AUYL

Auyl Restaurant was one of the most unique and culturally rich dining experiences I’ve had in Almaty. The restaurant beautifully represents traditional Kazakh cuisine, from the earthy interiors to the warm hospitality that instantly makes you feel welcome. This was also my first time trying horse meat, and I’ll admit I was a little nervous—but the experience completely surprised me. The meat was incredibly tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. It didn’t feel overwhelming at all; instead, it felt like being introduced to an important part of local culture through food. The staff were kind enough to explain the dishes, which made the experience even more meaningful. Every dish felt thoughtfully prepared, with authentic flavors that clearly respect tradition rather than dilute it for tourists. The ambiance adds to the charm—rustic, cozy, and deeply connected to Kazakh heritage. If you’re visiting Almaty and want to try something truly local (and step out of your comfort zone in the best way), Auyl is a must-visit. It’s not just a meal, it’s a cultural experience. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Highly recommended for anyone who loves exploring food with a story.

I had an excellent dinner at Auyl, one of Almaty’s most atmospheric and distinctive restaurants. The yurt-inspired interior, handmade details and open kitchen create a warm, immersive setting. The food focuses on neo-nomad cuisine, and everything I tried was thoughtful and full of character. The clear chicken soup was comforting and refined, and the horse cheek was tender and flavorful — but the real standout for me was the bone marrow, cooked over open fire and absolutely packed with deep, smoky richness. I paired the dishes with local cider and wine, both well-matched and reflective of the restaurant’s interesting, sustainable wine list. Service was friendly and attentive, rounding out a great evening. A unique and memorable dining experience — highly recommended.

Absolutely amazing experience at Auyl Restaurant! The food was outstanding, every dish was beautifully presented and full of flavour. You can really taste the quality and authenticity in every bite. What truly made the visit special was the service. The hospitality was on another level. The team took their time to explain each dish in detail, which made the whole dining experience feel personal and thoughtful. You can tell they genuinely care. Special thanks to Amina for the incredible hospitality. She went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable. Truly appreciate the effort and warmth. Definitely would come back again if I have the chance. Highly recommended!

A beautiful restaurant with some really great food and a fantastic view of the mountains! We wanted to order 2 glasses of wine and the sommelier came to the table and recommended the wine according to our taste. We ordered the roast pumpkin salad and the sheekh kebab and both were delicious. The kebab was served with a bread that was softer than I have ever eaten in my life! They served us a complimentary dessert made with nuts and dry fruits while a lady came and spoke to us about the history of the restaurant. It was a great experience. Don't miss this place if you're going to Almaty. It's just a short drive from Shymbulak.

Definitely a visit food joint near Shymbulak. Located a short hike from the Shymbulak ticket office, this was one of the best world's 50 discovery places in 2024. The ambience is such that you're sitting in a house a in a remote village in Kazakhstan. Coming to the food, we ordered horse cheeks with mushroom sauce and eggplant puree, lamb shashlik, Bone marrow and Lagman. The horse cheeks were grilled and were very tender and juicy. Definitely the star of the of course. The bone marrow comes with a piece of bread and was very soft, greasy and saucy. They do give the utensils to scrape the bone marrow. The shashlik was good and tender. The Lagman was more towards asian food maybe because of the Chinese influence but I loved it too. Overall a place I would definitely return. In fact we were pondering to visit before we left Almaty.

AUYL Restaurant offers an authentic and memorable dining experience with a strong focus on traditional Kazakh cuisine. The food is rich in flavor, well prepared, and beautifully presented, giving a true taste of local culture. The interior is stylish and cozy, blending modern comfort with national elements, and the atmosphere feels warm and welcoming. A great place to experience Kazakh food in Almaty, whether you’re a visitor or a local.

A must visit. Great interior design, they thought of everything. The food is amazing. The horse cheeks and steak tartare are delicious. Cocktails and wine are great. The honey cake melts in your mouth.

Dining at AUYL was truly a unique and unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, the setting felt magical. The traditional yurt-style atmosphere combined with elegant details creates such a warm and authentic Kazakh vibe. It feels like stepping into culture and history while still enjoying a refined dining experience. The food was absolutely outstanding. Every dish was beautifully presented and full of rich, authentic flavors. You can really taste the quality of the ingredients and the care that goes into each plate. The traditional Kazakh dishes were both comforting and elevated, offering a perfect balance between heritage and modern cuisine. The service was just as impressive, attentive, welcoming, and professional. The staff made us feel genuinely valued and explained the dishes with pride and passion. AUYL is more than just a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience. I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Almaty who wants to enjoy exceptional food in a truly special setting. I can’t wait to return!