Forshmak

Forshmak captures the nostalgic feel of old Chisinau while elevating straightforward dishes familiar to any Moldovan from a young age, and does so in a heavily stylised interior designed to evoke pleasant associations. If you're dining with a Russian speaker, ask them to solve the crossword puzzle on your table - the reward is a free serving of forshmak, the restaurant's namesake dish.

• Web:

  www.forshmak.md

• Address:

  Constantin Negruzzi Boulevard 2/4, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 788 88 829

Gastrobar

Gastrobar is all the rage in savvy circles, an establishment both upscale in quality and casual in demeanour, with an extensive menu of international specialities and an inviting atmosphere with no pretence. Thursdays and Fridays see deliveries of fresh oysters.

• Address:

  Alexandru Bernardazzi 66, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 689 06 545

Gok-Oguz

The charming, highly stylised Gok-Oguz specialises in Gagauzian cuisine, a unique blend of Russian, Romanian and Turkic flavours customary in Moldova's south. Lamb is the speciality that comes in many forms, but the menu extends to include an abundance of further options.

• Web:

  www.gok-oguz.md

• Address:

  Calea Orheiului 19/A, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 22 468 852

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10am-11pm

Grill House

A consistent locals' favourite, Grill House holds up the promise of its name by offering up a delicious array of freshly grilled meats, alongside a selection of scrumptious pasta dishes, salads, and desserts. It's fantastic value for money.

• Address:

  Armeneasca 24, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 790 00 010

Madam Wong

Madam Wong is a fantastic find for lovers of Asian cuisine, "Asian" in the broadest of terms, ranging from Japanese to Indian, via China, Vietnam and a few other culinary traditions. Prices are staggeringly low for the quality and assortment.

• Web:

  www.madamwong.md

• Address:

  Pushkin 44/1, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +37360902000

Vatra Neamului

One of the best choices for traditional Moldovan dining in Chisinau, Vatra Neamului features local specialities and provides for a complete cultural immersion experience with live music played in the evenings.

• Web:

  www.vatraneamului.md

• Address:

  Puskin 20b, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 22 226 839

Barbar

One of the city's hipster haunts, Barbar is a cafe by day and bar/club at night. It's a casual venue that draws a young-ish crowd of locals to its rowdy weekend parties and nighttime events.

• E-mail:

  barbarcomix@gmail.com

• Address:

  Mihai Eminescu 45, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 785 13 513

Kira's Club

This cool, somewhat underground space is a favourite among trendy local youth and those who happen to be let in on its existence. In pleasant contrast to many old-school, quintessentially Eastern European night clubs, Kira's is a no-pretence, inviting location with an extensive Asian-leaning menu, a plethora of drinks, and late-night dance parties.

• Address:

  Veronica Micle 7, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 797 40 927

Mojito Terasa

Mojito Terasa does not exactly have any standout features, but its prime location smack in the city centre and round-the-clock hours of operation make it a highly popular gathering place, especially so during the summer months, when its outdoor terrace teems with cocktail-drinkers both day and night.

• E-mail:

  restaurantmojito@gmail.com

• Address:

  Stefan Cel Mare Boulevard, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 601 91 111

• Opening hours:

  24/7

PartyZAN Game Club

Hidden in plain sight, this semi-private game club can be accessed by regular members or those who are determined enough to wait for the ringing door bell to have an effect. Board game lovers will rejoice at the broad selection of free-to-rent games, while others will certainly delight in pool, darts, table soccer, and other active pursuits.

• E-mail:

  partyzanclub@mail.ru

• Address:

  Onisifor Ghibu 9/1, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 22 581 048

Sky Bar

This flashy, upscale bar and club is unique for its rooftop setting that affords panoramic views of Chisinau. Come here if you have cash to spare, and if a quintessentially Eastern European clubbing experience complete with go go dancers and flashing neon lights is your idea of fun.

• E-mail:

  chisinau.skybar@gmail.com

• Address:

  Albisoara 4, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 767 39 739

CoffeeMolka

CoffeeMolka wears its speciality as a badge of honour, making for an entertaining look around with its impressive collection of vintage coffee grinders displayed proudly on shelves. Coffee is taken seriously here (try the traditional Turkish coffee), and casual live music evenings are hosted.

• Web:

  coffeemolka.business.site

• Address:

  31 August 1989, 105 Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 22 212 654

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–8pm

La Placinte

For cheap and cheerful local eats, try one of La Plăcinte's several Chisianu locations. Finish off your meal of traditional Moldovan specialities with an actual placinta — a soft pastry of layered dough filled with soft cheese or another stuffing (these are ubiquitous in town).

• Web:

  www.laplacinte.md

• Address:

  Mitropolit Dosoftei St 100, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 22 211 211

Rozmarin

Rozmarin looks and feels like it could easily fit in anywhere in Europe, including upcoming neighbourhoods of trendsetting Scandinavian capitals. The menu is extensive and leans heavily towards Italian flavours. The main selling point is their bread: baked freshly in-house and used in the cooking of mouthwatering sandwiches.

• Web:

  www.rozmarin.md

• Address:

  Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Boulevard 202, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 680 23 330

• More info:

  Kentford Building

Tucano Coffee

The trendiest coffee shop chain in town continues to attract patrons to its four locations each named after an established coffee nation. Particular focus is placed on presentation, each cup crafted to look like a work of drinkable art. Sandwiches, bagels, salads, and a variety of desserts are on offer too.

• Web:

  www.tucanocoffee.com

• Address:

  Alexander Pushkin St 15, Chisinau

• Phone:

  +373 699 43 275