One of Astana’s more established bars, Cinzano is a stylish space decorated in on-brand red, black and cream. Tables with bold red banquettes line the walls alongside versions of Andy Warhol’s Marilyn and graphic rose stencils. The generous (Russian-language) food menu offers the usual salads, pizzas and pastas as well as an impressive sushi selection featuring maki, nigiri and sashimi plus sharing platters and bento boxes starting at 2,800 KZT. Peruse the extensive cocktail list at the long white bar, choosing perhaps a fusion or frozen number or a classic Cinzano cocktail like a negroni. Prices start from a reasonable 700 KZT. Guests tend to be a mix of ages, but the younger customers are fond of the ‘shot carnivals’; collections of seven, eight or ‘Devil’s 13’ shots with names like ‘Cocaine’ and ‘Toxic’, the consumption of which helps to provide a more ebullient atmosphere at weekends. Visit during the week for a more chilled-out vibe, and note that those in the market for a weekend shot carnival themselves are advised to reserve a table.