Eshak restaurant brings together Uzbek, Georgian, Armenian, Kazakh and European cuisines in one venue located on the second floor of KazanMall shopping centre. The project is developed by restaurateur Alexander Orlov and actor-producer Sergey Svetlakov. Visitors find a blend of Eastern hospitality with European aesthetics: natural light wood, arches, decorative columns, handwoven carpets and abundant plants create an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Eastern establishment reimagined with modern comfort.
The kitchen operates under chef Sergey Otdelnov, preparing regional specialties from across the former Soviet East alongside European dishes. The restaurant stays open late on weekends, making it suitable for both leisurely lunches and evening gatherings.
Quick Facts
| Russian name | Ишак |
|---|---|
| Address | ул. Павлюхина, 91, ТЦ KazanMall, 2 этаж OpenStreetMap · Google Maps |
| District | Privolzhsky |
| Metro | Sukonnya Sloboda (Red Line, 15–20 min walk or 1–2 metro stops; the restaurant is inside KazanMall shopping centre) |
| Opening hours | Sun-Thu 10:00-22:00; Fri-Sat 10:00-01:00 |
| Best time to visit | October through March for Caucasian soups and warming broths. Business lunch hours (12:00–14:00, weekdays) are quieter for concentrated dining. Friday and Saturday from 19:00 onwards if you wish to experience live entertainment. Avoid late evening on weekends if you prefer quieter dining (after 21:00 can be loud). Summer is less ideal for meat-heavy cuisine, though air conditioning makes it comfortable. Weekday evenings (before 19:00) offer a balance of atmosphere and space. |
| Recommended duration | 1.5–2 hours |
| Cuisine | Uzbek, Georgian, Armenian, European, Kazakh |
| Price level | ₽₽ · moderate |
| Reservations | Reservations recommended, especially for weekends and evenings. Walk-in seating available subject to capacity. Delivery and takeaway available daily. |
| Website | kazan.eshak.ru |
| Last updated | October 18, 2026 |
| Operating status confirmed | October 2026 |
Why Visit Eshak, Kazan?
This is one of Kazan‘s most comprehensive Eastern restaurants, offering authenticity without being confined to a single cuisine. Horse meat dishes—a specialty of Central Asian and Caucasian regions—appear across the menu: kazy (a traditional sausage), steak, and Olivier salad made with tenderized horse meat. The grill section features kebabs, steaks and lamb preparations. For those exploring traditional tastes, the restaurant offers Caucasian soups, Uzbek pilaf variations, Georgian khachapuri and Armenian khinkali alongside European options.
The setting is spacious and atmospheric without noise overwhelm during daytime hours; live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings after 7 pm adds energy to dinner service.
Highlights of Eshak, Kazan
Horse meat specialities
The signature items here are Central Asian kazy, horse meat steak, and Olivier salad with braised horse meat. These dishes reflect the culinary heritage of nomadic and pastoral regions where horse was a staple protein. First-time visitors to this cuisine often find the flavour milder and leaner than beef. The restaurant's interpretation aims to honor traditional preparation while meeting modern dining standards.
Tip: If you are unfamiliar with this meat, the Olivier salad is a good introduction: the braised texture is tender and the dish feels familiar (traditional Russian potato salad base) with a distinct flavour note.
Georgian khachapuri
The menu features Megrelian khachapuri (khachapuri imeruli in Georgian), a cheese-filled bread pastry baked until the edges crisp and the interior melts. This version differs from Adjaruli (boat-shaped with egg) and Penovani (puff pastry). The khachapuri here is a substantial dish and traditionally served as a main course or shared starter.
Tip: Order this fresh from the kitchen; khachapuri loses its textural contrast once it has sat. Pair it with fresh herbs (cilantro, dill, parsley) from the salad section if available.
Khinkali dumplings
Georgian khinkali are meat-filled dumplings gathered at the top and meant to be eaten by holding the knot with your fingers, then puncturing the bottom to release the meat broth inside. The kitchen here offers veal, lamb and mixed varieties. This is interactive eating and part of the experience; diners are typically served small bowls of bone broth alongside.
Tip: Khinkali are always eaten by hand. The restaurant provides small plates; start gently to avoid the interior broth spurting. Traditionally, you leave the knot on the plate—it's expected.
Uzbek plov
Several plov variations appear on the menu, including a festive version (праздничный плов) and Fergana plov (ферганский плов). Plov is a rice dish cooked in seasoned meat stock with vegetables, often carrots and dried fruits. The preparation method differs from pilaf: in plov, the rice and protein cook together in layers. The colour should be golden from the cooking method and spices.
Tip: Plov pairs well with fresh flatbread or lavash if available. Many diners order it as a main course; portions are typically generous.
Caucasian soups
The restaurant emphasises traditional Caucasian broths such as kharcho (a beef soup with a tart note from tkemali plum sauce and ground walnuts) and shurpa (a hearty meat and vegetable broth). These soups are warming, generously portioned and meant to serve as a first course in the traditional Eastern meal structure.
Tip: These soups are best enjoyed in cooler months (autumn through early spring) when a warm, spiced broth is most satisfying. In summer, cold soup variants may be available.
Lamb and meat grilled options
The grill section includes lamb ribs (каре ягненка), strips of veal and beef steaks (Striploin, Ribeye at higher price points), and chicken shashlik. These proteins are seasoned and cooked over heat, then plated with sides such as pommes pailles (straw potatoes) or seasonal vegetables. The cooking aims for caramelised exterior and pink interior for premium cuts.
Tip: Request your meat cooked to temperature preference when ordering; the kitchen will accommodate rare to well-done. Medium-rare to medium is typical for lamb and beef here.
What to Order
- Olivier salad with braised horse meat
- Georgian Megrelian khachapuri
- Khinkali with lamb
- Fergana plov
- Lamb ribs (каре ягненка) from the grill
- Caucasian kharcho soup
Atmosphere
The interior evokes a traditional Eastern restaurant updated for contemporary comfort. Tall ceilings, large windows, natural light wood walls, and structural arches create spaciousness. Handwoven carpets in jewel tones cover parts of the floor; greenery in planters is placed throughout. Soft seating with good back support and adequate distance between tables allow private conversation during daytime hours.
During business lunch hours (roughly 12–14:00), the space fills with office workers seeking quick meals. Weekend evenings become busier and livelier, particularly after 19:00 when live vocal performances (women singers performing contemporary hits) begin on Fridays and Saturdays. The sound level rises noticeably after 21:00 on weekends, when the restaurant caters to groups and evening diners.
Service is generally polite and attentive, though some diners report slower table turns during peak periods. The restaurant accommodates families, business groups, and couples.
Reservations and Ordering at Eshak, Kazan
Reservations: Recommended for dinner (after 18:00) and on weekends. Book by phone at +7 (906) 120-00-70 or through the official website. Same-day walk-in seating is available outside peak hours, though tables may have limited availability during busy service times.
Takeaway and delivery: Takeaway service available during restaurant hours. Delivery is offered separately: Sun–Thu 10:00–21:30, Fri–Sat 10:00–23:30. Delivery orders placed through the website or by phone at +7 (843) 202-40-43 (for delivery line).
Entry and location: The restaurant is located on the second floor of KazanMall shopping centre. Enter through the main mall entrance, take escalators or lifts to the second floor, and follow signage to the food court area where Eshak is located.
Find and Order: Eshak, Kazan
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How to Get to Eshak, Kazan
By metro: The nearest metro station is Sukonnya Sloboda (Red Line). From the station, it is a 15–20 minute walk to KazanMall, or you can take a short taxi ride (1–2 km). Exit the metro following signs toward Pavlyukhina Street.
Direct directions: KazanMall is located at 91 Pavlyukhina Street in the southern part of central Kazan (Privolzhsky District). The shopping centre has a distinctive modern exterior and is a major landmark. Eshak is on the second floor in the food court area.
Parking: KazanMall has a large dedicated multi-level car park (approximately 3,000 spaces). Parking is free for restaurant guests. Enter via marked car park entrances from surrounding streets.
By taxi or ride-hailing: Yandex.Taxi, Uber and local services operate in Kazan. Ride time from the city centre (Kremlin area) is typically 10–15 minutes.
Accessibility
The restaurant is on the second floor of KazanMall and is accessible via lift. No specific accessibility information is published on the official website regarding wheelchair-accessible restrooms, companion discounts or other accommodations. Contact the restaurant directly at +7 (906) 120-00-70 to confirm accessibility details before your visit.
Food Nearby
KazanMall's food court contains multiple vendors offering Russian, Asian and international fast food. Within the shopping centre are cafes serving coffee, desserts and light meals. Outside the mall, in the surrounding Privolzhsky District, are smaller cafes and local eateries, though Eshak itself is the major dining establishment in the immediate vicinity.
What to Bring
In winter, warm outer clothing; the walk from metro can be chilly. Comfortable shoes for the walk from public transport. The restaurant has a coat check or storage for outer layers. No specific bag restrictions are published, though large bags are typical in restaurant settings.
Photography Rules
No specific photography restrictions are stated on the official website. Interior photography for personal use is generally permitted in restaurants. Flash photography may be discouraged during live performances; check with staff. Drones and professional filming require prior permission.
Family Suitability
The restaurant welcomes families and offers a children's menu (детское меню). High chairs and stroller storage can be arranged; confirm by phone when booking. Daytime dining (lunch hours) is most family-friendly due to quieter atmosphere. Weekend evenings after 19:00 become busier and louder, less suitable for very young children or those sensitive to noise. School-age children will find the interactive nature of khinkali and the visual presentation appealing.
Russia Vibes Tips
- Arrive for lunch before 13:00 or after 14:30 if you prefer quieter service and faster table turnover during business hours.
- The menu is extensive and combines cuisines that can seem unfamiliar. The staff are experienced; do not hesitate to ask for recommendations or clarifications about dishes, spice level or portion size.
- Friday and Saturday live entertainment starts at 19:00; if you want to experience this without overwhelming noise, arrive before 20:00.
- Horse meat dishes are the signature; if this is your first encounter with the cuisine, the Olivier salad is the most approachable introduction because the braised texture is tender and the familiar salad base is comforting.
- Bread and flatbread options (like lavash) complement almost every dish; order a basket if not automatically provided. These are typically not included in the main menu pricing.
- Book ahead for dinner or weekend service; tables fill quickly in the evening, and walk-in capacity can be limited.
Explore Nearby Eshak, Kazan
Metro stations near Eshak, Kazan
Sukonnaya Sloboda, Kazan – about 950 m away (~15 min walk)Open daily 06:00–00:00Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.
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FAQ: Eshak, Kazan
Is Eshak a full restaurant or just a food court stall?
Eshak is a full-service restaurant occupying a spacious section of KazanMall's second-floor food court. It has a dedicated dining area with tables, full table service, a bar, and hosts live entertainment. Although it is within a shopping centre, it functions as a standalone dining establishment, not a fast-food counter.
What makes Eshak different from other Eastern restaurants in Kazan?
Eshak's defining feature is its simultaneous focus on five cuisines (Uzbek, Georgian, Armenian, Kazakh and European) under one kitchen. Most Eastern restaurants in Kazan specialise in one or two cuisines. The horse meat specialities (kazy, steak, Olivier) are unusual and represent Central Asian pastoral heritage. The modern interior and live entertainment also distinguish it from more traditional establishments.
Is horse meat safe to eat and what does it taste like?
Horse meat is a traditional protein in Caucasian and Central Asian cuisine and is safe when prepared hygienically. The meat is leaner and slightly gamier than beef, with a subtly mineral flavour. It is tender when braised (as in Olivier) and delicate when grilled. If unfamiliar, start with the salad or a smaller portion to gauge your preference.
Do I need to book or can I walk in any time?
Walk-ins are welcome during quieter hours (lunch, early weekday evenings). However, booking is strongly recommended for dinner (after 18:00), weekends, and groups. Call +7 (906) 120-00-70 at least a few hours in advance, or the day before for busy periods.
How loud is the restaurant on weekends?
Weekend evenings are lively and bustling. Before 20:00, the noise level is manageable for conversation. After 21:00, the restaurant becomes significantly louder due to full capacity and live entertainment. If you prefer quieter dining, visit on weekdays or before 19:00 on weekends.
Are the dishes here spicy?
Caucasian and Central Asian cuisines use spices and aromatics (cumin, coriander, chilli) but are not typically fiery-hot. Kharcho soup has a tart note from plum sauce rather than chilli heat. Individual dishes vary; the menu is not dominated by extreme spice levels. Request less spice when ordering if you have low heat tolerance.
Can I get vegetarian options here?
The menu is meat-focused, but vegetarian dishes exist: salads (Greek, Olivier without meat variants), some soups (ask which are vegetable-based), cheese khachapuri, and vegetable side dishes. The kitchen can prepare vegetable-based or meatless dishes upon request; mention this when booking or ordering.
Is there parking at KazanMall?
Yes. KazanMall has a large dedicated car park with approximately 3,000 spaces. Parking is free for restaurant guests. Enter via marked car park entrances from surrounding streets.
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Last updated: October 18, 2026.
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