Also: Casual Dining in Chisinau
Bistros, trattorias and the everyday places where Chișinău actually eats.
Bistros, trattorias, taverns and neighbourhood rooms: the mid-tier places where Chișinău actually eats.
Gök-Oguz on Calea Orheului in Chișinău is the family-run Gagauz and Turkic room, serving shurpa, gözleme and lamb specialties in a Comrat-styled compound.
OrderShurpa lamb soup with freshly baked gözleme on the side.
TipSit in the courtyard in summer; the menu's Gagauz lamb cooks slow, order it 30 minutes ahead if you don't want to wait at the table.
Black Rabbit on Strada Vlaicu Pârcălab in Chișinău works as a café in daylight and a small-plates bar after dark, with a serious Moldovan wine list.
OrderThe lunch burger with house fries and a glass of Fetească Regală.
TipThe kitchen leans burgers at lunch and sharing plates after 19:00; the rotating Moldovan natural-wine pours are worth a separate visit.
La Plăcinte on Șoseaua Hâncești 58 is the Botanica-side branch of Moldova's plăcinte chain, with the largest dine-in room and a kids' play area attached.
OrderPlăcinte with cabbage and cheese, mămăligă with brânză and smântână on the side.
TipThis branch has the most reliable lunch turnover; the plăcinte tray refills hourly and the sit-down menu carries the full traditional list.
Andy's Pizza on Bulevardul Mircea cel Bătrân in Chișinău is the Ciocana branch of Moldova's homegrown chain, with a wide pizza list and a 24/7 sister nearby.
OrderMushroom soup in a bread bowl with a Capricioasa pizza to share.
TipThe chain's Ciocana branch keeps the kitchen running past midnight; the carbonara and the mushroom soup in the bread bowl are the dependable orders.
Day trip · 4 hours
Discover the world's largest wine cellar at Mileștii Mici and experience Moldova's finest wines.
Day trip · 7 hours
Discover the Țipova Monastery on a guided hiking tour. Explore the scenic Țipova Nature Reservation, visit the picturesque village of Lalova, and enjoy a traditional M...
Day trip · 8 hours
Discover Moldovan flavors, cousine and landscapes on a day trip to Old Orhei and Butuceni village. Enjoy coffee inside a rock-carved restaurant, and toast to the perfe...