Visited in August 2025. Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬 Bishkek.
Cafe-bar Lesnoy is a visual delight, with lush greenery creating a forest-like ambiance that makes you feel like you’re dining outdoors. The bright, airy interior adds a refreshing touch, setting high expectations for the meal.
FOOD:
The menu blends European cuisine with subtle Central Asian and Eastern influences, presented with vibrant, appetite-sparking pictures. We sampled a variety of dishes: the lentil soup was rich and creamy, with a smooth texture that hit all the right notes. The wonton soup was equally impressive, with a light, clear broth bursting with flavor and crunchy mushrooms, though the wontons themselves lacked juiciness, which didn’t detract much from the dish. The chebureks were tasty and flavorful, but the meat had occasional sinews that marred the experience. The seafood khinkali were well-prepared, with a delightful broth inside, though the filling could’ve been more cohesive—thankfully, the creamy sauce smoothed things over. The mains were the stars: the beef stroganoff was melt-in-your-mouth tender, with a creamy sauce elevating the dish and professional-grade mashed potatoes. The beef tongue was a surprising highlight—juicy, soft, and so good we ordered it twice. The medallions were flawless, tender, and free of any sinews.
SERVICE:
The service was exceptional. The waitstaff knew the menu inside and out, were warm and welcoming, and ensured dishes arrived quickly, making the experience seamless and enjoyable.
VERDICT:
Lesnoy is one of the best restaurants we visited in Bishkek, consistently delivering top-notch experiences across multiple visits. The food, ambiance, and service hit a high European standard, with only minor hiccups like sinewy meat or slightly dry wontons. We highly recommend it, especially for those seeking a refined dining...
Read moreGreat place to eat food with a European twist in Bishkek for reasonable amount of money. We paid 26.000 Som (about 260 euro) for 3 course dinner with cocktails and wine for 10 people. Wanted to book a table and was asked to pre-pay 10.000 Som, which we didn't do, but instead showed up without reservation. Whiskey Sours were good, as were the starters we ordered to share. Two points of improvement were the lamb, which should have been more pink, and the glass of red wine, which was ice cold and would be better at room temperature. Good selection of wines at European prices, with 18 to 40 euro per bottle, to be expected for import. We ordered the Roasted Lamb with Demi-glaze sauce and grilled vegetables and Mackerel Steak, both of which were excellent, especially after two weeks of food on the road in Yurt camps. Desserts were good, especially the lava cake and the Ballet Dancer, but the Honey cake lacked some refinement. Live jazz music (covers of pop songs, with piano and saxophone) were nice and not too intrusive. Prices for the food are great if you come from Europe or North America. If you need a place to eat before heading back home, I would...
Read moreCafe-Bar Lesnoy is hands down one of the coziest spots I’ve visited in Bishkek — and definitely lives up to its reputation as the greenest cafe in the country. With over 700 species of indoor plants, it feels like you’re dining in a lush indoor garden — the atmosphere is so refreshing and calming.
We tried their unlimited breakfast for just 880 soms and it was worth every bit! The buffet had a wide selection: fresh, sweet cherries and apricots, samosas, sausage-stuffed bread, cold cuts like salami, and more. You can even request an omelette made to your preference — a nice personalized touch. Their brewed coffee was surprisingly good too!
If you’re looking for a relaxing, green escape with great food and a warm vibe, Lesnoy is a must-visit. Highly...
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