28 Monkeys Gastropub — Restaurant in Dushanbe

28 Monkeys Gastropub is a spacious, two-story restaurant with high ceilings and an open, airy feel. The second floor offers a great vantage point of the bar and main dining area below, giving the place a lively and social energy. The decor is fun and quirky, with portraits of monkeys dressed as kings and aristocrats—a playful touch that sets the tone for the experience.

The menu is extensive, covering everything from soups and salads to grilled meats, pastas, and street food-inspired dishes. There’s also a full bar menu, though unfortunately, no wine was offered during my visit.

The smoked chicken stood out, served barbecue-style with house-smoked chicken leg, a smooth mashed potato purée, and a bright chimichurri on top. While the chicken was slightly dry in texture, the flavor was rich and well-developed. The vegetable sides I ordered (cauliflower and string beans), on the other hand, were disappointing—overcooked and drenched in an orange mayo-based sauce that hid their limp, mushy texture.

The steak with bone marrow was beautifully presented—sliced and fanned out with a pepper sauce that was just a touch too generous. Still, the meat was tender, flavorful, and satisfying.

Service was friendly but relaxed. You might need to flag someone down, at least during lunch, but the staff is helpful and accommodating once engaged. If you’re not in a rush, the slower pace actually works well with the laid-back vibe of the place.

All in all, 28 Monkeys delivers a fun setting, competent food, and a few standout dishes worth returning for. It’s not flawless, but it has charm and character—and sometimes, that’s enough (especially...

This is a very trendy venue but it's completely dysfunctional. The 28 Monkeys are not the decoration on the walls; they are the staff, who have not been trained in basic customer service. We waited more than half an hour for 4 simple drinks despite more staff than I've ever seen in a restaurant and very few customers. No one came to apologise or explain. Ridiculously loud music for a Sunday night. It's a restaurant not Ibiza. This identity crisis extends to the light levels - it's too dark to read the menu without a light (even if you're under 40). We asked for a non-smoking area but were seated directly above the bar where people were smoking. Extensive menu not very vegetarian-friendly but not impossible. Once the food finally arrived it was good and well-presented, although extremely overpriced in comparison to the plethora of excellent restaurants in the immediate vicinity. At these prices I would have expected better English and actual napkins. Our evening deteriorated further when we said we didn't want to pay the 15% service charge and the manager had to be called. A lengthy discussion resulted in extreme awkwardness and being bullied into paying it anyway. Give this place a miss unless you want to increase your blood pressure waiting to be served and arguing about...

Hidden Gem in Dushanbe – 28 Monkeys Restaurant

If you’re in Dushanbe and looking for a memorable dining experience, 28 Monkeys is an absolute must-visit. This authentic restaurant truly stands out with its exceptional food, warm ambiance, and thoughtful details.

The steak here was a standout—beautifully cooked, incredibly tender, and full of rich flavor. It practically melts in your mouth. The menu is diverse, offering a wide range of delicious options to suit every palate. From traditional dishes to modern takes, everything we tried was prepared with care and bursting with taste.

One of the highlights was the homemade lemonade—refreshing, natural, and a perfect complement to the meal. It's small touches like this that make 28 Monkeys feel so special.

Overall, 28 Monkeys offers a unique blend of authenticity, quality, and comfort. Highly recommended for both locals and travelers exploring the heart of...