Rosewood Kitchen + Enoteca

Plus, it’s like being invited into an Italian Nana’s kitchen. If she lived in Mongolia. Limoncello, broken English, and all.

But in all seriousness, Rosewood Kitchen + Enoteca, right in the center of Ulaanbaatar, is one of those restaurants that – and trust us on this one – you’ll appreciate and crave after a few days/weeks exploring the Mongolian countryside. One of the best restaurants in the city, Chef Cliffe Arrand has a way with pizzas and pastas that will have you happy to be back in civilization, especially after you’ve been reacquainted with your old friend, Mr. Hot Shower.

It’s Chef Arrand’s attention to ingredients and techniques that makes Rosewood such a stand out restaurant in the city. Sourcing as many ingredients as possible from local farms, including fruits and vegetables from Ger Garden, the first certified organic farm in Mongolia, the dishes at Rosewood are light and fresh – a nice change of pace from the meat and dairy-heavy dishes that make Mongolian food a cuisine that can have its limits.

Plus, with a staff that speaks English, you won’t have to mime your order or play that all-too-thrilling game of “do we think they got our order right?”. (They aren’t always perfect, but at least the mistakes are usually delicious.)

And when all else fails, there’s wine! Lots and lots of wine. Rosewood not only has an impressive wine list, but a full cocktail menu that includes a basil gimlet that – dare we say – is our favorite cocktail in the city, as well. (We said it.)

Weekends mean bottomless brunch – something you won’t find elsewhere in Ulaanbaatar – and with The Market by Rosewood just down the alley from the restaurant, you can even pick up some snacks for the road (hello, dehydrated mangos).

If you only have 24 hours in Ulaanbaatar, Rosewood is at the top of our list of best restaurants in the city.

For large parties and a table at prime restaurant time (19:00 on a Friday night), we recommend making a reservation, which you can do by calling +976 9402 0561.