Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards 2026: Kazakhstan’s Wine Scene Gains Global Recognition

Several of Almaty’s established restaurants also retained their standing in the awards. Champagne Restaurant & Wine Gallery and INZHU successfully defended their Best of Award of Excellence (two-glass) distinction, first earned in 2025, while Àgorá Wine & Deli has held the same honour since 2024. Among Kazakhstan’s longest-standing Wine Spectator honourees, Wine Cafe & Shop has retained its Award of Excellence (one glass) every year since 2022, making it one of the country’s most enduring fixtures in the rankings.

Three restaurants in Kazakhstan earned the coveted two-glass Best of Award of Excellence in 2026. Among them is Almaty’s Nuala, home to a collection of around 700 wines and now elevated after first receiving the Award of Excellence in 2024. Joining it are TheM Neo Bistro, whose wine list spans roughly 900 labels and secures its first Wine Spectator distinction, and Villa dei Fiori, where guests can choose from approximately 720 wines. The Award of Excellence, the programme’s one-glass distinction, was presented to »Khoroshiy God« for its wine list of around 250 labels. 

Wine Spectator is one of the world’s most influential wine publications, and its annual Restaurant Awards rank among the hospitality industry’s most respected distinctions. The awards recognise restaurants with exceptional wine programmes, judging not only the depth of the cellar and the breadth of producers and wine regions represented, but also how thoughtfully the list complements the restaurant’s cuisine and overall identity. The programme is divided into three tiers. The Award of Excellence recognises wine lists featuring at least 75 selections with strong food pairing. The Best of Award of Excellence is reserved for restaurants offering more than 350 labels, broader regional representation and an outstanding presentation of the list. At the top sits the Grand Award, presented to restaurants with collections of more than 1,000 wines, including rare bottlings, supported by exceptional service.

Photos: Restaurant websites and social media; Yandex Maps