Even if you are not a wine lover, if you come to Chisinau, then there is a big chance you'll become one.
Moldova is the country of wines, and in the last 4-5 years, there has been a huge boost in the wine industry, which has made it grow in quality and variety of wines. Across the country, one has many options for visiting different wineries that offer a full wine experience. This tendency has made it possible for opening many wine shops and bars in Chisinau, and my favourite is Carpe Diem. I visit it at least once a month, as it always is my first choice for buying wine.
You can find and buy wine all around the city, including in supermarkets and the variety is huge. However, if you are like me and often don't know what to choose, then Carpe Diem solves this problem for you. The bottles they sell are already pre-selected from a wide variety of local wineries, so any wine you would choose, you know from the start that it is a good one. Also, the staff at Carpe Diem are real experts in the wine world and they happily give suggestions according to clients' tastes and preferences, so make sure to ask for their help and recommendations.
Carpe Diem does not only operate as a shop, but also as a bar, and organizes private or public wine tastings, where they teach their clients to discover and sample different types of wine.
Find your way with 87 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Raw Cafe" is probably Chisinau's only raw vegan cafe. They have amazing desserts - my favorite one is made with peanuts and dried figs!
by
"Belgian Mussels" in Chisinau is all about seafood and mussels, and their specialty is the boiled mussels. It's ideal for a casual dinner with friends!
by
"Valea Morilor Panorama Point" in Chisinau makes for an excellent hiking trail, especially in summer! Not many people know about it, so it's secluded...
by
"Pegas Restaurant" in Chisinau is a chain of restaurants. Their chicken soup is famous, but I recommend the shakshouka...
by
"Sincer - Gastro Market" in Chisinau means 'honest' - it's a great place to enjoy tea, coffee or juice & I love their brunch. Try the chicken with peach!
by
"CoffeeMolka" is a classic hidden gem. I've lived more than 20 years in Chișinău and I only discovered this coffee place set up like a museum last year!
by
"Hidden Bar" is the best place in Chisinau to dive in for a few hours and lay back with a shisha or a great cocktail!
by
"Il Forno" makes the best pizza in Chișinău and I can attest to that. It embodies well the special relationship between our countries...
by
"Vegan Phi Restaurant" in Chisinau is a vegan restaurant with amazing main dishes, even if you're not vegan! Try the cauliflower steak...
by
"Smokehouse" in Chisinau is a community place with lots of locals and internationals. It's a beer haven with pub quizes on Tuesdays and great food!
by
"Cehov Square" is a green, renovated square in Chisinau in front of the theater. It was the first crowdfunding project of its kind. It's so relaxing!
by
"Marlene Bar" in Chisinau might not even have the best cocktails in town (although I like them), but the atmosphere of this European-style bar is worth it!
by
87 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 87 Insider Tips