8 Restaurants for Catching Up with the Girls

A Japandi-style interior in soft cappuccino foam tones, expressive textures, and a soothing atmosphere — this bistro-coffeehouse feels like it was made for the aesthetics of girls’ get-togethers. At Penka, there are at least three storylines to choose from: a long breakfast, a light Mediterranean lunch, or aperitif coffee (served in elegant cups) followed by signature cocktails for the digestif.

●     All-day breakfast

●     Cocktail Wednesdays — mixes for ₸1,990

●     Minimalist interior and gentle natural light — ideal for selfies

Soft curves, arches, the iconic staircase, and a themed facade — every corner of this place calls out to be photographed. Aurora is a city café for those who appreciate everyday aesthetics: nothing overcomplicated, just warm elegance and a sense of eternal spring in its DNA. The food isn’t just tasty — it’s made with care: farm-sourced ingredients, no additives or trans fats, and health-conscious sweets. From smoky baba ganoush to duck leg with roasted carrots and Sicilian orange sauce — each dish feels like an invitation to linger.

●     Modern breakfast offerings

●     Guilt-free desserts: no sugar, gluten, or lactose

●     Private upstairs room for an intimate girls’ gathering

A bohemian French bistro — no passports, boarding passes, or check-ins required. Benoit lives and breathes l’art de vivre(the art of living) and leans into its hedonistic nature: here, breakfast comes with Champagne, rillettes and boeuf bourguignon share the table with fries and truffle ice cream, and good wine is a given. That’s no surprise — the restaurant was created by Alma Wine, a major importer, so expect a well-curated cellar and fair prices. The «cellar» holds over 170 bottles; about 25 are available by the glass, and rare finds are served via Coravin — a system that lets you pour without uncorking. An evening at Benoit is bound to be a slow, indulgent affair.

●     French breakfasts with sparkling wine

●     Limited Cru Collection for serious wine lovers

●     An atmosphere of relaxed hedonism

Another place to let your inner Parisienne shine. White tablecloths, checkered armchairs, delicate wall and ceiling patterns, statement art — everything here sets the scene for a distinctly French kind of romance. The menu reads like a Mediterranean journey: pasta, pizza, signature salads, and imaginative vegetable dishes. But the true stars are the desserts — shaped like luxury handbags and perfume bottles.

●     Beautiful breakfast sets

●     Gien tableware to charm every guest

●     Signature desserts are almost too pretty to eat (but you should!)

If Nuala were a person, she’d wear perfectly tailored suits, speak softly but to the point, and have impeccable taste in wine. This is a restaurant where style doesn’t shout — it simply exists, present in every design detail, in the table settings, in the quiet elegance of wine being poured. If you’re planning to meet friends in an atmosphere of understated luxury, want a menu that’s refined but original, and know the difference between Prosecco and Champagne — this is your place.

●     Fancy brunches

●     Extensive wine cellar and standout Champagne pricing

●     A charming ice cream cone as a complimentary treat for every guest

Every detail at Renée Café is carefully considered: the art of lighting, flowing lines, vintage tableware, and a ceiling mural featuring endangered animals and plants from Kazakhstan’s Red Book. It’s all so beautiful you’ll want to eat your croissant slowly just to make the moment last. Renée is a place for lingering brunches and elegant evenings. A pastry stand, a dessert display, signature breakfasts, truffle pasta, and even the fries — everything looks so good it takes #picsoreitdidnthappen to a new level.

●     Desserts are crafted by Ekaterina Semyonova (whose résumé includes Ladurée)

●     Coffee is brewed on a sleek, high-end machine from Kees Van Der Westen

●     The most photogenic tableware you’ll see was sourced from flea markets across Europe

So many striking pink accents are woven into the minimalist grey interior that TheM naturally made its way onto every girls’ to-go list. Chef Alexander Proshenkov has curated an engaging lineup for your meetups: on-trend breakfasts, comfort food with a personal touch, and wine-friendly appetizers. TheM puts special emphasis on organic and biodynamic produce — look for these trendsetters in the «Try them» section.

●     The neo-bistro format guarantees simple yet original dishes

●     Complimentary ciabatta with butter isn’t just bread — it’s a gesture of respect and good manners. Simple, yet rare

●     Downstairs hides a secret cocktail bar called Spirit

A grand café for the kind of occasion when you and your friends want to dress up and celebrate life with flair. You can come for tea — it’s a whole ritual, complete with a luxurious Vista Alegre porcelain set from Portugal’s «royal factory» and a silver-tiered tray of sweets. You can come for wine — the black-tie staff creates a five-star ambiance. Or stay for a top-tier Mediterranean dinner. At Astra, the art of living beautifully is taken quite literally.

●     High-end tableware and service fit for a «Where is my lord?» moment

●     Pastries by superstar baker Maksim Babich

●     Downstairs — the sophisticated cocktail bar Agora

Photos: web sites and social medias restaurants; Yandex Maps