AIZA Neo Bistro

AIZA Neo Bistro is a Greek and Mediterranean bistro at 115 Abylai Khan Avenue in Almaty's Almaly District, in the central part of the city. It offers a change from the Central Asian and Russian menus that dominate the downtown area, with a Greek-influenced kitchen that serves guests from breakfast until late. Prices are moderate, at around KZT 6,000-12,000 per person. The hours are long: Sunday to Thursday 08:00-01:00 and Friday and Saturday 08:00-02:00, so the venue can serve as a breakfast stop, a lunch place or a late-night dinner. The Greek breakfast is one of the dishes most associated with the bistro and suits visitors who want a savoury start to the day. Chicken souvlaki, the grilled skewered meat served in the Greek manner, oven-baked flounder, which offers a fish option in a landlocked country, and lamb are the main courses regularly highlighted. Fish is not a traditional part of Kazakh cooking, so a Mediterranean menu helps travellers who prefer lighter or seafood-based dishes. The atmosphere is that of a modern neighbourhood bistro, informal and welcoming, appropriate for friends, couples and small groups. Walk-ins are easy during the day, and on weekends it is better to reserve an evening table through 2GIS. Abylai Khan Avenue is a main thoroughfare close to many hotels, shops and the central sights, so the bistro is convenient for visitors who do not want to travel far for a meal. The extended hours also make it a sensible choice for arriving or departing travellers who need food outside normal restaurant times. Although the cuisine is not local, the menu gives a useful variety to a longer stay in Almaty.