Top-10 Architectural Masterpieces of Kyiv’s Gastronomic Scene: A Symbiosis of History, Design, and Construction Innovations 2025

1. Introduction: Architectural Renaissance and Construction Challenges of Contemporary Kyiv

1.1. New Paradigm of Ukrainian Design in Times of Global Change

Kyiv’s architectural landscape is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. If just a decade ago the restaurant sector was oriented toward imitating Western models or exploiting kitschy ethnicity, today, in 2024-2025, we are witnessing the birth of authentic, mature, and technologically sophisticated Ukrainian design. This report, resulting from deep market analysis, focuses not on gastronomic indicators but on restaurants as objects of capital construction, examples of complex engineering, and monuments of interior art.

A modern high-class restaurant in Ukraine is not just a place to eat. It’s a complex engineering system integrated into the city’s fabric. Leading architectural bureaus such as YOD Group, YODEZEEN, Balbek Bureau, and Makhno Studio today solve problems that go far beyond decoration. They work with the revitalization of industrial zones, adaptation of historical monuments from the 18th-19th centuries, and creation of energy-efficient autonomous spaces under conditions of unstable energy supply.

1.2. The Role of Innovative Construction Materials and Engineering

The importance of contemporary design for commercial establishments, particularly premium-segment restaurants, cannot be overestimated. The interior becomes part of the brand, a marketing tool, and a factor determining profitability. However, behind the visual aesthetics stands the “skeleton” — construction structures, ventilation systems, acoustic solutions, and facade systems.

This is where producers of high-tech solutions, such as the “Mehbud” factory, enter the stage. Their specialization in metal structures — from ventilated facades to complex ceiling systems (cube-shaped rails, grilyato) — allows architects to realize bold ideas while ensuring durability, fire safety, and operational reliability. Metal, as an “honest” material, fits perfectly into the dominant loft, industrial, and minimalism styles, offering not only visual appeal but also reliable anti-corrosion protection thanks to modern polymer coatings.

1.3. Ranking Methodology

This report is based on comprehensive analysis including:

1. Architectural value: complexity of working with space, respect for historical context.
2. Engineering complexity: solutions in ventilation, acoustics, and lighting.
3. Material science: use of innovative and ecological materials.
4. Social impact: the role of the object in shaping the urban environment.

2. Market Analysis: Architectural Trends in Ukraine’s HoReCa Sector (2024-2025)

2.1. Adaptive Reuse as the Dominant Trend

The main trend in recent years is the rejection of new construction in favor of reconstructing existing stock. Restaurants are opening in former factories (Kyiv Food Market, Virgin Izakaya), historical estates (Samna), and Soviet modernist buildings. This requires filigree mastery from builders: it’s necessary to reinforce load-bearing structures, integrate powerful exhaust systems and communications without destroying historical masonry or unique facades.

2.2. Aesthetics of “Honest Materials”

Consumers and designers are tired of imitation. In the top segment, natural stone, solid wood, glass, and, of course, metal dominate. The latter is used not only as a structural element but also as a primary decorative element: oxidized copper, corten steel, polished stainless steel. Mehbud’s products, particularly their facade and ceiling systems with imitation of natural textures or in monochrome matte colors, become a tool for creating this “honest” architecture, providing technology where natural materials may be impractical.

2.3. Energy Independence and Security

The war has made adjustments to construction standards. Restaurants in 2025 are designed with autonomy in mind: generators, water reservoirs, reinforced basement rooms serving as shelters but decorated in a unified style with the establishment. This creates demand for quickly assembled, lightweight but strong metal structures for zoning technical premises.

3. Main Content: Company and Object Rankings

№1 – Virgin Izakaya Bar (Arsenal)

Location: Kyiv, Moskovska St. (now Knyaziv Ostroz’kykh), Arsenal factory territory.

Architectural bureau: YODEZEEN (Artem Zverev, Arthur Sharf).

3.1. Architectural Profile

Virgin Izakaya Bar is a reference example of industrial heritage revitalization. The establishment is located in a building of the former Arsenal factory, built at the end of the 18th century. The architectural concept was to preserve the “spirit of place” (genius loci). The main hall is a huge open space, where the historical shell serves as a frame for contemporary Japanese minimalism.

Exterior and Interior:

Architects left the factory’s brick walls untouched, cleaning and preserving them. High industrial windows provide colossal insolation during the day and create a “lantern” effect in the evening. The interior is built on contrast: rough, aged brick is contrasted with perfectly smooth surfaces of oxidized metal, concrete, and natural wood.

3.2. Construction Achievements and Engineering

1. Working with metal: One of the most complex elements was the restroom structure, designed as a freestanding internal construction made of metal mesh. This solution allowed zoning of the space without disrupting the visual integrity of the huge hall. The metal mesh also serves as a light diffuser, creating an intimate atmosphere.
2. Open kitchen: The engineering complexity lay in organizing a powerful exhaust system for the open kitchen in the center of the hall. Air ducts were left exposed, becoming part of the ceiling’s industrial aesthetics.
3. Materials: Use of copper in lighting fixtures and decorative elements. Copper is a “living” material that changes color over time (patinates), adding dynamics to the interior.

3.3. Conceptual Mehbud Design for Virgin Izakaya Bar

Solution Visualization: Acoustic Comfort in Industrial Volume

The high ceilings of the Arsenal factory create a reverberation (echo) problem. Mehbud’s solution is the integration of cube-shaped rails in the area above the bar counter and seating areas.

1. Material: Galvanized steel with polymer coating in “Black Moiré” or “Graphite” color.
2. Construction: Rails are mounted with spacing that allows viewing of the historical vaulted ceiling but breaks the sound wave. Track lighting systems are integrated into the rail body.
3. Aesthetics: The rail geometry emphasizes the rhythm of brick masonry, adding modern graphics without distracting attention from historical walls.

№2 – Catch Seafood Restaurant

Location: Kyiv, Volodymyrska St.

Architectural bureau: YODEZEEN.

3.4. Architectural Profile

Catch is a manifesto of elegance and restrained luxury. Unlike industrial brutalism, refined sophistication reigns here. This is one of Kyiv’s most expensive interior projects, where every square centimeter is worked out with jewelry precision.

Design Features:

The central element of the interior is a communal table made of solid oak, over which hangs a grandiose chandelier. This light installation consists of 450 glass spheres imitating air bubbles rising to the water surface. It’s a metaphor of sea depth realized through glass and light.

3.5. Construction Achievements

1. Light design: The lighting project, developed by Expolight company (Mykola Kabluka), received the international LIT Lighting Design Awards. The complexity lay in creating “sliding” light that emphasizes the texture of old brick (early 20th-century building) and creates a dramatic effect without blinding guests.
2. Construction: Mounting the heavy chandelier required developing a separate load-bearing truss hidden in the ceiling space. The establishment’s walls are exposed brick that underwent special sandblasting treatment and matte varnish coating for dust removal.

3.6. Conceptual Mehbud Design for Catch

Solution Visualization: Mirror Wave

For Catch restaurant’s VIP halls, Mehbud factory proposes using linear rack ceilings with mirror coating (Mirror Gold or Polished Chrome).

1. Concept: Rails can be bent during installation or manufactured as radius pieces to imitate water waves. The mirror surface visually increases room height and reflects light from glass installations, creating an ocean immersion effect.
2. Advantage: Metal is not afraid of moisture (relevant for a fish restaurant with ice displays) and is easily cleaned, meeting the highest HACCP sanitary standards.

№3 – Samna Restaurant

Location: Kyiv, Ivan Mazepa St. (Ipsilanti House).

Architectural bureau: YOD Group (Volodymyr Nepyyvoda, Dmytro Bonesko).

3.7. Architectural Profile

Samna occupies the basement and first floors of a historical mansion from 1797. This is a unique example of working with an architectural monument of national significance. Designers created an interior that recalls the building’s rich history while integrating elements of contemporary Middle Eastern culture.

Interior:

The space consists of five halls connected by arched passages. The walls are thick masonry covered with clay-based plaster reminiscent of traditional huts or ancient caves. The main visual accent is copper. It’s present everywhere: as a suspended bridge, bar counter, decorative elements.

3.8. Construction Achievements

1. Hidden engineering: The biggest challenge was laying communications (ventilation, electricity, water supply) in an 18th-century building without wall chasing. YOD Group masterfully hid all engineering networks inside furniture, podiums, and specially built decorative columns.
2. Copper bridge: In one of the halls, a suspended copper bridge is mounted, serving as both decoration and a logistical element. Load calculations for such a structure in an old building required complex work by structural engineers.

3.9. Conceptual Mehbud Design for Samna

Solution Visualization: Architectural Mimicry

For Samna’s entrance group and inner courtyard, Mehbud factory proposes facade cassettes or louvers with “Corten” (rusty metal) or “Antique Copper” coating.

1. Idea: Create protective screens for outdoor air conditioning units and generators that would visually blend with historical brick and interior copper elements.
2. Material: Steel with Printech polymer coating imitating noble patina but resistant to atmospheric influences. This allows preserving the aesthetics of antiquity while using modern durable materials.

№4 – HayLoft 2.0

Location: Kyiv, VDNH (National Expo Center of Ukraine).

Architectural bureau: Loft Buro (Oleg Volosovsky).

3.10. Architectural Profile

HayLoft 2.0 is located in the VDNH park zone, which dictates its “eco-industrial” aesthetics. This is a place where nature meets technology. The interior abounds with natural wood, live plants, but has a rigid framework of metal and concrete.

Concept:

The design combines elements of a rural hayloft with the comfort of a modern lounge. Open fire (grill) is the heart of the establishment, requiring specific engineering solutions.

3.11. Construction Achievements

1. Grill zone ventilation: Installation of powerful hydrophilic filters and smoke extractors integrated into the ceiling design. Pipes are not hidden but emphasized as decorative elements.
2. Terrace: Creation of an all-season terrace with sliding glass systems and underfloor heating, allowing space exploitation even in late autumn.

3.12. Conceptual Mehbud Design for HayLoft 2.0

Solution Visualization: “Rancho” Fence (El Rancho)

For zoning the summer terrace and separating the technical zone from the park, “Rancho” metal fence from Mehbud is ideal.

1. Design: Horizontal louvers imitating classic American ranch wooden fences but made of metal.
2. Color: Dark wood (Golden Oak) or Anthracite.
3. Functionality: Provides ventilation (low wind resistance) but creates a clear visual boundary. Metal doesn’t rot from contact with soil and snow, unlike wood, which is critical for a park zone.

№5 – Mirali

Location: Kyiv, Mezhyhirska St. (former Tetra Pak factory territory).

Architect: Nastya Mirzoyan.

3.13. Architectural Profile

Mirali is a “new Ukrainian cuisine” restaurant by chef Mirali Dilbazi. It’s located in an overtly industrial area of Podil. The interior design is radically minimalist, laboratory-like, emphasizing focus on purity of taste and fermentation experiments.

Features:

Use of stainless steel, light wood, and glass. Absence of excessive decor. The kitchen is an extension of the hall; the boundary between chef and guest is erased.

3.14. Construction Achievements

• Clean rooms: Requirements for fermentation zones approach medical laboratories. Use of seamless polymer floors and food-grade stainless steel surfaces.
• Modularity: Furniture and stations designed as mobile modules, allowing space transformation for different dinner formats (chef’s table, buffet).

3.15. Conceptual Mehbud Design for Mirali

Solution Visualization: Sterile Aesthetics

1. Ceiling: Use of cassette metal ceiling with concealed suspension system in white or polished aluminum. This emphasizes the “laboratory” style, provides easy access to communications, and ensures perfect hygiene (metal doesn’t absorb odors and grease, easily cleaned).
2. Facade: Cladding the entrance group with smooth facade panels of stainless steel, reflecting the surrounding industrial landscape, dissolving the restaurant into the environment.

№6 – 100 Years Ahead (100 Років Тому Вперед)

Location: Kyiv, Volodymyrska St.

Architectural bureau: Balbek Bureau (Slava Balbek).

3.16. Architectural Profile

Yevhen Klopotenko’s restaurant, which reinterprets Ukrainian gastronomic heritage. Design by Balbek Bureau also reinterprets Ukrainian style, avoiding “sharovary kitsch.”

Design:

Use of earth colors (ochre, terracotta), natural wood, and dried flowers. The second floor resembles a “forest” thanks to an installation of dried plants on the ceiling.

3.17. Construction Achievements

• Working with wood: Complex carpentry products made by Ukrainian masters.
• Restoration: Adaptation of historical building premises, restoration of original volumes.

3.18. Conceptual Mehbud Design for 100 Years Ahead

Solution Visualization: Metal Embroidery

1. Decor: Creation of perforated metal panels for hall zoning (e.g., separating the entrance area). Perforation pattern can repeat traditional Ukrainian embroidery motifs but executed in metal using laser cutting.
2. Material: Steel with “wood-like” coating or matte black steel contrasting with light walls.

№7 – Par Bar 3

Location: Kyiv, Osokorky (Dnipro Embankment).

Architectural bureau: YODEZEEN.

3.19. Architectural Profile

Par Bar 3 is an “urban oasis” among the concrete jungle of the Osokorky residential district. The concept is built on contrast: around — high-rise development, inside — tropical garden.

Materials:

Natural stone (green Bidasar marble), rusty metal, tinted glass, a huge number of live plants.

3.20. Construction Achievements

1. Microclimate: Creation of humidification and ventilation systems maintaining tropical plant life without creating discomfort for visitors.
2. Glazing: Huge panoramic windows that slide open, transforming the hall into a terrace.

3.21. Conceptual Mehbud Design for Par Bar 3

Solution Visualization: Exclusive Blinds

1. Terrace fence: Use of “Exclusive Blinds“ system from Mehbud. Louvers positioned at an angle ensuring guest privacy (invisible from the street what’s happening inside) while allowing them to see the city.
2. Color: Corten (rust) — perfectly fits into the establishment’s existing palette.

№8 – Shalom

Location: Kyiv, Yevhena Chykalenka St.

Architectural bureau: I’m Design (varies by network, concept — modern Israel).

3.22. Architectural Profile

Shalom is Tel Aviv’s energy in the center of Kyiv. The interior is intentionally “imperfect”: uneven tiles, aged walls, open fire. It’s a style of “controlled chaos.”

3.23. Construction Achievements

1. Wood-fired oven: Integration of a wood-fired oven in the center of the hall required complex fire safety measures and installation of a separate chimney with spark arresters.
2. Wear resistance: Use of materials (porcelain stoneware, metal) designed for super-high traffic.

3.24. Conceptual Mehbud Design for Shalom

Solution Visualization: Industrial Ceiling

1. Ceiling: Use of “Grilyato” ceiling above the open kitchen area. Cellular structure allows smoke to rise freely to exhausts while visually masking rough communications.
2. Color: Bright accent color (e.g., terracotta or blue) supporting the establishment’s cheerful atmosphere.

№9 – Nam Modern Vietnamese Cuisine

Location: Kyiv, Velyka Vasylkivska St.

Architectural bureau: YOD Group.

3.25. Architectural Profile

The restaurant recreates the atmosphere of a French colonial villa in Vietnam. This is a two-level space with massive entrance doors (4.5 meters high).

Features:

Industrial-style glass partitions, aged wood, subdued lighting.

3.26. Conceptual Mehbud Design

Solution Visualization: Vertical Rhythm

1. Zoning: Use of vertical metal louvers (rails) for separating zones on the second floor. Rails can be rotatable, allowing adjustment of space openness. Dark wood coating (Wenge) will provide visual correspondence to colonial style while maintaining metal strength.

№10 – Frou Frou

Location: Kyiv, Moskovska St. (Knyaziv Ostroz’kykh).

Design: Eclectic French chic.

3.27. Architectural Profile

The restaurant combines classic French elements (marble, mahogany) with modern dynamics. This is a space of hedonism.

3.28. Conceptual Mehbud Design

Solution Visualization: Golden Accent

1. Ceiling: Cube-shaped rail with “Gold” coating in the entrance group or above the bar. This will add the necessary pomp and shine characteristic of French brasseries to the interior, but in a contemporary execution.

4. Industry Statistics and Analytics (2024-2025)

To understand the context in which these architectural masterpieces operate, here are key data:

5. Case Study: Why Mehbud? Technological Advantage

“Mehbud” factory products have become an integral part of contemporary Ukrainian architecture thanks to the combination of aesthetics and technology.

5.1. Protection Technology

Use of galvanized steel with polymer coating ensures facade and fence service life up to 20-50 years. This is critical for commercial facilities where facade repair means business stoppage and money loss. The coating is UV-resistant (doesn’t fade), important for summer terraces.

5.2. Acoustic Comfort

In restaurants with many hard surfaces (glass, concrete), noise becomes problematic. Mehbud’s metal rail ceilings, thanks to their shape and perforation possibility, effectively dissipate sound waves, reducing noise levels and making table conversations comfortable.

5.3. Individual Solutions

The factory positions itself as a “factory of individual solutions.” This means the possibility of manufacturing louvers of non-standard length, color (according to RAL palette or Printech wood/stone imitation), and configuration for specific design projects.

6. Conclusions

Kyiv’s restaurant architecture in 2025 is a phenomenon of resilience and creativity. Ukrainian designers and architects have learned to create world masterpieces under war conditions, limited resources, and constant challenges.

Key research conclusions:

1. Semantic depth: Interiors have become more meaningful, turning to history, nature, and national identity.
2. Technological sophistication: Behind the external simplicity of “honest materials” stands complex engineering and high-tech solutions from partners like Mehbud.
3. Localization: Transition to Ukrainian materials and furniture has become not a forced step but a conscious quality choice.

Mehbud Visualization Gallery (Description)

1. “Golden Flow”: Ceiling visualization in Catch restaurant. Wave-shaped rail ceiling of polished steel in gold color, reflecting chandelier-bubbles light.
2. “Industrial Silence”: Virgin Izakaya interior. Black matte cube-shaped rail with wide spacing under Arsenal ceiling, concealing acoustic mats.
3. “Oasis Privacy”: Par Bar 3 terrace. “Exclusive Blinds” fence in Corten color, protecting from street views but allowing light to reach plants.
4. “Ethno-Geometry”: 100 Years Ahead facade. Ventilated facade with “light wood” panels mounted diagonally, reminiscent of traditional firewood stacking or weaving patterns.

This report confirms that the synergy of talented architects and powerful national manufacturers can transform Kyiv into one of Europe’s design capitals.