‘Zdravstvuyte‘ and welcome to a journey all things ‘coffee’ related in the flat-white-capital of the Ukraine – Lviv.
I’ve said it once before and I’ll say it again. I’m shocked. Who knew that such a bubbling coffee scene could exist in the Ukraine? I’ll be the first to admit that unlike other trips, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from this city and it’s done nothing but impress me.
This will be the first of quite a few blog posts to come but the only one dedicated to the coffee scene. Below are my recommendations. These were the only cafes I could visit during a 3 day weekend. However, I did hear about and do some research on other really good roasteries which were just outside of the city centre but I couldn’t make it happen as we had such a full schedule.
If you are keen on seeing some more from Lviv, keep an eye on Kaptain Kenny as more is yet to come. And tell me, have you been to the Ukraine? Or Lviv? And if so, what did you think of it? Were you equally as impressed as I was?
If you don’t believe me about the flourishing coffee scene, just click here to read what the Guardian said about Lviv below:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/nov/06/letter-from-lviv-ukraine-cafes
I’ll let my series of photos below tell the story of this incredible story. Do get in touch if you have some comments. Did I miss any fabulous places? Feel free to share information with the other fellow coffee lovers.
Click here to follow us on Instagram
/ and /
Click here to ‘like’ us on Facebook.
Ciao for now fellow readers 🙂

- Something Interesting – This is such a wacky and interesting place! Enjoy looking around the courtyard while you sip on your flat white. The interior of their cafe is equally as sweet and right next door, there’s a shop with handmade jewellery and handicrafts. Something Interesting – Facebook





- Alternative Coffee – This is a really cool spot and quite a gem. The guy who runs it is half Lithuanian and half Ukrainian and he was very friendly with plenty of coffee know-how. He gave me lots of tips for other locations in Lviv. His English was perfect too. You can find this spot about a 5-10 minute walk outside of the old town. It’s in an old hut next to a tram station. Alternative Coffee – Facebook





- Lviv Candles Manufactory – I believe these guys specialise mainly in candle production but we were taken here on a private coffee tour of Lviv and were told their brew is famous because they mix coffee with wine. We bought a glass and gave it a try – it was interesting and I’m glad we did! Lviv Candles Manufactory – Facebook




- Black Honey – A brand new cafe with incredible Scandinavian flair. (The most modern looking cafe I found on the trip.) The manager is lovely and said a local Ukrainian interior designer did the fit out. It’s overall a really beautiful space and wasn’t yet to be found on any coffee blogs I read so make sure you hurry up and visit before it becomes too busy! Black Honey – Lviv






- Svit Kavy – Don’t worry about their food, just stick to their smoothies and flat whites. To die for! Even though this place is relatively high on TripAdvisor (which is often not a good sign in terms of being overrun with tourists), I found their coffee to taste great. So good that I ordered two! Svit Kavy – Website





Lviv Coffee Mining Manufacture – Well you can’t visit Lviv without stopping here for a private coffee tour. We met with Svetlana, a lovely local with astounding English skills who began our private coffee tour at this establishment. Above ground is a gift store and cafe which also sells beans. But below ground is where the action happens. Put on your miner’s hat and go down to experience a flaming coffee. It’s espresso with pepper, cinnamon and brandy. Then with a blowtorch, the barista will light your drink on fire. What a lovely smokey flavour! A must do, even if it’s a bit gimmicky. Lviv Coffee Manufacture – Website





Hi, there! Congratulation! It’s a beautiful post about the best Lviv’s coffee! I’m administrator of FB page about Lviv: http://www.facebook.com/lvivukr and http://www.prolviv.com Our web resources collecting information about our city. We want to publish Your article in our resources. Is there a way to do this?
Sincerely
Hi Dmytro – thank you so much for your comment and of course I’d be delighted for you to share it! What do you need from me? You could copy and paste the photos and text, or if you prefer, I can copy and paste into a word document and email to you? Let me know what works, Phoebe
hello Phoebe!
nice review! thank you!
btw, guys from Alternativna Kava on their Facebook page say that you have a present waiting – a bottle of a nice cold-brew coffee. 🙂 so…. don’t forget to visit them next time you’re there!
Hey Serge!
Thanks so much – yeah I know, lucky me 🙂 I’m following them on Facebook and I did see that. Are you from a coffee shop in Lviv too? Or just a fellow coffee lover? 🙂 Phoebe
I’m learning this ‘kung-fu’ at home – I’m already good enough in making ‘pour-over’ coffee. 🙂
but I’m also a frequent visitor of several ‘good coffee’ places in Lviv. And over time I also became friends with guys from Alternative Coffee (how couldn’t you if they are so friendly :))
ok, enjoy your trips! I’ve subscribed to your new materials on the website!
Oh that’s epic!! Well keep an eye on my site – when I get some more time I’ll be writing two more Lviv posts – “Walking tour of Lviv” and something about where to eat and drink 🙂 Appreciate your support, I really do. A lot of work goes into the blog so getting comments like yours really makes my day!
Wow a Coffee tour, I never done that, sounds really great. Early this year, I visited Lviv in one of my colleague marriage, I visited with my family. Lviv architecture is something different and colorful, attracts allot. We saw Lviv opera house and high castle park, both were amazing. My daughter Mia loved the Lviv’s Chocolate factory, TBH I never saw such a great variety of chocolates, if you get some time in next visit, check that out, basically it’s a café so you can also grab coffee. Thinking to buy an 4 cup machine, do you have any suggestion.
Your friend Nadja has lovely smile 🙂
Hey Makayla,
Thanks for your lovely comment! I definitely thought Lviv was a really special city. Although I haven’t seen anything else of the Ukraine, I’m 100% sure that Lviv in unique in its architecture 🙂 Keep an eye on my post because I’ve got a normal Lviv post coming with photos of the streets and buildings.
I bought some Lviv chocolate and coffee beans back for my parents in law and they loved them! It was a lovely gift and not too expensive at all.
In terms of coffee machines, I actually have a boring Nespresso (or ‘Fauxspresso’ as I like to call it) at home. I always buy my coffees at cafes during the day. I work from home so it’s a good excuse to get out and have some fresh air 🙂
Cheers,
Phoebe