Kazakhstan’s Restaurants with International Awards

The World’s 50 Best is one of the most influential brands in the global hospitality industry. In terms of prestige, it stands alongside the Michelin Guide. The «50 Best universe» includes:

• The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Bars, and Hotels — flagship global rankings featuring top venues from around the world;
• World’s 50 Best Discovery — an extended database of venues selected by the 50 Best team. It includes not only ranked participants but also standout projects recognized by a panel of 1,100 industry experts: critics, chefs, restaurateurs, and гастрономical travelers;
• 50 Best Stories — a media platform publishing features and curated lists. Mentions here are not formal awards, but any appearance on the platform is already a mark of recognition.

Kazakhstan is not yet represented in the main rankings, but three local projects were included in the 2025 50 Best Discovery selection.

In Almaty’s Auyl, nomadic cuisine is reimagined in a modern way, set against striking ethnic interiors with mountain views. Dishes cooked over open fire, in a cauldron, or in a tandoor by brand chef Ruslan Zakirov, paired with bold wine selections by sommelier Yulia Lomteva, and meticulous attention to detail — from the avant-garde shanyrak to custom-composed steppe music — make this a must-visit experience.

Astana’s Qazaq Gourmet positions itself as a fine dining Kazakh restaurant — and rightly so. Here, you’ll discover unexpected pairings: kurt with liver and coconut, horse meat with grape leaves, camel with buckwheat dough, kazy with truffle. The chef’s tasting menu by Artyom Kantsev is a true gastronomic journey.

The Temple bar in Astana preserves a speakeasy spirit: a hidden entrance, private social media presence, noir-inspired interior, and a strong conceptual identity. It feels like a ritual space where guests are «parishioners» and drinks resemble ceremonial offerings. The secret to its success lies in obsessive attention to detail — including a 150-year-old oak root integrated into the design.

Wine Spectator awards restaurants with outstanding wine programs:

• One glass — at least 75 labels, well-curated for the cuisine;
• Two glasses — broader selection (350+), deeper regional diversity;
• Three glasses — top tier, 1,000+ labels including rare vintages.

In 2025, Almaty’s Champagne Restaurant & Wine Gallery received two glasses for its 1,120-label collection. The list spans Europe, South Africa, Argentina, the USA, Chile, Israel, Azerbaijan, and includes a strong Champagne selection, alongside local producer Arba Wine.

Also awarded two glasses, Inzhu offers 850 wines, from approachable prosecco to rare large-format Champagne bottles. The European-focused menu features pasta, paella, bruschetta, and tartare.

Since 2024, Agora Wine & Deli has held two glasses. Its 2025 selection includes 900 labels, with dozens available by the glass via Coravin. The menu, curated by Ruslan Zakirov, complements a deli-style offering of cheeses, olives, and jamón.

Wine Cafe & Shop has held one glass since 2022. Its 330-label list spans France, Italy, Germany, Australia, Chile, New Zealand, and Kazakhstan. The atmosphere is relaxed and approachable — perfect for turning an ordinary weekday into a wine-focused evening.

La Liste is a global ranking of top restaurants and hotels, based on aggregated reviews and ratings, unified into a 100-point system.

Qazaq Gourmet achieved a record 75.5 points for Kazakhstan — worth raising a glass of shubat or kumys distillate.

Astana’s Selfie, a collaboration between Good Project and White Rabbit Family, scored 75 points. Its multicultural menu by chef Evgeny Chekanin blends modern takes on borscht and spaghetti with neo-Kazakh cuisine.

Almaty’s Ogonyok also earned 75 points in 2025. Known for its «fire-driven» comfort food, the menu focuses on bold yet familiar flavors, with many dishes cooked over open fire. A historic circular building, strong team execution, and consistency keep guests coming back.

Photos: restaurant websites and social media; Yandex Maps