Vino e Cucina

Vino e Cucina is an Italian restaurant and wine shop at Sichovykh Striltsiv Street 82 in the Lukianivka and Syrets area of Kyiv. The cellar holds more than 1,000 wines and 100 champagnes, which makes it one of the more serious wine destinations in the capital, and the kitchen backs this up with wood-fired pizza and a selection of Italian cheeses. The combination of a shop and a dining room means that guests can eat on site or buy bottles to take away. Wood-fired pizza is the main signature dish, cooked in an oven that gives the base its blistered crust. Italian cheeses are served as boards or alongside other plates, and wine by the glass lets diners sample several bottles without committing to a full one. The scale of the cellar means the staff are used to guiding guests, and visitors unsure where to start can ask for a recommendation by grape, region or price. The dining room is relaxed and welcoming, with the feel of a neighbourhood wine bar that has grown into a full restaurant. There is no dress code, and noise levels are moderate. Evenings are the liveliest time. Mains cost roughly UAH 400-900 (USD 9-20), and the final bill depends strongly on the wine chosen. The restaurant is open daily from 8AM to 11PM, so it can serve breakfast and coffee as well as dinner. Reservations are recommended for evenings, and booking a day ahead is usually enough. Bookings are taken on +380 67 823 82 82. The location is outside the central tourist core, so a taxi is the simplest way to arrive. It is best suited to wine enthusiasts and diners who value a long list over a central address, and it makes a good stop for those looking to buy Italian wine or champagne to take away.