Overheard: restaurants expected to open by end of 2025

Restaurants «with an Almaty soul» are the new trend — just look at how well Akku and Cafe Alma are doing. A bold step in this direction from the Simple Pleasures team (Rifugio del Monte, Salon Vkusa, Pier, Gogra, Byblos) is the revival of the iconic Karlygash, built in 1967 to a design by Malbagar Mendikulov. The goal is not to bring back the past, but to give this legendary place new energy. The Basire Design team has preserved the spirit of Soviet retro (keeping the original floors and some doors) while adding vibrant accents: panels with swallows, canvases, and striking details. Karlygash doesn’t play at being the 70s — it continues that era, grown, changed, but still rooted in it.

The menu will feature honest food without pretentious gastronomy or attempts to show off (even though this restaurant group usually surprises us with its flavor and quality). Expect popular dishes, creative reinterpretations, seasonal offerings, and nods to the past — like ice cream with chocolate chips.

Address: 14 Nazarbayev Avenue

Opening: scheduled for October 20

The new project from the Gaia team runs in two modes. On weekdays, it’s a cozy bar in dark tones and warm candlelight, with an intellectual vibe and signature cocktails. On weekends, Inigo plans to host music sets ranging from jazz and soul to electronic, as well as themed parties and immersive performances. Mixology is handled by Dmitry Ananin, while the kitchen is led by Alisher Khalimov.

Address: 54/4 Luganskogo Street

Opening: scheduled for October 24

Big Apple has a new home on Terrenkur — after seven years at 145 Abylai Khan, the team is moving closer to nature. The walking route along the mountain river draws runners, cyclists, and families with kids every day, but there’s a shortage of spots with good coffee and everyday food — Big Apple is stepping in. The menu centers on breakfasts for every occasion: signature Almaty-style and American-style combos, healthy bowls, and trendy flat croissants. For an energy boost — flat whites, rafs, «bulletproof coffee,» and alternative brews.

Address: 24 Rubinshteyn Street

Opening: scheduled for late October

The first modern Ukrainian restaurant and a true legend in the art of borscht, Bitanga is conquering new horizons — and larger formats. In August, Yermek Smailov opened a location at the Mega Silk Way mall in Astana, and by the end of the year he plans to move into Dostyk Plaza. This won’t be the same cozy café as on Panfilov Street — instead, expect a grown-up, spacious, and, presumably, slightly more upscale restaurant. The interior has been entrusted to the NAAW Bureau, the same team behind AuyI and Fika — Bitanga became their first restaurant project back in 2019. The core program remains unchanged: exemplary borscht with pampushky, Kyiv-style cutlets that burst with butter, salo from the Bessarabian market, holodets with horseradish, and lacy nalysnyky.

Address: 111 Samal-2 district

Opening: scheduled for December

The Italian Unapasta — one of the key projects of the Platforma Food Market — will ring in the new year in a home of its own. A fresh-pasta workshop and full-fledged restaurant will open on the corner of Abylai Khan and Zhambyl. The kitchen is curated by chefs Alexander Obraztsov (Afisha, Extra Virgin) and Greta Arnold (Kazmyaso, Cafeteria, Del Papa), together with Unapasta founder Diana Bimakhimova. The menu will expand beyond pasta and Roman-style pizza to include main courses, breakfasts, and desserts. Plus, an intriguing bar menu awaits: cocktails by Zhora Kucherenko (Syo-Syo) and wines selected by Yulia Lomteva (Auyl).

Address: 123 Abylai Khan Avenue

Opening: scheduled for December