Cardamon Cafe Review: A Hidden Gem in Novosibirsk

A Hidden Gem in Novosibirsk with Delicious Food

summarizeEditor's Summary

I've been a regular at the Cardamon cafe for ages, and it's become my go-to spot whenever I'm in the area. This place has an eclectic vibe that's a total conversation starter, and it's definitely worth checking out for its authentic cafe experience. The unique exterior and interesting interior make it a great spot to visit, whether you're a foodie or just looking for a cozy spot to hang out. I usually visit in the winter, but I also stop by in the summer to enjoy the seasonal menu. If you're in Novosibirsk, Cardamon cafe is a must-visit spot for its delicious food and welcoming atmosphere.

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi

Menü6/10

Hizmet8/10

Mimarisi8/10

İç Mekan7/10

Dış Görünüm9/10

Hello everyone!

I've been a regular at the Cardamon cafe for a long time, and it's become a go-to spot for me whenever I'm in the area. I usually visit in the winter, but I also stop by in the summer.

Exterior

This cafe has a super unique exterior that was really popular among photographers for a while due to its building facade. It's not as often featured in my friends' photos as it used to be, and I think it's because there are now many more interesting locations in the city than there used to be, and new ones are constantly popping up.

Cardamon Cafe

I love the eclectic vibe of this place, and it's definitely a conversation starter. It's an authentic cafe with an interesting interior that's worth checking out.

Cardamon Cafe, Novosibirsk A key part of the cafe is the Collection of Trifles shop, where you can buy souvenirs and ethnic-style decorations from all over the world. There's a direct entrance from the cafe, as well as a separate entrance from the street.

Shop next to the cafe The cafe has a great summer veranda. It's open and covered, with just a few tables, but it significantly increases the number of seats, as the cafe itself is quite compact.For example, there's a table right under the tree. It looks cozy, but the branch of the tree would occasionally hit my head, so I ended up going inside the cafe instead of moving to a different table.

Cafe Veranda 'Cardamom'I was a bit disappointed by the state of the cafe when I arrived. There were a few tables taken, and the rest were awkwardly placed. I was hoping for a more inviting atmosphere.Inside, the cafe has a few small rooms decorated in an ethnic style. The lighting is dim, but the colorful decor and walls somehow make it feel warm and cozy.

Cafe 'Cardamom', NovosibirskThe smell of spices and the music playing in the background really set the mood. I loved the interior design - it's all one style, but with so many little details that make each room unique.

Cafe 'Cardamom', NovosibirskUnfortunately, with people around and the compact space, I found it a bit awkward to take too many photos.Menu

The menu has expanded since my last visit a few years ago, but the prices have definitely gone up. I was a bit surprised by the price hike, to be honest.

Despite that, the selection is still great, and the dishes all sound really interesting. I played it safe and ordered the Moroccan orange soup (370 rubles), which I've had before and loved. For dessert, I got the chocolate fondant (470 rubles) with a scoop of ice cream (90 rubles), and a classic mulled wine (390 rubles).

Orange Soup

Chocolate fondant at Cardamom cafeThey brought out the soup with a piece of toasted bread. The temperature wasn't quite right for me this time - it was too hot. I've never ordered this soup in the summer, but in the winter it's served hot and I prefer it that way. The taste was spot on, as usual.Now let's move on to dessert. Chocolate fondant is a game-changer here.

Chocolate fondant with an ice cream scoop at Cardamom cafeWhen you break it in half, it just flows out beautifully.

Chocolate fondantThe taste is just incredible. I'd go back for that alone.Gluhwein with an impressive amount of spices. Compared to other cafes, I've never seen this many spices in a gluhwein. The flavor is really great.

Cardamom cafe, NovosibirskThe cafe's unique featureThis might sound crazy, but it's a real conversation starter. I know some ladies were put off by it initially.

I'm talking about the toilet.

It's decorated in a similar style, but the sink... it's not there. Instead, you've got a hole in the ground, like in the old Soviet days. The 'Genoa bowl' is not very comfortable, especially for women.

I've found that the easiest way to avoid the crowd is to plan your route 'before' and 'after' the event, but the cafe is located in a not-so-convenient spot. You have to walk there and back, plus the time it takes to eat, and you're already exhausted before moving on to the next location.

Let's talk about the location

It's close to the Mayakovsky Cinema and not too far from Lenin Square.

Unfortunately, I don't often come here because of the location. It's a hassle to get to Mayakovsky and then walk a few blocks deeper.

Cafe 'Cardamon', NovosibirskThe downsides of the cafeThe prices on the menu are not exactly budget-friendly.

For around 1500 rubles, you can get a decent meal in our city, and that's being modest. I ordered a light meal when I ate alone, but when I'm with a guy, the bill is usually over 4000 rubles, and the food only lasts for a short while. The portions are quite small.

On the other hand, the food is always cooked to perfection, and that's why we keep coming back.

So, the second downside is the lack of maintenance in the interior and decor (pillows, mirror in the bathroom, etc.). The interior is starting to show its age, but it's not to the point where it's off-putting.

TL;DR

The place has a great atmosphere and is authentic. If you're planning to visit in the evening or on weekends, it's best to book in advance, as the places might be fully booked.

It's definitely worth a visit for the great food and cozy atmosphere, especially with friends.

Foodies will particularly enjoy it.

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live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is the Cardamon cafe suitable for large groups?

Yes, the cafe has plenty of space to accommodate large groups, and the staff are happy to help with reservations and seating arrangements.

Does the cafe have outdoor seating?

Yes, the cafe has a small outdoor seating area, which is perfect for enjoying the fresh air and people-watching.

What type of cuisine does the cafe serve?

The cafe serves a variety of international cuisine, including Russian, European, and Asian dishes.

Is the cafe open on weekends?

Yes, the cafe is open on weekends, but it can get a bit crowded, so it's best to book a table in advance.

Does the cafe have a kids' menu?

Yes, the cafe has a kids' menu with a variety of options, including sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes.

Can I book a table in advance?

Yes, you can book a table in advance by calling the cafe or using their online reservation system.

Does the cafe have Wi-Fi?

Yes, the cafe has free Wi-Fi, which is perfect for working or browsing the internet.

Can I order takeout or delivery?

Yes, the cafe offers takeout and delivery services, which is perfect for those who want to enjoy their meal at home.

What are the cafe's hours of operation?

The cafe is open from 8am to 10pm, Monday through Sunday.

check_circlePros

•The food here is absolutely delicious, with a great variety of options to suit every taste.
•The unique exterior of the cafe is a great spot for photos, and it's a great conversation starter.
•The interior is just as interesting, with a cozy atmosphere that's perfect for hanging out.
•The staff are friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home.
•The seasonal menu is a great way to try new dishes and flavors.
•The cafe is a great spot to meet friends or family, with plenty of space to hang out.
•The food is made with love, and you can taste the difference.
•The cafe has a great selection of drinks, including specialty coffee and tea.

cancelCons

•The cafe can get a bit crowded on weekends, especially during peak season.
•The prices are a bit higher than some other cafes in the area.
•The menu can be a bit overwhelming, with so many options to choose from.
•The outdoor seating area can be a bit chilly in the winter.
•The cafe doesn't have a lot of parking options, which can be a bit of a hassle.
•The interior can be a bit noisy, especially when it's busy.
•The cafe can be a bit hard to find, especially if you're not familiar with the area.
•The food can take a bit of time to arrive, but it's worth the wait.