small jars. The place is very popular among students and youth thanks to its more than affordable prices: The shot of the day goes for just Hr 15.
The place also has various shots for Hr 20, including Ukrainian vodka horilka with honey and pepper, and sets of shots with unusual tastes such as borscht for Hr 85. The place also has “extreme” cocktails that come with playful tasks that usually include drinking several types of alcohol.
Banka. 8/2 Rusanivska Naberezhna St. 12 p. m. — 1 a. m. +38093–112–5090
Tarantino
Tarantino is a restaurant of traditional Italian cuisine that also offers various types of smoked meat, vegetables and fish. The place has a special wood burning stove to make different kinds of pizza that cost Hr 94–198. The restaurant also offers wine at Hr 310–600 for a bottle.
The place is named after the American film director Quentin Tarantino, and the design vaguely reminds of his movies with its checkered and striped sofas, wooden tables and brick walls. Tarantino has live jazz music on the weekend and Friday nights.
Tarantino. 10 Rusanivska Naberezhna St. 12 p. m. — 12 a. m. +3044–364–1153
Soul Café
Soul Café is in the same building as Tarantino, but it is a tiny stylish café with a friendly atmosphere which makes it probably the most popular spot with local hipsters. The place serves all-day breakfasts, like pancakes with sweet condensed milk and berries (Hr 55), warm croissants with coffee (Hr 39), oatmeal (Hr 45–55), omelet with turkey (Hr 70) and more.
Apart from the breakfast options, there is a full-fledged menu with soups, pastas, salads and appetizers for around Hr 53–125. Those with a sweet tooth can find here homemade ice-cream, cakes, cookies and panna cotta (Hr 40–65).
Soul Café. 10 Rusanivska Naberezhna St. Mon — Fri 8 a. m. — 10 p. m. Sat — Sun 8 a. m. — 10 p. m. +38063–177–4463
River Grill
River Grill, which is located closer to the Paton Bridge at Rusanivska embankment, is the sole venue here that is located right near the river, thus offering the best view.
The restaurant, which is basically a spacious summer terrace with a tent and a kitchen, works only in spring and summer. The spot offers various fish dishes for Hr 140–270, but its main attraction is grilled meat that starts at Hr 67 for 100 grams. Live music is offered on Fridays and weekends.
River Grill. 7B Rusanivska Naberezhna St. 12 p. m. — 2 a. m. +38098–744–5577
Spezzo
A cozy family restaurant Spezzo specializes in Italian cuisine and offers large variety of pizzas, pastas and antipasti. The spot uses house-made cheese and pasta. One can also find various Italian delicatessens such as sausages and sauces in the shop located inside the restaurant.
The main courses are around Hr 160–250 and the wine to go with it is offered at Hr 86–188 per glass. Apart from usual alcohol drinks, the restaurant also offers limoncello liquor for Hr 95–105. The must-try dessert is panna cotta with berries for Hr 69.
Spezzo. 8 Rusanivska Naberezhna St. 11 a. m. — 2 a. m. +38050–422–3798
