Overheard: Which Restaurants Will Open in Spring 2026

Opening: late February — early March

Address: 94 Abylai Khan Avenue

The restaurant «Shchuka» is opening its second location. The new address in the Golden Square will preserve the character of the original project but will be more камерный, with a denser seating arrangement. The space is designed for 25–30 guests, with a focus on live communication and close interaction with the team. A separate point of attraction will be a shot-bar-style area. The kitchen is led by Nail Orazbayev (Symposium in Saint Petersburg, Vinovnik and Irwin Bar in Almaty). This format is for those who appreciate home-style cuisine, flavorful house infusions, and a friendly atmosphere where guests are welcomed with the phrase, «Shall we go eat?»

Opening: March 6–10

Address: Forum Mall, 617 Saken Seifullin Avenue

The legendary Chaihona No. 1 is coming to Kazakhstan for the first time — a project with a 25-year history that combines Eastern traditions with modern gastronomy is opening in Almaty. The atmosphere resembles a large home, where people gather for family celebrations, friendly get-togethers, and casual meetings without a special occasion. The kitchen is led by brand chef Sergey Sushchenko. The menu is built around recognizable hits: plov, dishes cooked on the grill, traditional pastries, and sharing plates.

Opening: approximately March 3, 2026

Address: 22A Ospanov Street

«Yug 22» is a gastronomic story of six countries of the southern coast, told through flavors, aromas, and atmosphere. The menu features juicy meat, freshly caught fish, and ripe vegetables. The brand chef is Enver Dzhemilov, who in 2023 led the kitchen of the Moscow restaurant Lou Lou and previously worked as a chef at Savoy and projects by Alba Group. The head chef is Dmitry Dulov, whose experience includes Buddha Bar, Tanuki, and Twin Pigs in Moscow, Toku in Tashkent, and More& More in Almaty.

Opening: March 8–15

Address: Forum Mall, 617 Saken Seifullin Avenue

In March, the Bro& N restaurant-pizzeria by Novikov Group will open in Almaty — a project inspired by the brand’s first restaurant at Patriarch’s Ponds in Moscow. It offers an urban, approachable, and versatile format. The menu features Italian classics: thin-crust pizza, homemade pasta, house-made burrata, and signature dishes such as pasta served in a cheese wheel and pizza with stracciatella and Parma ham. The restaurant will also have its own mini bakery. The kitchen is led by Vyacheslav Bakharov, while the gastronomic concept of the chain is shaped by brand chef Mirko Dzago. The interior is designed by Finoarte Design Bureau.

Opening: expected in spring

Pafos is a Greek resort within the city, where summer lasts all year round. The project focuses on atmosphere: live music, syrtaki dancing, plate smashing, and traditional Greek hospitality. The menu includes meze, fresh fish, olives, wine, and classic Greek dishes. The gastronomy is led by a team with strong international experience: brand chef Enver Dzhemilov, who worked on the kitchens of the Spanish restaurant El Pimpi and the Greek «Pafos» in Moscow, and head chef Andrey Salnikov, who worked with chef Luca Natalini, co-owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant Autem in Milan, and participated in launching the first franchise of the «Gorynych» restaurant by White Rabbit Family.

P. S. In professional circles, there is active discussion about the possible opening of the Tehnikum gastro bistro at the site of the former «Tsekh.» This would be a franchise of a project by one of Russia’s leading restaurant holdings — the Moscow «Tehnikum» was featured in the Michelin Guide 2022. Among the potential franchisees mentioned are the restaurant «Sozdateli» and Roman Pashkevich (San Seven Group from Kostanay). There is no official confirmation yet, but we remain hopeful.

Photo: press services and restaurant social media; Yandex Maps