Welcome to the ultimate dinning experience

Russia goes far beyond its enigmatic past and historic fingerprints to come out reinvented. We arrive to this northernmost megacity to discover that far from depicting the Kremlin or the Novodevichy Convent, Moscow beholds gems in the gourmet stratosphere which dispose to leave an impression with their distinct pallets, textures, colors and smells. 

Once again the Russian capital does not disappoint and this time, we allow for it to sink in. Permitting our selves to absorb this new challenge, one that is only for the bold. Accompany us as we see that the dining scene is Moscow is varied and exciting. With many of the top restaurants also doubling as bars and clubs, the atmosphere is nearly always one step away from a party, and many of the city’s elite come dressed to impress.

 

Pushkin Café

Designed to recreate the feel of a 19th century aristocrat’s house, the restaurant has become one of the most popular in Moscow, thanks to the quality of its food, the impeccable service and excellent vodka selection. The atmosphere of pre-Revolution Russia is delightfully charming, from the flowery script of the menu to aristocratic country house décor. Pushkin is the ideal destination if you want to be treated like Russian nobility and dine like a Tsar – but book ahead, the restaurant’s popularity requires reservation well in advance. 

Info: Pushkin Cafe,  26A Tverskoy Bulevar  Tel.  +7 495 739 0033 

 

 

 

 

BUONO

When the Ginza Project, a company that owns some of the finest restaurants in Moscow, announced that they would be opening a restaurant on the 29th floor of Radisson Royal Hotel, the social elite of the city began to collectively lick their lips.

The company has a reputation for the high quality of its restaurants that grace the streets of the capital, and Buono is no exception. The views from Buono are unashamedly spectacular, while the décor is elegant, with soft creams complementing the fine views on offer. The food is classical Italian; Chef William Lamberti is well known throughout Europe and has created an excellent menu. It’s always best to book ahead at Buono, as the window seats that offer, has the finest views over the city are quickly taken.

Info: BUONO, Radisson Royal Hotel, 2/1, Edificio 1, Kutuzovsky Prospect, Moscú 121248 - Tel. +7 495 221 5555

 

 

 

Piccolino

Italian for ‘small’, Piccolino is a cozy, homely restaurant – something of a rarity in Moscow.

Serving typical Italian food, the family friendly establishment is laid back, but this doesn’t compromise the quality of the food: good, hearty portions that are exceptionally tasty. The interior of Piccolino has been designed to replicate that of a large country house, and the décor is entirely fitting with the atmosphere of the restaurant. In a city where many of the establishments value the names of their guests over the quality of their dishes, Piccolino is the place to come if your preference is quality of food rather than famous faces.

Info: Piccolino, Pereulok 1 y Kolobovskiy 11,  Moscú 127051 Tel. +7 495 799 8292

 

 

 

BON

Dubbed a ‘dark shrine to the Moscow excesses when it first opened, Bon is now one of the most unusual restaurants in Moscow.

The creation of renowned designer Philippe Starck, Bon’s interior is an eclectic mix of black walls, dripping candles and Kalashnikov rifles posing as lampshades. Food critics have labeled the décor anything from Gothic to gangster, and despite several ownership changes the social cream of Moscow have continued to flock to the place. The food is of a high standard and a broad mix of European cuisine, while the atmosphere has a definite restaurant-club vibe.

Info: Bon, Yakimanskaya Nab. 4, BLD1, Moscú 119180, Tel. +7 925 589 8121

 

 

Gallery Café

One of the best-loved restaurants in Moscow, the Gallery Cafe has been a bastion of the city’s cultural life for the last seven years. The restaurant plays host to contemporary art exhibitions, concerts, performances and glamorous parties. In addition to an array of excellent global cuisine by Chef Sergey Markin, it’s easy to see why the venue has garnered such a grand reputation among Moscow society. The interior is chic, stylish and sophisticated and in the evenings when the lights are down, the venue provides the perfect romantic setting. Ideal for intimate functions, the lounge zone can be hired for private dining or cocktail parties on request.

Info: Gallery Café , 27 Ulitsa Petrovka, Moscú 127031, Tel. +7 495 937 4504 

 

 

Central House of Writers

The Central House of Writers, or Tsentralny Dom Literatov (TsDL), is a Moscow institution, as well as a fantastic restaurant. Situated on Povarskaya, a popular residential street for nobility and aristocrats, the building was originally owned by Count Olsufyev, a general to the Tsar and member of the Freemasons.  This beautiful Russian mansion was built in the Art Nouveau era. It has seen many uses: a secret meeting-place of the Moscow Chapter, and after the Revolution a shelter for the homeless and then an orphanage.

In 1932 it was handed to the Union of Soviet Writers and has seen the creation of many Soviet masterpieces. The main dining area, the Oak Hall, has been restored to exactly how it was in 1910 - the elegantly carved wood panelling, crystal chandeliers and fireplaces make this one of the grandest dining rooms in Moscow. There are also other dining areas: an Italian-themed restaurant and terrace, a VIP room and a cigar room. 

The menu offers all the typical Russian classics, while an Italian chef prepares some Mediterranean favorites. Both are outstanding.

Info: The Central House of Writers, Povarskaya ul. 50, Arbatskaya, Tel. +7 495 691 1515 / +7 495 651 8191

 

 

 

02 Lounge

One of the best places to see and be seen, the O2 Lounge is half stylish Japanese restaurant and half trendy pre-club hangout.

The food on offer is delicious Japanese fare, with sumptuous sushi prepared in front of diners by the team of talented chefs led by Nicholas Courtois. Located on the 12th floor of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, the restaurant has spectacular panoramic views over Red Square and The Kremlin. After dark the restaurant becomes one of the coolest bars in town, where the city’s finest head to mingle with celebrities.

Info: Gallery Café , 27 Ulitsa Petrovka, Moscú 127031, Tel. +7 495 937 4504 

 

 

 

VARVARY

Varvary is simply unique: Head Chef Anatoly Komm has created a menu based on the concept of molecular gastronomy – so the food is never quite what it seems.

 

Varvary offers a nine-course tasting menu combining traditional dishes and contemporary techniques with spectacular results. The interior of the restaurant is suitably impressive: a dark red and black palette mixed with extravagant silver cutlery. For a dining experience that delights as much as it baffles, head to Varvary; if you’re a little worried, you shouldn’t be, the restaurant is been listed as one of San Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2011.

Info: Gallery Café , 27 Ulitsa Petrovka, Moscú 127031, Tel. +7 495 937 4504 

 

 

 

Bed Café

Despite what the name might suggest, Bed Café is a laid-back but deliciously stylish restaurant in central Moscow.

Don’t be fooled by the exterior - when you enter the shopping mall keep going straight through the curtains at the far end on the right, and you’ll find yourself in Bed -  a heavenly white interior with comfy high-backed sofas and armchairs with plenty of pillows, and black-and-white portrait photographs of the staff (taken by the owner Alex) adorning the wall. 

This intimate and romantic boudoir uses extremely inventive methods to combine an eclectic mix of ingredients, making unusual dishes out of simple soups and pastas. 

Even the home-made bread is exotic - flavours such as Gorgonzola and walnut are suitably complemented by the large selection of home-made ice creams. With Buddha Bar style music and a glass or two of something chosen from the extensive wine list, you’ll be off into a happy place that only Bed can provide. Sweet dreams!

Info: Bed Café , Presnensky Val 6 , Edif. 2 , 1905 Goda, Tel. +7 499 253 9454

 

 

 

Russian Vodka Room No° 1

Boasting a selection of 213 different types of Vodka, an exclusive salon for 14 people, and named after on the finest Russian culinary restaurants, it is an unforgettable experience for the palate on any and all occasions.

Inside the premises, one finds that the Vodka museum recreates the atmosphere of a 15th century monastery, where the monks produced their own liquor.

The smoking room is perfect to top off ones evening, as it is opened only at night, past 9 o’clock. 

Numerous events can be organized inside the restaurant, guaranteed by the hostess, who will go to great lengths to provide complete satisfaction to guests.

Info: Russian Vodka Room No° 1 , 4, Konnogvardeyiski boulevard, Saint-Petersburg, 196128  Tel: +7 (812) 570-64-20,

 

 

 

 

Text: María A. Bassaure ± Photo: hlp/ inys/ the skinn/ GUYSSQUARED/ HLA/ in y/ pct/ FTO/ rts guide/ restilo/ moscow voyage