Restaurants in Russia
-
A
Shinok
In case you didn’t think Moscow’s themed dining was over the top, this restaurant has re-created a Ukrainian peasant farm in central Moscow. Servers wear colourfully embroidered shirts and speak with Ukrainian accents (probably lost on most tourists). The house speciality is vareniki (the Ukrainian version of pelmeni ). As you dine, you can look out the window at a cheerful babushka while she tends the farmyard animals (very well taken care of, we’re assured).
reviewed
-
B
Turandot
If you wanted to go to Disney World, but somehow ended up in Moscow, Turandot should be at the top of your dining wish list. Completely costumed in wigs and gowns, musicians play chamber music and servers scuttle to and fro. The decor is unbelievably extravagant, with hand-painted furniture, gilded light fixtures and frescoed cupola ceiling. It is certainly every bit as elaborate as Cinderella’s castle. Turandot is named for a Puccini opera set in old Peking, which is as good a reason as any to serve Chinese and Japanese food in this baroque interior.
reviewed
-
C
TsDL (Central House of Writers)
The acronym stands for Tsentralny Dom Literatov, or Central House of Writers, which is the historic building housing this fancy restaurant. A glittery chandelier above, plush carpets under foot and rich oak panelling all around create a sumptuous setting for an old-fashioned Russian feast.
reviewed
-
Five O’Clock
Vladivostok, take note of this novel idea – coffee, brownies, cakes and quiche (R50), all made daily and sold for less than an espresso at most ‘cafes’. Lots of midday snackers come in, perhaps to see the Queen plate behind the register.
reviewed
-
D
NEP
Waitresses clad in Red Army khaki, a decor of Soviet regalia and a menu of fun-poking takes on proletariat fare make this communist theme restaurant an amusing if pricey choice. Some English spoken.
reviewed
-
E
Zoom Café
Popular boho/student hangout with regularly changing art exhibitions. Serves unfussy tasty European and Russian food; has wi-fi access, a very relaxed ambience and a no-smoking zone.
reviewed
-
F
Aquarel
Aquarel combines a wonderful setting with fantastic fusion cuisine. Indeed, this is the place that pioneered fusion cuisine in the city, and the kitchen continues to artfully combine Russian, Mediterranean and Asian elements into some uniquely delicious dishes. This food fest takes place on a slickly decked-out boat, moored on the Neva River, offering amazing views of the façade of the Hermitage and the lights of Birzhevoy most. Unfortunately, service can be snooty and – even worse – slow, which is unacceptable for an otherwise high-class (and high-price) joint. There is a cheaper café on the top floor serving pasta and pizza and other simple fare.
reviewed
-
G
Pravda
There is nothing new about a retro Soviet-themed restaurant, but somehow it never grows tired: the propaganda posters, the portraits of Lenin, the Internationale. This so-called ‘art café’ actually promises ‘communist lunches’, which is rarely the object of such nostalgia. But the place is fun, as is the menu of old-fashioned Soviet favourites (and its prices really do hark back to the Soviet period!).
reviewed
-
H
Scandinavia
In most parts of the world, Swedish cuisine is not really celebrated; in Moscow, it is. Much beloved of Moscow expats, Scandinavia offers an enticing interpretation of what happens ‘when Sweden meets Russia’. A delightful summer café features sandwiches, salads and treats from the grill (including the best burgers in Moscow, by some accounts). Inside, the dining room offers a sophisticated menu of modern European delights.
reviewed
-
Vostorg
Perched above a supermarket of the same name, Kyzyl’s best cheap eat is a plasticky no-frills self-service cafeteria where cash-strapped students and office workers fill up for a few roubles on generous platefuls of pelmeni, bliny, meatballs, plov, pork roast and Ukrainian holubtsi (cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and meat). Fresh doughnuts and pastries make this a perfect budget breakfast spot.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
I
Beige Cafe
Beige might sound boring, but subtle lines and soft colours render this romantic cafe anything but. The setting is so sensual due in part to the circular room, arched doorways and rounded ceilings. The lack of sharp angles is cosy and comfortable, but still sophisticated. Dine on grilled fish and steaks, pasta, soup and salad, with an emphasis on fresh vegetables - this place is a great find for the health conscious.
reviewed
-
J
Kavkaz
Another long-standing favourite, Kavkaz means ‘Caucasus’ and features excellent Georgian fare. It’s a casual affair: the basement digs are not so impressive to look at, but the portions are generous and the food – served on large wooden platters – is consistently delectable. This is the place to experience the legendary Georgian hospitality (and shashlyk and wine etc).
reviewed
-
K
Shafran
While ethnic restaurants in Moscow tend to be overdone, Shafran 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 meze (small plates), as well as a selection of kebabs, all expertly prepared and perfect for sharing.
reviewed
-
L
Loft Café
On the top floor of the Nautilus shopping centre, next door to the luxury spa, you’ll find this tiny, trendy café. An even smaller terrace gives a fantastic view of Lubyanka pl. Innovative, modern dishes fuse the best of Russian cuisine with Western and Asian influences – for example, grilled salmon with spinach, pine nuts and caviar sauce.
reviewed
-
M
Starlite Diner
Outdoor seating and classic diner decor make this a long-time favourite of Moscow expats. The extensive breakfast menu includes all kinds of omelettes, French toast and freshly squeezed juice. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with burgers and milkshakes, any time of day or night. A second, less atmospheric outlet is in Zamoskvorechie.
reviewed
-
N
Baguetteria
Fast food. Fresh food. Cheap food. What more do you need to know? This is one of the few places in Moscow where somebody will make you a sandwich. Not an open-face buterbrod but a real sandwich on a fresh-baked baguette. The interior has all the charm of your local McD’s so you may want to order your sandwich to go and sit on the Arbat.
reviewed
-
O
Mauro Gianvanni
This slick little brick-oven pizzeria – run by an Italian – pumps VH1 videos in the modern interior, though most sit out on the deck when weather behaves. The dozen-plus pizzas are crispy and tasty (R240 to R310), probably the best pie east of the Urals. There’s also a selection of pastas and ‘Italian burgers’.
reviewed
-
P
Kipyatok
This funky restaurant recreates the golden age of the Russian culinary arts – the early 20th century – when chefs put innovation ahead of ethnic tradition. Inventive dishes such as chicken fillet stuffed with pumpkin and pickles, or pork with cedar nuts and lemon skins are complemented by home-made kvas and mors.
reviewed
-
Q
Courvoisier Cafe
This informal, French-themed café is furnished with picnic tables and park benches, evoking an idyllic outdoor setting. (There is outdoor seating too but, fronting the Garden Ring, it is not so peaceful.) Serving breakfast, soups, pasta and grills, it’s a popular spot for happy hour (4pm to 7pm), lunch or a late-night snack.
reviewed
-
R
Glavpivtorg
At the ‘central beer restaurant No 5’ every effort is made to re-create an upscale apparatchik drinking and dining experience. The Soviet fare is authentic, as is the russky crooner music (maybe too authentic for some tastes). But the three varieties of beer brewed on site are decidedly New Russia.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
S
Pancho Villa
Near Oktyabrskaya pl, this is still Moscow’s top choice for ‘Meksikansky’ food. If the fajitas and margaritas aren’t enough of a draw, come for breakfast burritos, happy-hour specials (before 7pm Monday to Thursday) or live Latin music nightly (from 9pm).
reviewed
-
T
Moo-Moo
You will recognise Moo-Moo by its black-and-white Holstein-print decor. The cafeteria-style service offers an easy approach to all the Russian favourites. You’ll also find outlets in Khamovniki and Arbat.
reviewed
-
U
Lya Rus
Another kitschy Russian country house, this is a sweet place to sample hearty peasant soups and sip vodka while you watch traditional Russian song and dance. Typical for this type of place, the décor is folksy and the food is filling.
reviewed
-
V
Zhili Bili
Prices are relatively reasonable in the very central, Disney-esque 'Siberian village' Zhili Bili, with English menus, a salad bar and great stuffed bliny. It's above fast-food eatery GrillMaster; go upstairs through a central wooden door.
reviewed
-
W
Taras Bulba in Zamoskvorechie
Servers dress up in traditional embroidered outfits and Ukrainian tapestries and wood floors provide a homey atmosphere. There's no salad bar, but specialties like pork stuffed with vegetables and spicy smoked beef are tender and tasty.
reviewed