Season, Let’s Go: The Best Summer Terraces in Almaty

Into the garden we go

True to its name (Italian for «garden»), Giardino’s terrace is about to be wrapped in greenery. Red wrought-iron chairs, cozy sofas under the trees, a fountain at the center — it’s a picture-perfect setup for a summer meet-up. Build-your-own breakfasts, tender syrniki with mango, Florentine-style pancakes with ricotta, and Champagne by the glass make it the ideal spot for an unhurried Sunday morning.

Italian style, filtered for the feed

Blanca feels like a slice of sunny Italy made for the perfect post: potted trees, woven chairs, umbrella shade, and thin-crust pizza set the scene. It’s a dreamy spot for dates, long breakfasts, or lunchtime Aperol breaks away from the office. And let your toughest decision of the day be choosing between the signature semifreddo or gelato served in a lemon.

A city romance

At Aurora, you can feel the love for Almaty — and the terrace moments look straight out of a film. Seasonal art installations set against a historic facade, grill parties with DJs in the heart of the city, and leisurely breakfasts with a hint of sunshine — this is everything we crave each summer. The menu now includes fresh green dishes in collaboration with Metabody, along with sugar-, lactose-, and gluten-free desserts — just what you want when it’s hot out.

The coworking terrace

A modern summer setup at the city’s food market — perfect for those who know how to mix business with pleasure. It’s easy to jump on a Zoom call, lunch solo with your laptop, meet colleagues for a bite, or simply change the scenery. On the menu: standout khinkali from Just Khinkali, top-tier steaks from KazMyaso, juicy burgers from PlanB, and other joys of life well-fed.

A city legend

The courtyard of the green Aroma house is a quiet corner of old Almaty — dappled shade from the trees, marble tables, and checkered «Parisian» chairs. It’s calm in the best way, the kind of place where you want breakfast to stretch into dinner and conversation to drift from cappuccino to Prosecco.

A warm beige frame

Open-fire cooking outdoors can play out in many ways — at Ogonyok’s terrace, it leans fancy. Think pizzettas, ash-baked Camembert, an unforgettable truffle burger, and cocktails inspired by Almaty itself. Consider this your simple guide to making the most of warm evenings.

A bohemian balcony

If summer terraces were a stage, Afisha would be the leading star. Its second-floor balcony is made for those who love a bohemian vibe and postcard views of the Opera and Ballet Theatre. The menu plays with flair: truffle croque-monsieur, red cherry-filled dumplings, roti flatbreads with eel, and horse tartare with kurt mousse.

The wine patio

A true resort for wine lovers — and the best place to watch the city through a glass of pink pét-nat. The thousand-bottle collection could easily earn «two glasses» from Wine Spectator, and the sommeliers always find something that fits your exact mood.

Top of the charts

Del Papa’s summer terrace on Kabanbai Batyr is easy to spot — with its bold mural, checkered tablecloths, lush greenery, and a crowd that never seems to thin. The vibe is warm and casual, with house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian desserts flying out of the kitchen. By evening, the terrace hums with conversation, clinks with glasses, and glows the color of Aperol.

The stylish freelancer spot

Scandinavian minimalism set against a historic facade, metallic tables, and patterned arches all in one frame — that’s the Fika aesthetic. By day, it’s got a soft work vibe: someone’s on a Bumble brief, someone else is typing away between a danish and a canelé. The menu keeps things calm and comforting — whipped feta with Tashkent tomatoes, crispy chicken salad, fettuccine with green herb sauce.

A city staple

The summer terrace at Vanilla on Kunayev Street is a legendary meeting point. People stop by «just for a quick cappuccino» — and end up staying for hours, because someone they know always walks by. City noise, the hiss of the espresso machine, sunny tables, and dogs curled up at your feet — this place is the definition of a classic.

Coffee in a glass

Urban lines, sharp geometry, the iconic view of Hotel Kazakhstan, and the steam fountain — all the charm of this location in one glance. They say your brain relaxes best when it gets something familiar and comforting — like a cup of iced latte from Starbucks between errands.

The rooftop bar

The best rooftop in the heart of Almaty. At sunset, the mood shifts — signature cocktails, jazz jams, and vinyl set the tone. The vibe is easy, relaxed, and just the right amount of tipsy.

Villa state of mind

Astra’s terrace feels like a summer campaign for a glossy magazine — and the guests’ looks definitely add to the effect. Caviar toasts, Champagne sips, ornate chairs, and striped umbrellas with fringe — it’s a midday holiday, no plane ticket required.

Paris meets New York

New York-inspired set design, Parisian touches, and a menu of breakfasts, lunches, coffee, and pastries — all backed by local power team abr. At the next table: business talks, new project pitches, kids laughing, foreign chatter, and quiet glances between people in love. It’s a place where everyone fits.

Steppe chic

A true gem right on the rooftop of Mega. Jinau turns a mall terrace into a full-on nomadic camp — all natural wood, raw textures, rugs, floor seating, dried flowers, a kids’ zone, and effortless beauty. The menu reads like an Eastern fairytale: fragrant plov, lamb manti, lagman, shurpa, beshbarmak. Worth coming up for.

A city secret for those in the know

The question «Wait, where is this?» keeps popping up on social media. So here’s your answer: right along the Terrenkur walking path. Just minutes from the city noise, March March’s hidden terrace offers armchairs by a rushing mountain stream, shade from the trees, and a place where time slows down. Perfect for grabbing a coffee, taking a breath, and truly unwinding.

Eastern elegance

Somewhere between Marrakech and Milan — that’s the feeling at Gaia. A charming courtyard filled with greenery, colorful details, and a cozy menu that makes you want to try everything: Tashkent plov, duck manti, Azerbaijani kebabs, and samsa that just might be the best in town. And soon, there’ll be a pool, too.

The mountains are calling

Auyl is more than a restaurant — it’s almost an art space. And the terrace reflects that: linen drapes, wooden swings, a yurt, live music — everything is thoughtful and tuned to evoke your inner nomad. The menu is rooted in nomadic tradition, retold with a modern touch.

Even higher

A slice of the Alps, reimagined on our own Shymbulak. The terrace at Rifugio del Monte looks out onto a part of the mountains untouched by tourists or billboards — like a Windows wallpaper, if it were shot in Kazakhstan. Come early and celebrate summer properly: with breakfast potatoes, soft egg, black caviar, and bottarga.

Country, horses & cinema

The summer terrace at Haragun is pure countryside charm for lovers of all things rustic. Dine outdoors, watch the races, then settle into a beanbag on the lawn for a movie under the stars. The highlight of the menu? Lamb dishes made with meat from their own farm.