Al Fresco

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Piece of Italy, Half an Hour from Kyiv

In Italian, fresco means "fresh" and al fresco means "in the open air" — and both ideas are baked into everything this restaurant does. Situated on the Obukhiv Highway in the village of Khodosivka, AL FRESCO is a countryside Italian restaurant that consistently surprises guests with its scale, its seriousness about food, and an atmosphere that has more in common with the Tuscan hills than the suburban outskirts of a capital city. Wine Spectator recognised it with a Best of Award of Excellence in 2023 — a distinction that reflects the depth and care behind the wine list here.

Authentic Italian Cuisine, Made From Scratch

The kitchen's commitment to authenticity is straightforward and uncompromising. Bread is not brought in — it is baked on site every morning. Pasta is made by hand. Pizza goes into a genuine wood-fired oven. Risotto follows traditional Italian recipes. The menu spans fresh salads with vegetables and greens, a wide range of seafood and meat dishes, a varied cheese selection, and a rich dessert offering. There is also a dedicated Chef Menu, a breakfast service, and a vegetarian menu — meaning the Italian cuisine here is broad enough to reward many visits.

The wine list that earned Wine Spectator's attention pairs naturally with this range: an extensive selection from producers around the world, chosen with the same attention to detail applied to the food.

Space That Matches the Ambition

AL FRESCO is large, even by countryside restaurant standards. The main hall covers 230 square metres, suited to large celebrations. A smaller dining hall at 122 square metres works for more intimate gatherings. A covered terrace stretches to 270 square metres, surrounded by greenery, with several gazebos for guests who prefer a quieter corner. Across its various halls and private rooms, the restaurant can host a standing buffet for 300 or a seated banquet for 120.

Private Dining is treated as a distinct concept here — individually composed menus, carefully chosen table settings, and attention to every detail of the occasion. Weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and ceremonies all have dedicated formats, including the option of off-site wedding ceremonies.

A Restaurant That Welcomes Families

AL FRESCO describes itself as built around the philosophy of family — and the spaces reflect that. Children have their own club, an outdoor playground, a dedicated veranda, and a thoughtfully composed children's menu. Weekend animator programmes and creative workshops run regularly, and the restaurant's own "Chocolate Factory" lets younger guests make their own sweets. It is a place where adults can eat and drink well while children are genuinely looked after, rather than simply tolerated.