Restaurants in Western European Russia
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Restaurant Rus
This restaurant, located atop the walls of the kremlin, is a throwback to medieval times. The cool stone interior is decorated with battle gear and the views of the Velikaya are taken through the crossbow slits in the walls. Dishes are unspectacular but fresh: marinated mushrooms and potatoes; crab and tomato salad; and salmon with tomatoes and mushrooms. English menu.
reviewed
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Dieteticheskoe Café
This cosy cafeé and restaurant makes a lovely spot for a light meal or a drink in the evenings. Dishes include spaghetti, small sandwiches, goulash and zhorenaya riba (smoked fish). As is usual in Russian restaurants, the portions are small, but they are cheap enough so that you can order a few courses without having to run to the ATM.
reviewed
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Karl Freidrich
With its faux-fireplace and beer hall atmosphere, this place aims to recreate a little slice of Bavaria. The kitchen serves all kinds of calorie-laden dishes, including pork ribs (R190), pelmeni (R120) and cheese-stuffed veal (R320). Be aware that the prices on the English menu are lower than the Russian one (until you get the bill).
reviewed
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Kafe Frigate
Overlooking the Velikaya River, Kafe Frigate specialises in seafood and the usual Russian favourites (bliny, borsch, chicken Kiev). The almost elegant, red-hued dining room is strung with rigging ropes and other nautical devices, although the real kitsch arrives in the evening when the ballad-singing band takes the stage.
reviewed
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Bavaria
Although the ambience is lacking, Bavaria's eclectic menu (English available) and friendly service make it a good find. Dishes include perch in cabbage, stewed with beer; omelette with ham and mushrooms; and pork stuffed with plums, walnuts and cheese. The only drawback is Bavaria's location; it's about 200m south of pl Pobedy.
reviewed
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D
Farfalle
A few blocks south of the Glinka Garden, this Italian restaurant strives to play the part, with a painting of Venice along one wall and the occasional aria playing overhead. Though far from authentic (no pasta on the menu!), the decent pizzas and salads provide a nice respite from eggs, mushrooms and bliny. Carlsberg on tap.
reviewed
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Flamingo
Battle axes, coats of arms, stone walls and the general feel of a medieval dungeon pervade this atmospheric restaurant. The European-inspired menu includes Nottingham stewed beef and Irish-style meat with mushrooms (the local interpretations of these dishes, anyway). Look for the small red door opposite the fire station.
reviewed
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Kafe V’Gorod N
The City N’ is a bright space with high ceilings, cosy nooks and friendly wait staff. Breakfast (served all day) includes pancakes, omelettes and tasty raisin porridge. Soups, salads and the usual range of meat and fish dishes are also available. Live music is played Monday through Friday. Free wi-fi is available.
reviewed
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E
Noev Kovcheg
This smoky, underground restaurant is worth going to on Friday through to Sunday when the chef serves khash, a hearty Armenian dish made of meat (from cow's feet), chilli peppers, garlic and vodka, and served with lavash. If shin meat doesn't entice, you can always opt for shashlyk or dolmas.
reviewed
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Stary Gorod
If the Brady Bunch were Russian, this is what their basement would look like. Lights fancifully strung along the walls of the various dining rooms don't improve the 1960s den interior, but the cheeseburgers, omelettes and buterbrod (open sandwiches) are passable. Enter through the courtyard.
reviewed
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Kafe Russkiy Chay
Set with long wooden tables and benches, this simple eatery remains a bastion of communal dining, its popularity persisting despite the basic, almost tasteless fare. Pelmeni (small dumplings usually filled with meat), bliny, soup and salads are among the options. Order at the counter.
reviewed
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H
Korvet
This pizzeria and café based in the 1901 Kurhaus is a lovely place for a meal. Lounge in comfy sofas, listening to chill-out music, with rugs to keep warm if it gets too chilly. On Friday and Saturday nights it morphs into party central with DJs keeping things going into the early hours.
reviewed
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French Café
Brightly lit and friendly, this café serves coffee, small salads, caviar, sandwiches and many opportunities to satisfy your sweet tooth. Some uniquely French dishes are available – frogs’ legs anyone? It’s in the same building as the Hotel Tsentralnaya.
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Gornitsa
Quiet and colourful place that has recreated a Russian peasant yard inside a Soviet-style hotel. Friendly waitresses in red-fringed dress serve hearty fare: beefsteaks, grilled chicken and baked fish, with salads and potato or egg side dishes to round out the meals.
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Smolenskaya Krepost
Set in the old castle walls, this charming restaurant has plenty of character – from the stained-glass windows to the tiny fireplace and exposed brick walls – with lovely views of the Dnepr. The menu features well-prepared traditional Russian dishes.
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K
Domino
Though the log-cabin interior borders on kitsch, the food at this popular restaurant is actually quite good. In addition to Russian faves, Domino serves pizzas and salads, and the small front patio that opens in summer is good for a drink. English menu available.
reviewed
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Tashir Pizza
Dramatic curtains adorn this casual pizzeria near the main post office. Slices of pizza are served with mayonnaise (instead of tomato sauce) and are sometimes undercooked. In spite of this, it's not a bad place for a bite. Second location on ul Lenina.
reviewed
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M
Vanil
The deep-red walls and wood furnishings of this charming café make a fine setting for conversation, cappuccino and, most importantly, Vanil's desserts. The apple strudel is served warm with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with pine nuts.
reviewed
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N
Chocolate Café
With dark wood walls, mirrors and brown leather seating, this place aims for a French bistro atmosphere with a menu that is anything but. Bliny, omelettes, porridge, sushi and pasta are a few of the eclectic range of items on offer.
reviewed
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Kafe Arsenal
The obvious attraction of this place is the location – right on top of the ancient city wall. The menu contains old Russian favourites like fried fish and pork, although most locals seem to come here for the beer.
reviewed
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Kafe Cherskaya
One of several restaurants along this stretch of Oktyabrsky, Cherskaya has a casual vibe and boasts a cocktail menu as extensive as the food list. Cabbage soup, schnitzel and all the Russian favourites are on hand.
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Zarya
Facing the Hotel Tsentralnaya, Zarya is an old favourite for its elegant dining room and decent Russian dishes. Shashlyk, steak, salads, pelmeni, open caviar sandwiches and soups round out the menu.
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Kafe Snezhinka
A rather minimalist affair, this music-filled café attracts Pskov's youth, who gather for coffee, beer and light Russian meals. Picture windows look out across Oktyabrsky pr onto Detsky Park.
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Kuksi
Russified oriental food is served in this contemporary-styled restaurant. Far from authentic, it’s made with fresh, tasty ingredients. They also have the local Reduit beers on tap.
reviewed
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Club Jaguar
Featuring an eclectic menu and friendly service, Club Jaguar is a fine place for a meal. In addition to a good three-course business lunch, you can order sushi, salads, seafood and bliny.
reviewed
