Picked by Locals: Almaty’s Hidden Gems

Recommended by Karine Somerset, co-founder of design studio Étage

Some days, the soul doesn’t crave haute cuisine, intricate menu items, or celebrity chefs. Some days, you just want something real and simple. Something that doesn’t try to impress — just to warm you up.

For me, the tsomyan lagman at Urimchi isn’t just food. It’s a throwback to childhood, proof that real flavor needs no embellishment. The hand-pulled noodles, springy with a silky texture, soak up a rich, spice-laden sauce. Every bite balances bold seasonings with the tenderness of perfectly cooked ingredients. What’s most remarkable isn’t just the taste, but the sense of completeness it brings — like nothing else is needed. It feels like the best lagman in Almaty. And you know what? I’m sure it is.

Recommended by Anastasia Tarasova, managing director and actress at ARTiSHOK Theatre

It’s not PR, but some might learn about this hidden spot for the first time. Enjoying a coffee in a theater lobby isn’t your usual caffeine run. Regulars at Foyer might catch actors rehearsing, witness a table read, or see the stage sets assembled. You could sip coffee next to your favorite actor on a smoke break or after the performance. The staff is as attentive as can be. Plus, the venue is pet-friendly — a rarity in Almaty — so your furry pals are welcome.

I love Foyer for its terrace with a view on the park. On a nice day, you just don’t want to leave. And the squirrels! Bottom line: coming to the theater just for a coffee is totally worth it.

Recommended by Kamilla Azhibayeva, media producer

A true hidden spot — right in the center, yet chances are high that you haven’t been here even if you’re a local. This place is especially great in warm weather. Tucked away on Panfilov Street, just turn onto a narrow alley where a breeze always blows (hence the name: jel means «wind» in Kazakh). The founders are from Astana, and since I grew up there, this makes Jel Coffee a special place for me.

Come solo with a book, sway on a swing, sip an oat milk latte, and nibble an almond croissant. The cozy, homey vibe is all in the design.

Recommended by Dilyara Miron, photographer and influencer

My little hideaway is Italian restaurant Trieste, across from the Academy of Sciences. I only go there in warmer months — the stunning view from the old summer terrace elevates the dining experience.

Recommended by Anita Akisheva, creative consultant and brand strategist

The best pho bo in town and fiery Sichuan noodles that resemble spicy beshbarmak. Hidden near the Green Bazaar, this Asian diner also serves great non-alcoholic cocktails that earned them a mention in The World’s 50 Best Bars. Go for soulful vibes and a culinary adventure.

Recommended by Melita Batsiyeva, marketing and brand communications expert

An Italian bistro in the Kooperativ Love art space. Authentic, artsy, with founders as chefs, so quality and generous portions are a given. It revived my love for pizza, which is better than even in some pizza spots in Italy. I also swing by for seafood cravings: mussels in various sauces, tomato and seafood soup, sea bass ceviche, or tiger-shrimp pasta.

Recommended by Zhandos Tungyshbaev, director

With countless hotpot restaurants opening lately, my friends and I set out to find the best, hitting 20 across Almaty — it was this one that won us over. Insanely delicious meat and great ingredient variety. To be honest, I’m reluctant to share this place with others because I’d want it all for myself. So far, all the friends I brought here were stocked.

Recommended by Zhanar Nurlybek, gastronomy/travel project curator, ex-PR manager of Almaty Tourism Bureau

My top-secret spot for breakfast or meetings? The café in the Arasan bathhouse lobby.

That marble bar counter! Added during renovations just two years ago, it fits seamlessly into the grand interior, evoking Italian café elegance. I love syrniki and, while my mom’s are still the best, I come here just for their version. And believe me, they are cooked to perfection in this atmospheric café in the lobby of the Arasan bathhouse.

Photos: personal archives; restaurants’ websites and social media; Yandex Maps