UAH 750 for lunch: how Ukrainians’ spending in restaurants has changed in the summer of 2025
10 June 21:28
Despite the war, inflation, and unstable weather, Ukrainians continue to visit cafes and restaurants. Moreover, the cost of a visit to a restaurant is growing, even though the number of such visits has decreased, "Komersant Ukrainian" writes, citing analytics by Poster.
Its experts surveyed more than 1500 Ukrainian restaurants and summarized that the average check in May 2025 amounted to UAH 749. This is 10% more than in August 2024, when the check was 681 UAH, and 19% more than in April 2024 (620 UAH).
Restaurants earn more, but have fewer customers
Cafe and restaurant owners attribute the increase in the average check primarily to inflation.
The increase in costs is not associated with an increase in attendance. On the contrary, in May, due to the cold weather, the number of guests decreased, and with it the share of revenue from summer venues,” explains Rodion Yeroshek, co-founder and CEO of Poster.
“For example, in May 2024, summer terraces accounted for 25% of the monthly revenue of establishments, and in 2025 – only 18%. But despite this, the average check has grown: from 681 UAH last year to 749 UAH this year. According to Eroshek, this indicates that guests are spending more per visit, even if they do so less often.
Seasonality and geography: who is more fortunate
One of the key problems of the restaurant business is the geographical inequality of the start of the season. In Kyiv and Lviv, establishments can open summer terraces as early as April. In the regions, it is usually only in May. This gives the capital’s business a significant advantage.
In April 2024, Kyiv and Lviv venues received 16% of their monthly revenue from summer venues, with the average check amounting to UAH 620. In April 2025, it was already 14%, but with a higher check of UAH 684,” notes Yeroshek.
“In other cities, the April season remains unprofitable or even inaccessible due to weather conditions and delays in obtaining permits from local authorities.
August is the golden month for the restaurant business
August is traditionally the best month for the restaurant business in Ukraine. It is during this period that summer terraces provide up to 30% of monthly revenue. In 2024, August showed a record average check of UAH 681, and analysts expect even higher figures in 2025. If the average check growth trend continues, August may become a peak month not only in terms of revenue but also in terms of profitability.
Consumer behavior indicates an adaptation to new realities: despite economic uncertainty, Ukrainians are not ready to completely abandon eating out. Instead, there is a growing demand for quality, service, and atmosphere – customers expect to get more for more money.
Restaurants have to balance inflationary pressure with maintaining guest loyalty. Most establishments are optimizing menus, reducing the cost of dishes and changing the format of work, for example, switching to seasonal offers or temporary concepts at summer venues.
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