Svit Kavy
Svit Kavy, translated as ‘The World of Coffee’, is exactly what it declares: a great place to have coffee. For hungry travelers in search of breakfast, or even locals heading to work, it has the great advantage of opening as early as 7.45 A.M. every day. Homemade yogurt, porridge, croissants with jam, ham and salami, pancakes, strudel, and much more are on the menu. In other words, there’s a mixture of Ukrainian and international breakfast food with something to suit all preferences.
Address: 6, Katedral’na Square
ATLAS
ATLAS restaurant located right on Rynok Square has a very Old World atmosphere. Its wood panels and wooden furniture fit in perfectly with Lviv’s general ambiance, that of an old European city with a tumultuous history. Its location makes it a great starting point for a visit of the city, so why not sit down there with a cup of good coffee — Lviv’s favorite beverage — and traditional Ukrainian syrnyky before sightseeing? There’s also a small shop where visitors can buy coffee beans and loose leaf tea.
Address: 45, Rynok Square
Valentino
For a sumptuous breakfast, head to Valentino Restaurant, situated not too far from the center. This high-end Italian restaurant serves breakfast from 7 A.M. to 11 A.M. with a wide range of dishes such as fried eggs, toast, pâté, cheese, pancakes, pastries, and yogurt among others. Despite not being in the Old Town itself, the location is historical and the building is as beautiful as anything on Rynok Square: old brick ceilings, large wooden tables, and a taste, artistic décor that will be sure to charm visitors.
Address: 20, Kniazia Romana Street
Green Vegetarian Café
One of the best vegetarian and vegan spots in Lviv, Green Vegetarian cafe offers late breakfasts and brunches served from 11 A.M. to 1 P.M. Dishes are refreshingly simple and, of course, meat and gluten-free. Options include Ukrainian classics like syrnyky (cottage cheese pancakes), so it’s also a great place for vegetarians to get a taste of Ukrainian specialties.
Address: 5, Brativ Rohatyntsiv Street
Kumpel
Kumpel, a ‘gastropub’ just a stone’s throw from the Bernardine Church in the Old Town serves a sweet or savory breakfasts and brunches from 11 A.M. The menu consists of classics like croissants, pancakes, and scrambled eggs. Add a cup of tea or coffee for a breakfast experience comfortingly similar to what most visitors are used to is offered for a fraction of the price. The interior is not typical especially for a breakfast place, as Kumpel is also a brewery: there are two huge brewing tanks in the main room.
Address: 6, Volodymyra Vynnychenka Street
Centaur
Centaur serves coffee famous not only in Ukraine but in the whole Europe. This café located right on Rynok Square roasts its own coffee and has an own blend - the eponymous ‘Centaur’. To go with this delicious coffee, breakfast is served daily from 8 A.M. to 11 A.M. and comprises Ukrainian pastries like syrnyky, as well as strudels, macarons and croissants. The interior includes an original painting of a famous Ukrainian artist Volodymyr Patyk.
Address: 34, Rynok Square
In addition to its lovely architecture, Lviv has a vibrant cultural life, which can be found not only galleries and numerous museums but also restaurants and cafés, perfect for a leisurely breakfast or brunch before a busy day.
Photo sources: Facebook and websites of businesses mentioned above, unsplash.com, shutterstock.com. All images belong to their rightful authors.
