For the uninitiated traveler, a visit to Almaty, Kazakhstan isn’t likely to fit with your expectations.
It’s an incredibly vibrant, cosmopolitan city, whose lush green streets buzz in the shadows of imposing snow-capped mountains.
But the core of its culture is the bustling Almaty cafe scene.
You won’t have to search long in Almaty to find a patio filled with locals lounging over a cup of coffee, sharing a few puffs of a hookah, or lingering over drinks.
There so many great cafes in Almaty to choose from but, after several weeks in the city, I’ve narrowed them down to the following:
5 Best Almaty Cafes
#1 – Daily Coffee
The current giant on the Almaty social scene, Daily Coffee is a popular location no matter the time of day.
If you want to fit in with the cool kids in Almaty, you need to make your way to Daily Coffee.
The big draw here is the large, wide patio, which fills up quickly on nice evenings. But be sure to also duck inside to check out the super fun and elegant forest-chique decor. It feels like what might happen if Legolas from Lord of the Rings decided to open a hipster coffee shop.
The service is outstanding, the menu is varied and delicious, and the coffee is superb. Oh, and the desserts here are to die for.
Address: Abylai Khan Ave 147, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
#2 – Coffee Room
Coffee Room oozes with class. The modern interior features plush furniture, perfect for relaxing over coffee with friends, or setting up your laptop to get some work done during the day.
The kitchen offers a wide range of excellent dishes, and the bar serves up everything from spritzers to wine to cocktails. There is also a nice-sized patio for hanging out on those warm Kazak summer nights.
Address: Satpaev St and Furmanov St, Almaty, Kazakhstan
#3 – Coffeedelia
An Almaty mainstay, Coffeedelia offers a inviting array of spaces, including a separate bar behind the cafe and a patio out front.
This is a common gathering place for suits and socialites alike, so it is a solid choice for any occasion. The menu is great as well (and offered in English for you privileged travelers).
Address: 79 Kabanbai Batyr St Almaty, Kazakhstan
☕ Love Coffee? Check out our guides to cafes in Seattle,cafes in Mexico City, and cafes in Los Angeles.
#4 – United Coffee
If you care about the quality of your coffee, you won’t find a better barista on the Silk Road than at United Coffee.
The cozy joint also serves up delicious breakfasts — try the chocolate pancakes. And the stylish ambiance and green, leafy patio will make you want to linger through the afternoon.
Address: Kurmangazy St 64, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan
#5 – Marrone Rosso
Sleek and stylish, you Marrone Rosso dishes out tasty treats from its large food and dessert menu. You’ll find an excellent patio out front and an elegant interior for those cold Almaty nights.
They also have a location at Shymbulak, so you warm up there between runs on the slopes in the winter, or take in the amazing views during the summer.
Address: Zhambyl Street and Fumanov Street, Almaty Kazakhstan
What do you think – are these the best Almaty cafes?
Did we miss any of your favorite Almaty cafes? Let us know via Facebook or Instagram.
And be sure to check out our post on 10 Reasons to Visit Almaty – The Coolest City You’ve Never Heard Of.
If you’re in Bishkek and considering visiting Almaty, check out my guide on how to go from Bishkek to Almaty.
