If there’s one thing Bishkek absolutely nails, it’s its bar and restaurant scene. Some of these places also made it into my guide to the most Instagrammable spots in Bishkek. One thing I should mention right away: it’s actually harder to find bad food in Kyrgyzstan than good food. The food is delicious almost everywhere, so this isn’t a guide to the city’s best cuisine. Instead, these are my favorite places for a great atmosphere, excellent cocktails, and evenings that somehow end much later than planned. Also, don’t expect luxury fine-dining restaurants with dress codes, inflated prices, and people pretending not to enjoy themselves. I rarely go to places like that. These are the bars and restaurants where I’d happily catch up with a friend, have a date, or spend a Friday evening with good company. This list will keep growing!

Juan

A tiny Mexican bar in the heart of Bishkek. As you’d expect, tequila dominates the cocktail menu. Half the drinks seem to contain it. Order the tacos while you’re at it. The staff are wonderful, and they regularly host themed parties and events.

“Obshchestvo” (Society)

Obshchestvo is heaven for aesthetes… and beer lovers.

There’s a beautiful courtyard filled with vintage furniture and three indoor halls, all decorated in what I believe is called eclectic style. Whatever it’s called, it looks great.

La maison de voyager

I absolutely love this little French restaurant. Relaxed vintage interiors, an incredibly welcoming owner, delicious desserts, and surprisingly affordable business lunches. What’s not to like?

Burch

An incredibly stylish restaurant serving excellent pasta and a great wine selection. Simple as that.

DariKuduk

This place is almost impossible to describe. Every room has its own carefully designed interior. The overall aesthetic is unmistakably Central Asian, although it honestly reminds me just as much of Georgia or Armenia.

It’s a two-storey house with several rooms and a courtyard, each decorated in a different ethnic style. One of the most creative places in Bishkek.

Riad

A riad (Arabic for “garden”) is a traditional Moroccan house built around an open courtyard. Bishkek’s Riad is tucked away in an unremarkable street near Osh Bazaar, so don’t expect to accidentally walk past it. Inside, however, you’ll find a gorgeous Moroccan courtyard with a fountain. It’s one of those places where you could happily spend hours.

The menu focuses on Middle Eastern cuisine, but the cocktails are the real highlight. The outdoor terrace closes during winter, but the indoor rooms keep all the Moroccan charm.

Riders

A unique seasonal bar in the upper part of Bishkek, sitting right on a small pond in Adinay Park. Grab a drink, sit under the willow trees, watch the sky turn pink, and enjoy the view of people wakeboarding across the lake. It only operates during the warmer months—for obvious reasons.

Achyq bar

A niche bar for people who like places that aren’t trying to be like everyone else. Their cocktail menu changes with the seasons. In autumn they might serve Twilight-inspired drinks, while winter belongs to Harry Potter. There’s often live music, stand-up comedy, and other fun events.

Dom Kult

A retro-style bar in the upper part of Bishkek with excellent cocktails and some of the city’s best parties.

Zaanduki

Zaanduki is a Georgian restaurant, and honestly, that already tells you half the story. What I love most is the interior. It feels like visiting your grandmother’s house—if your grandmother happened to be a famous theatre actress with impeccable taste. That’s exactly the atmosphere.

Craft bar

A love letter to Bishkek’s trees that the city hasn’t cut down yet. My favourite table is the one underneath the tree. Yes, the tree. It’s practically the face of the bar. The bonus is a fantastic view of Ala-Too Square. If you go, make sure you sit under the tree with the fairy lights. Everything else is secondary.

Read Next: