Zerno

Visited in August 2025. Kyrgyzstan Bishkek. ZERNO’s sleek, modern interior with an open kitchen and bright, airy vibe made it a must-visit, especially with its glowing reviews. The stylish decor promised a top-notch dining experience, but it didn’t fully deliver on expectations. FOOD: The menu boasts a wide range of adapted European dishes, offering plenty of tempting choices. We started with the pistachio spread, a standout with its bold, nutty flavor that paired beautifully with their bread—clearly made with real pistachios, it was a unique and delightful surprise. The borscht followed, with a rich, slightly sweet beet-based broth that hit the mark, but the meat was tough and overcooked, dragging down the dish. The ravioli were tasty, with a decent mushroom filling and a sprinkle of parmesan, but the promised truffle flavor was nowhere to be found, leaving us wanting more. The trout was slightly dry with an overly strong fishy taste—we prefer a softer texture and milder flavor, so it fell short of perfection despite being decent. The sorrel-pineapple lemonade, though, was a revelation—refreshing, vibrant, and an absolute must-try. SERVICE: The service was a highlight. Our waiter was engaging, knowledgeable about the menu, and made us feel welcome. Small touches like complimentary bread with whipped butter and a sample of their phenomenal turkey pâté elevated the experience. VERDICT: ZERNO is a solid choice for a lunch with friends or family, with a cozy, stylish atmosphere and generally high-quality food, especially the bread. The absence of alcohol might be a downside for some, but it’s still a great restaurant by Bishkek standards. While a few dishes missed the mark, it’s worth a visit for the vibe and that incredible lemonade.

- Olga May -

Superb restaurant. I came here twice and I've enjoyed burrata, stracciatella and tiramisù like i was at home. The service Is a High level as well and given more value to the food perception.

- francesco schena -

Had breakfast here twice during my stay in Bishkek. It’s usually empty in the mornings. Service is always prompt and food is good. Both the cottage cheese pancakes and omelette with ricotta are good. Great place to have coffee and pasty. There’s also a store next to the cafe that sells a variety of baked goods and fresh produce.

- Ling -