4 Stops In Kiev To Give You Necessary Caffeine Fix

Making a good cup of coffee is a competitive job… there are so many great places in Kiev.

“As long as there was coffee in the world, how bad could things be?”― Cassandra Clare, City of Ashes

My summer in NYC definitely made me a coffee addict. I’m now someone who can’t wake up in the morning until the first sip of a delightful, aromatic, sweet yet bitter cup of coffee. I’ve tried coffee shops from my all-time favorite Little Collins (in Midtown East), to Joe Coffee (everywhere in NYC) to Irving Coffee Farm (downtown). When I returned to Kiev, I began exploring different neighborhoods and the growing hipster scene.

As it turns out, making a good cup of coffee is a competitive job… there are so many great places.

Amidst the beautiful, autumn sunshine, many places in Kiev are already open at 9 am unless they are working 24/7 and didn’t close at all. People love to sit outside and enjoy the weather while chatting, reading, and Skyping. Here are some of my favorite cafes to visit:

1. One Love Espresso Bar

Krasnoarmeyskaya St., 100 | Chervonoarmiyska St., 100, Kiev 03150, Ukraine (map, website)

This spot which recently opened in the most beautiful part of the city, overlooking the old, St Nicholas cathedral. Whether it’s in the early morning or during late night, you will find yourself not wanting to leave. Inside the café, you can find many books – ranging from fashion, art, religion – from some of the best publications. The spot is slightly hidden in between tall buildings but it’s worth taking the time to find it. You can always ask for directions (or walk into the hotel Holiday Inn). The staff at One Love is also extremely friendly and they will literally answer any question you have.

Try the special brew coffee (without milk) and salmon bagel.

2. Milkbar

16, Shota Rustaveli, Kiev 01001, Ukraine (map, website)

When you walk in, you will most likely lose yourself looking at the dessert stand. They are definitely irresistible, which is why the place is always packed day and night. They even extended their closing time to 1 AM on Fridays. The people of Kiev always crave a little sweet goodness. Plus, the design definitely carries a somewhat Brooklyn WOW factor.

Try the Milk Bar Coffee with rhubarb, apple crumble or carrot cake. Follow them on Facebook for updates and inspiration.

3. Café O’café

Mechnikova St. 9 Kiev, Ukraine (map)

A little pricier, Café O’ Café brews Illy, which is one of the best options available in town. It’s also inside a big supermarket (similar to Dean & Deluca in Soho, NYC); however, they do have an outside patio to sit out and relax. It’s very quiet in comparison to the other coffee shops, so if that floats your boat, this is the perfect spot.

Try the café latte and a freshly squeezed juice. You will also find their sugar packs very entertaining (each one of different color with words like play, love, meet dream)!

4. Aroma Espresso Bar

Zhilianska 75 Kiev 01021, Ukraine (map, website)

If you are in a hurry, Aroma is the best place to stop at. A great spot to get take-out or a business meeting, it’s an international chain, therefore you won’t encounter any problems if you don’t speak Russian/Ukrainian.

Grab an iced cappuccino and a large salad.

Elizabeth Bezverkha

Elizabeth currently calls Ukraine home, but she has been to all 50 countries in Europe! When she travels she is never a tourist; she always tries to live the lifestyle of the city or town. You'll never find this girl without her iPhone and cold hard cash.