Western and Eastern cultures are well mixed and represented throughout Moscow. The majority of the former Soviet Republics offer unique restaurants where American tourists have the opportunity to enjoy some unforgettable dinning experiences and learn about the culture. And if you, for any reason, want "to feel at home," there are plenty of American restaurants located in the center of Moscow. I hope, however you will not feel the need. Like most international destinations, Moscow's restaurants don't have a non-smoking section. I still encourage you to be adventurous by going to the city full of history, culture, and the most delectable cuisine!
SHESH-BESH Smolenskaya ploshad, 6A, Metro Smolenskaya (095) 241-6542 First, buy some souvenirs, like famous matreshkas, on the historical Arbat Street (think of the 3rd street Promenade in Santa Monica), where renowned writers, poets, painters, and musicians lived, presently live, and perform nowadays as well. Then, go to this exotic restaurant with spiced up dishes from Azerbaijan, which is one of the fifteen former Soviet Republics. As you walk in, an exotic hostess in traditional dress leads you to your table where you can start relaxing with a cup of tea, served in a traditional ceramic teapot. For the gamblers or anyone else who like a challenge, Shesh-Besh (six-five) offers a little game: roll the dice and if a six and a five come up, one liter of wine will be given to you free of charge. Have fun and good luck! A choice of either a buffet or menu is offered, with many assorted kebabs that are freshly cooked over charcoal. Vegetarians will be happy as well. The service is pleasant with quiet music playing the background.
WHITE SWAN Chistoprudny Boulevard, 12/1, Metro Chistie prudi (095) 928-6000 "White Swan - is a small piece of Venice, on Chistich prudi," which simply means, pure pond. Choose a table by the window to enjoy a fabulous view of the pond, while experiencing outstanding European cuisine. This elegant place has its own little bakery and a special dessert menu will be offered at the end of your meal. A must try: their reliably fresh oysters and even more so were two desserts: fresh strawberry gratinee with vanilla ice cream and grand marnier sauce, and heavenly forest berries, gratinated with white wine Sabayon and a scoop of ice cream. Both are absolutely delightful!!!!! I heard the apricot strudel is exceptional, but I had no room left. If you are planning a social event, or just to dine there - call in advance and any desirable dish will be prepared for you (love that). Definitely worth indulging yourself!
PIZZA AMORE Lihov pereulok, 7, near Sadovaya-Karetnaya Street (095) 299-3534 or (095) 299-7889 After doing a little shopping, find this secluded, home cooked Italian Pizzeria where you can enjoy nearly 20 varieties of pizza. It's like being in an Italian countryside tratoria, with its cozy ambiance, personable hostess and waitresses. Their champignon soup is truly luscious, and tasty salads with their special dressings will not leave you disappointed. And what an incredible variety of beer they have! Mama Mia! Prices are very reasonable and portions are generous. The place is open every day till 11p.m. Credit cards are not accepted.
TARAS BULBA Petrovka Street, 30/7, Metro Chehovskaya (095) 200-6082 This unique "Korchma" (a pub or tratoria) offers the finest long-established Ukrainian dishes. To start with, you have a choice of hot or refreshingly cold red meat borscht or green spinach borscht with chicken, followed by fresh lobster and a bottle of beer: it's very traditional in Russia and the Ukraine, or try the incredibly tasty duck stuffed with apples. My favorite was vareniki, a traditional delight with meat wrapped up in a thin dough (think of piroshki). You can also enjoy vareniki as a dessert, with forest berries inside and if you like, ask for some sour cream with it. Yum! Gain a little bit of weight; it's absolutely worth it. Don't forget to have good long drink of cranberry mors, (juice), which is homemade and always chilled. You'll have fun and would want to go back for MORE. Service is prompt and exceptionally personable.
BAR O SUSHI Krasnopresnenskaya nabereznaya (bridge Bagration), Metro Kutuzovskaya (095) 255-8101 Yes, Moscow has a few Japanese restaurants, including this cozy one, with a fabulous view of the Moscow River and the city itself. Sea delicatessen is flown directly from the Pacific Ocean, and they are absolutely superb, cooked or raw. The chef understands Japanese culture, cuisine, and nows how to please his clients, local and foreign. And if you happen to be in Moscow in the winter, a hot Sake or two will warm you up. Beyond doubt, you will find this place inviting, along with pleasant service. Bar O Sushi is open noon till midnight. Visit the shopping mall on the bridge "Bagration" that stays open till 7 p.m, and have a thick wallet with you!
YOLKI-PALKI Tverskaya Street, 18A, Metro Tverskaya (095) 200-3920 A silly-named restaurant, located in the heart of Moscow, quickly became very popular amongst locals. Yolki-Palki is slang for something is just not right. (Nowadays people don't' use it as much). This busy place with a terrace offers a buffet with made to order dishes and the most flavorsome meal will be cooked in front of you with the flair of a Benihana chef. Their Mongolian specialty, Temircan Plate, is scrumptious. The variety of meats is impressive and always very fresh: horse flesh, pork, beef, chicken, liver, and lamb. The chef doesn't recommend mixing meats, so take his advice. Be sure to take a look at the exotic decor and the cashiers, in traditional Mongolian costumes. This very reasonably priced restaurant is open till 5a.m., and credit cards are not accepted.
PUSHKIN Tverskoy Bouleard, 26A, Metro Tverskaya (095) 229-5590 Do you wish to attend the ball-dinner of Pushkin at a Renaissance-architecture home? You are invited to this classy and elegant restaurant with a chance to feel the history. Come dressy and prepare to spend more than you expected, but you won't have any regrets. This exclusive, authentic Russian cuisine place, receives frequent visits from the artistic elite. Succulent and prepared to your taste, any meat dish is to live for (not to die for)! Indulge yourself with their fish dishes, including baked or fried sturgeon, salmon, or paltus, with different selection of garnish. Maybe all of the above! The variety of vodka is unbelievable; it's Russia, after all. Yes, leave some room for dessert, à la Pushkin. To build up your desire and appetite, take a trip to Moscow, I'll keep the description of it a secret. For now, just use your imagination. Reservations preferred.
SAMOVAR Myasniskaya Street, 13, Metro Turgenevskaya (095) 921-4688 How about some old, mixed with traditional recipes of Russian cuisine? Samovar is a welcoming and charming place where you get the best meal for your money. You must try their blinis with red or black caviar, different varieties of marinated mushrooms and Russian style coleslaw. All of their appetizing dishes have been carefully chosen and prepared from the old cookbooks. A cup of strong Russian tea after your meal (perhaps with a dessert), will keep you going for the rest of the day, perhaps even the night. I encourage you to get acquainted with this eatery.
MAMA ZOYA Frunzenskaya nabereznaya, 16D, Metro Park Kulturi (095) 242-8550 Georgia, sweet Georgia, but in this case, it is Russian Georgia that is just as sweet, but offers cuisine perfumed with spices and herbs. Mama Zoya knows what satisfies the locals and tourists sitting in the ship-like shaped café, overlooking the Moscow River. Most likely, it will be one of her specialties, soup harcho, with meat-base bullion, tomato juice, and loads of exotic herbs and spices. The fried sturgeon is moist and cooked to perfection, like all the fish dishes on the menu. While you are enjoying the meal, musicians in traditional costumes are filling the air with delightful Georgian melodies. Vegetarians will be very happy to find a nice selection of grilled or fresh veggies, salads, and, mizoni, a dish with herbs topped with yogurt. Try their traditional homemade hachapuri, a delicious cheese bread. Please, don't forget to order some of the world-renowned wines with your meal. They are GARNET in color and VELVETY smooth!
TZARSKAYA TRAPEZA Teatralnaya ploshad, 5/1 Metro Teatralnaya (095) 298-1327 Upon arriving in Tzarskaya Trapeza, which is near the legendary Red Square, the spirit of the ancient Russia salutes you. The restaurant is built into the Kremlin walls and once inside, you begin to see and feel the ambiance. First you notice little windows with old frames inside the walls with the oil lamps on the sides, transforming you into the period era. The feeling becomes more overwhelming when you're invited at the well-built table surrounded by heavy chairs of the finest wood. Take a seat and slowly penetrate into that time, then open the menu. Igor Kvardonov, the master of the house, suggests starting with the famous fish soup, uha tzarskaya, followed by sensational zhar-ptiza (pheasant) under mouth-watering cherry sauce or incredibly tender pork stuffed with mushrooms, walnuts, and fresh cranberries. Even though the menu is a bit pricey, go for the unforgettable experience of the real Russian meal.
In addition to Russian and former Soviet Republic cuisines, there are Western European and Asian restaurants open throughout Moscow. Many casinos, clubs with live music, hip bars, and trendy nightclubs will not let you sleep till dawn. I really hope one day you take a trip to Russia, starting with Moscow, and discover it for yourself. And if you are never tasted Russian vodka, straight up, here is your chance! Take advantage of being in Moscow! Remember, we are in the 21st century and you haven't seen and experience everything yet, have you?
The Top List of Great Restaurants - Moscow, Russia