Chef

Chef is a Russian and European restaurant in the basement of 104 Bogenbay Batyr Street in Almaty's Medeu District, in the Gold Square area of the city centre. The kitchen focuses on comfort food that reflects the Russian influence on Kazakhstan's urban dining scene, with a menu in the European tradition. Prices are moderate, with a typical meal costing about KZT 6,000-12,000 per person. The signature dishes are beef stroganoff, the classic dish of beef strips in a sour cream sauce, veal cheeks, a slow-cooked cut that is served tender and rich, and tobacco chicken, a Caucasian-origin dish in which a flattened chicken is pressed and fried until crisp. These dishes suit travellers who want a hearty and familiar meal after several days of Central Asian fare, or who are travelling with people who prefer a European menu. As a basement venue, the dining room is enclosed and quieter than street-level cafes, and the mood is cosy rather than bright. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 11:00-00:00, Friday and Saturday 11:00-01:00 and Sunday 11:00-22:00, so the restaurant accommodates a late dinner at the weekend. Reservations are recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings and can be arranged through the 2GIS listing. The Gold Square district surrounding the restaurant is one of the liveliest dining and nightlife areas in Almaty, with many bars and cafes within walking distance, so a meal here can be combined with an evening stroll. Because it is a basement location, the entrance can be less obvious from the street, and visitors should look for the street number. The price level and menu make it a sensible choice for a relaxed group dinner that does not require a formal occasion or a large budget.