Western European Russia
This nostalgic cafe recalls the days of the USSR, not with kitsch propaganda posters, but with cosy nooks, antiques, black-and-white TVs flickering on the…
Must-see restaurants in Western European Russia
Veliky Novgorod
Attached to the Alkon Distillery, Zavod is a chic and cosy restaurant with exposed brick, an open fire and great food. Go for the homemade pelmeni filled…
Western European Russia
Housed in a historic building, and done up like a wealthy merchant's home, Garmoshka is the fanciest night out in town. The atmospheric tone is…
Western European Russia
Although no longer in its riverside location, Pozharka still draws the crowds for its carnivore-pleasing menu that stars grilled meat and various treats…
Western European Russia
Sitting pretty in an exquisitely restored mansion near the entrance to Central Park, this merry brasserie should not be missed by anyone with taste buds…
Western European Russia
Sitting on the riverside, plush upmarket Rusakov does classic Russian cuisine with a side of up-close kremlin and Trinity Cathedral views. Sink into comfy…
Western European Russia
Mamonts is an elegantly hip spot where Tver's cool kids come to dine and sip cocktails before hitting the adjoining dance floor to DJs spinning tunes. The…
Western European Russia
You won't want to leave this charming, snug little den, done up like a babushka's house with old-style wallpaper, stuffed animals, figurine lamps and…
Veliky Novgorod
Enjoy expertly prepared Russian dishes in this 19th-century former merchant's home, with a choice between a simple cafe out the back or a fancier…
Veliky Novgorod
Nudging the kremlin complex, this cavernous place evokes ye olde Novgorod, with faux frescoes on the ceiling and artefacts on the walls. The menu is heavy…
Western European Russia
The perfect lunch or dinner break after exploring the kremlin, this tavern is a comfy spot to feast on traditional Georgian cuisine – especially the…
Veliky Novgorod
While the idea of an old merchant's ship turned restaurant on the river might seem a little kitsch, Na Korme offers great views of the kremlin dished up…
Veliky Novgorod
Japanese, Uzbek and Russian cuisine, together at last! If miso soup, chicken pilaf and Russian salad combos float your boat, this place – with a decor…
Western European Russia
This woodsy little den comes across all hunters' lodge, with onion-bunch decor and stuffed talking points hanging on the walls. It's a popular hang out,…
Western European Russia
Step into a 19th-century-style parlour at this sweet restaurant with its entrance on Studenchesky per. Dig into traditional favourites such as borsch,…
Western European Russia
With its exposed light bulbs, bright industrial decor and warehouse feel, Kakhovka could fit in comfortably somewhere in Brooklyn. Chargrilled meats…
Western European Russia
Grafin bills itself as a steakhouse, and while it does a mean mignon (R1300), there's plenty more than beef on the menu. Classics such as pork, lamb and…
Western European Russia
This medieval-themed basement restaurant stays on the right side of kitsch with huge wooden chairs, exposed brick, lamp lighting and wrought-iron light…
Western European Russia
This chic wine bar and restaurant is located in a crumbling historic building. Big windows, high ceilings and an open kitchen set the mood for eyeballing…
Western European Russia
In the basement of a residential building is this bright, sophisticated spot with exposed brick, Persian rugs and warm lighting. The menu features Middle…
Western European Russia
Part of the Dvor Podznoeva complex, this top-of-the-line restaurant occupies a re-created colourful interior of a 17th-century merchant's home. It serves…
Western European Russia
Hidden away in a quiet courtyard with an outdoor terrace, La Provincia is a cosy restaurant with comfy armchairs and lace-covered lamps. The menu offers…
Western European Russia
This popular hang-out draws the crowds for all the right reasons: a lovely summer terrace with brilliant river views, a warm and woodsy interior and a…
Western European Russia
Saint Jacques adds some ooh la la to the Smolensk dining scene. The St Petersburg chef doffs his beret ever so slightly to France with upmarket…
Western European Russia
Just steps from the kremlin walls and fortress entrance is this sweet little cafe boasting ‘Izborskian’ bliny. There's also light meals such as pelmeni…
Western European Russia
Lira is set in a lovely riverside park right by the Pushkin Museum, with white garden furniture scattered around in front. Light meals and snacks are on…
Western European Russia
The Jem is a snuggly dark-wood cafe near the city centre with a summer terrace and lamp-lit interior. There's nothing unexpected on the menu (bliny, pasta…
Western European Russia
Set in the old castle walls, this charming restaurant has plenty of character, with stained-glass windows, a tiny fireplace, exposed-brick walls and…
Western European Russia
Perfect for a lunch break along ul Lenina, Samovar is an appealing self-serve restaurant specialising in traditional savoury and sweet pies. Sit up front…
Western European Russia
Housed in an old brick water tower, this charming modern cafe offers simple, classic meals, such as pelmeni (Russian-style ravioli typically stuffed with…
Western European Russia
Excellent thin-crust pizzas, topped waffles and filling sandwiches are just the start of the great things about this whimsical cafe. Vegetarians will find…
Western European Russia
Tolstoy tripping can be hungry work: stop in at this simple cafe across from the estate entrance, where house specialities are prepared according to…
Western European Russia
This place looks like a cross between St Basil’s Cathedral and McDonald’s inside. It's fast food, but the quality is surprisingly high, which may explain…
Veliky Novgorod
A cosy and rustic Italian restaurant, Napoli bakes its pizzas in a brick oven and serves tasty delicacies such as veal osso bucco and a risotto with…
Western European Russia
Attached to the Onix Hotel is this modern restaurant with tiled floors and an outdoor terrace serving traditional Russian cuisine.
Veliky Novgorod
A Novgorodian institution, this Soviet throwback is no retro homage – this is the real deal, with a communal coffee tank (for the sweet-toothed only),…
Western European Russia
This waterfront restaurant – complete with portholes – specialises in creative fish dishes, as well as some meat and vegetarian options, and views of…
Western European Russia
Head upstairs, away from the street bustle, to this pleasant cafe with a European feel. Grab a slice of artfully designed cake and a coffee or cocktail…
Western European Russia
With a menu catering to all tastes and a central-square location, Bashnya is a good choice for lunch and coffee while sightseeing in Staraya Russa. Choose…
Western European Russia
Kitsch! Glorious kitsch! Even if peasant-on-acid decor isn't your thing, you'll still enjoy the fast-food offerings from this chain. The front and side…
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