-
Montana Coffee in Lower Tverskaya
Formerly Zen Coffee, this place offers breakfast and business lunch, besides the double espresso decaf cappuccinos. It is physically impossible to do a serious stroll of the trendy pedestrian strip on Kamergersky pereulok without stopping to sip a drink at this outlet.
-
Moo-Moo
Moo-Moo offers a serve-yourself, cafeteria-style approach to Russian standards such as borscht , pelmeni and violently-coloured desserts. Moo-Moo has a lively atmosphere and is also a reliable choice for non-Russian speakers. Dig that spotted-cow decor, in case you were wondering where the subtle name came from.
-
Moo-Moo at Lubyanka Square
You will recognize this place by its black and white Holstein-print decor. This chain of clean, cow-themed cafeterias is spreading rapidly throughout the capital. The self-service offers an easy approach to all the Russian favourites.
-
Noah's Ark
This Armenian grill features many varieties of shashlik, many more varieties of cognac and an Armenian orchestra every night. The dining hall is aromatic and atmospheric, thanks to the meat roasting over charcoal in the central brazier.
-
Nostalgie Art Club
One of Moscow's most beloved mafia hangouts. You will recognise it from the plush velvet interior, the decadent menu and the row of big black cars out front. Despite the `New-Russian' reputation, this place knows food and wine, as evidenced by the on-site sommelier school. Nostalgie also publishes Vino , Russia's first magazine for oenophiles.
-
Novy Yar
The 90-year-old restaurant was once a favourite among Moscow's elite, including the opera singer Fyodor Shaliapin and the merchant Savva Morozov. These days, an evening at Yar means dining on gourmet fare and taking in a glittering cabaret, complete with showgirls. Even if you don't stay for dinner, stop by this historic spot for peak at the gold-gilded, chandelier-strewn dining room. Inside the Sovietsky Hotel.
-
One Red Square
Appropriately, chef Alexander Filin is something of a historian, and he successfully recreates the cuisine that was enjoyed in the days of yore, including specific meals in history, such as Nicholas II's Easter dinner in 1900. The only drawback is the dark basement setting - a drab venue for an otherwise exciting eating experience.
-
Paname
Warm lighting and a wide, wooden bar set the stage for classic French fare: this convivial brasserie feels like Paris. The art deco painted ceiling and the crooner tinkling the ivories in the corner only enhance the ambiance. The menu features traditional dishes from the French regions, as well as specialties like salmon tartare and foie gras. A cheaper `bistro' menu is available, offering favourites like quiche Lorraine and Croque Monsieur (ham and cheese sandwich). Enter from the courtyard.
-
Pancho Villa
In a new location near Oktyabrskaya ploshchad, it is still Moscow's top choice for Meksikansky. If the fajitas and margaritas aren't enough of a draw, come for breakfast burritos, happy hour specials (Mon-Thu) or live Latin music nightly (from ).
-
Parizhsk
Targeting Muscovites who are nostalgic for Paris, this quaint cafe draws them in with old-fashioned ad posters and worn wooden furniture, as well as cold beers and hot onion soup. New in 2005, some early reports complained of slow service, but one hopes the staff would improve with practice. Otherwise, the friendly cafe is ideal for solo diners, who can play computer games or watch the running video footage, as well as for groups, who can take advantage of two-for-one happy hour specials ( - Mon-Fri). Live music on weekends (Thu-Sat) guarantees Parizhsk will be a popular nightspot too.
-
Advertisement
-
Pavilion
With a prime location overlooking Patriarch's Pond, this new place promises to be prominent on Moscow's thriving cafe scene. While the pavilion dates from the 19th century, the interior is chic and contemporary.
-
Peking Duck
The decor is simple, modern, even nondescript. That's because the focus is on the food. The namesake house special is served the traditional way - with paper-thin pancakes, scallions and plum sauce. It is a delectable experience. Alternatively, a wide selection of vegetarian and other mains is available.
-
Pelmeshka
A post-Soviet stolovaya (cafeteria), serving many different kinds of pelmeni, the most filling of Russian favourites. This place is packed at lunchtime, a sign that it is tasty as well as cheap.
-
Pinocchio in Barrikadnaya
This classy trattoria evokes 1930s Italy, with its black and white tile floors, comfy leather armchairs and sky-high ceilings. Music from the era imbues the neoclassical dining room, creating a luxury setting to sip wine and feast on pasta and grills.
-
Pinocchio in Tverskoy District
This little pizza cafe evokes the hospitality and conviviality of the Mediterranean, complete with free-flowing wine and crispy pies topped with fresh ingredients. One of the highlights of this spot is the konditerskaya , or dessert bar, with an irresistible selection of sweets and pastries. The pizzeria is a small version of the larger (and pricier) restaurant on Kutuzovsky prospect.
-
Pirogi
This low-key, bohemian place, serves coffee, beers and even books, which you can buy, or just peruse while you have a drink. The air is smoky and service is slow, which somehow adds to the intellectual appeal.
-
Prime in Arbat District
The original Moscow sandwich shop, also a none-too-subtle rip off of Prét á Manger, has two main locations both near major tourist sights, making them perfect for a takeaway sandwich.
-
Prime in Teatralnaya
The original Moscow sandwich shop, also a none-too-subtle rip off of Prét á Manger, has two main locations both near major tourist sights, making them perfect for a takeaway sandwich.
-
Prisoner Of The Caucasus
Moscow's favourite Georgian restaurant is this joint, named for a popular Soviet film. Feast on lavash straight from the oven, cheeses from the restaurant's own dairy, and shashlyk from every animal. Come with a group and enjoy the classically cheesy Georgian music.
-
Pyat Zvyozd
Globalisation is complete! In a city where it was once said you could buy Prada or a Picasso but couldn't get a decent sandwich to go, here's the Russian franchise version of the UK sandwich chain Prét á Manger. Here you'll find a frighteningly similar setup, with a range of sandwiches, wraps and sushi perfect for eating on the run between sights.
-
Advertisement
-
Red Bar
On the 27th floor of a skyscraper overlooking the Moscow River, Red features funky decor and a fabulous view. The name refers to its colour, not its politics: the whole place is draped in swanky red, except the glistening white piano. The menu is mostly small plates - overpriced, but tasty. The real draw is the floor-to-ceiling windows and their vantage point of the city skyline. Come for a sundown drink before heading out to paint the rest of the town red.
-
Saffron
Where ethnic restaurants in Moscow tend to be overdone, Saffron is understated and sophisticated. Strewn with colourful pillows, it is otherwise simply decorated. Arabic music wafts through the air, but does not obstruct conversation. The menu includes a wide range of hot and cold mezze (small plates), as well as a selection of kebabs, all expertly prepared and perfect for sharing.
-
Scandinavia
There is no better place to indulge in Shvedsky stol , or `Swedish table', than a place called Scandinavia. The cold cut buffet, however, is just the tip of the iceberg at this expat favourite. A delightful summer cafe features sandwiches, salads and treats from the grill. Inside, the dining room offers a sophisticated menu of modern European delights.
-
Shesh-Besh in Smolenskaya
Following the newest trend in restaurants - rhyming names - Shesh-Besh is a chain offering hearty Azeri fare. The thick soup is easily a meal in itself, as is the extensive salad bar. The place is not overly atmospheric - this the TGI Friday's of Azeri cuisine - but the food is still spicy and prices are affordable. Caution: don't confuse Shesh-Besh with nearby Kishmish, which is Uzbek.
