In a moment that marks an important milestone for Kyiv’s evolving culinary landscape, Michelin-starred chef Jeffrey J. Vella recently visited Oishi Ba, the city’s new Japanese-inspired café and bar that opened on Velyka Vasylkivska Street late last year.

Vella, who is credited as the inspirational force and creative partner behind Oishi Ba, arrived in the Ukrainian capital to engage directly with the project he helped launch and to meet the local team bringing his vision to life. His presence in Kyiv reinforces the restaurant’s identity as more than a typical opening, it’s a collaboration that bridges international culinary thinking with Kyiv’s dynamic food scene.