[dropcap]L[/dropcap]ocated just near the National Opera House of Ukraine, the modern French restaurant Citronelle embodies the spirit, temper, habits and traditions of one of the best cuisines in the world as well as the French worldview. Every summer their team travels around France looking for gastronomic inspiration and after such trips offers a renewed, authentic menu to the guests. They also conduct interesting events: “from January till March our guests eat oysters, collect pearls, and win pearl jewelry; in the beginning of March we prepare the author’s dinner for Goût de France celebrating the holiday of French gastronomy; in autumn there are the great gastronomic evenings with the owners of Michelin Stars.” A cappuccino and a French mini-croissant with chocolate will cost you UAH 118 (USD 4).

Enjoy the spring menu, summer terrace, romantic jazz (on Friday evenings) and live piano music (on Thursdays and Saturday mornings) in this cozy place!

[dropcap]F[/dropcap]ounded 14 years ago by a French native, Gorchitsa Cafe is a charming and elegantly appointed small restaurant in the quiet area in central Kiev. Every morning here starts with the smell of the freshly-baked croissants and the exhilarating scent of coffee. The consistently high-quality service, delectable and unique French cuisine, wide choice of wine and cozy and romantic atmosphere make it an excellent place for business meetings and dates. The restaurant is rated one of the best in Kiev on TripAdvisor and is included in the list of “The 100 best restaurants in Ukraine 2016.”

In the small but variable menu, you may find incredibly delicious and highly recommended tuna tartare and foie gras backed up by the finest tradition of French cuisine. The prices here are rather moderate. The cost of a cappuccino and croissant is UAH 78 (USD 3).

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]alking in the historical center of Kiev you will notice the famous French bakery & restaurant Paul, known for a wide range of fresh, quality bread products, a polished presentation of tasty dishes, and an authentic atmosphere. Everything here exudes a French way of life: gourmet and sophisticated, warm and timeless. It’s just the right place to warm up with hot drinks watching the snow fall from the large windows in winter, and start your day with a great portion of inspiration and delicious breakfast (from 8 am through the rest of the day) on the summer terrace in warm weather.

At Paul, special attention is paid to making baking delicious and healthy. All varieties of flour are imported from France, and grape sourdough is used instead of the usual yeast one. Visit this place and their tasty firm “Royal eggs” and firm breakfast “Paul” will be pleasant surprises for you! The price of a cappuccino and an almond croissant is UAH 122 (USD 4-5).

[dropcap]T[/dropcap] he taste sensations and new adventures of the French as well as the European gastronomic world are waiting for you in Rafael Restaurant Atelier Boutique, situated in a picturesque place near the national botanic garden. It is a light, cozy place with a big summer terrace, fancy decor, amazing fresh desserts, original diversified menu that is renewed every 2 months, a wine vault, a coffee room for different meetings, and an open kitchen so that you may watch the magic of cooking process. The restaurant is especially fantastic in the evening when you enjoy a candlelight dinner, stylish and elegant serving dishes, lounge music and a wide choice of quality wine, and just relax.

Once you reach this place, check out the fillet of black cod en papillote and foie gras that are the bright evidence of “high,” “gastronomic,” and “author’s” cuisine. The price of a cappuccino and a piece of apple pie is UAH 110 (USD 4). Home delivery is available.

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]on Paris is a wonderful island of France located in the Ocean Plaza Shopping Mall. It is founded by two enthusiastic professionals who share the same love for delectable desserts and spiritual French culinary traditions. They can be proud of the great choice of delicious macaroons, cakes (on a by-order basis), pastries, and amazing chocolate candies that are made exclusively from purely natural ingredients of the highest quality, and don’t contain synthetic flavors. A cappuccino and a lovely dessert “Amour” will cost you UAH 119 (USD 4-5). It is possible to order a courier delivery on the website or make an individual pre-order for the confectionary.

Stop for a cup of high-quality coffee or tea with the tasty natural and light desserts at Mon Paris, a must-visit point for all sweet teeth out there!

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he №1 bakery in Kiev according to TripAdvisor, Boulangerie Artisan is a local chain of bakery-cafes that collected outstanding bread and pastry recipes from France and other European countries. Whether you would like to buy a baguette for breakfast, meet with friends over a cup of coffee or have a full meal, the Boulangerie Artisan with its nice relaxing atmosphere, aroma of fresh bread, creative decor, elegant French wine, and a large selection of tasty baking dishes, tarts, clafoutis, macaron etc. will make the best of your memorable visit. Traditionally the bakery joins the celebration of numerous French holidays like Bastille Day, National French Bread Day, etc. and organizes live music concerts, degustation evenings and other interesting events.

Visit one of their four locations in central Kiev and taste an airy, 100% cream butter-based yeast dough with ground almond and a cappuccino for around UAH 57 (USD 2).

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]e found one more great French place situated near the National Circus of Ukraine: the trendy cafe Charlotte. The good thematic decor, welcoming staff, modern music, renovated extensive menu with a new cocktail card, great artsy food and drinks are waiting for all guests and altogether create an amazing impression. All furniture and many interior elements were brought from Paris to recapture the atmosphere of France in every small detail. Over a cup of coffee, you can read a great variety of English-language magazines like The Gentlewoman, Vogue, Garage etc. The almond croissant together with cappuccino will cost you UAH 94 (USD 3).

In the second half of April, they open the patio, so come enjoy an open-air meal in warm weather. Your pets are welcome here too!