Moscow winters can be cold and harsh, but there’s no better way to escape the chill than by relaxing in one of the city’s cozy restaurants. Whether you’re looking for a warm, comforting meal or a place to enjoy a hot drink, Moscow offers an array of charming and inviting spots to make your winter dining experience special. Here’s a guide to the coziest winter restaurants in Moscow where you can escape the cold and enjoy delicious food in a warm atmosphere.
1. Café Pushkin
Why It’s Important
Café Pushkin is one of Moscow’s most iconic restaurants and a perfect spot for cozying up during the cold winter months. Its luxurious yet cozy atmosphere, along with its classic Russian menu, makes it a top choice for a winter escape.
What to Expect
- Warm, Inviting Atmosphere: The interior of Café Pushkin is designed to reflect Imperial Russian elegance, with rich wooden paneling, velvet curtains, and chandeliers that create a warm and inviting environment.
- Classic Russian Comfort Food: The menu features comforting Russian classics like borscht, pelmeni (dumplings), and blini (pancakes), making it the ideal place for a warm, hearty meal in winter.
- Hot Drinks and Cozy Vibes: Don’t miss out on their selection of Russian teas and hot cocktails to keep you warm, as well as traditional Russian pastries for dessert.
Why It’s Great
- Timeless Elegance: Café Pushkin offers a perfect combination of historical charm and cozy comfort, making it one of the most iconic spots in Moscow to escape the winter chill.
- Traditional Russian Cuisine: The comforting flavors of Russian dishes are ideal for warming up on a cold day, with high-quality ingredients and great attention to detail.
2. Varenichnaya №1
Why It’s Important
Varenichnaya №1 is a casual, warm and cozy restaurant that specializes in Russian dumplings (vareniki) and hearty, traditional Russian comfort food. It’s perfect for a winter meal with friends or family in a laid-back, welcoming environment.
What to Expect
- Traditional Dumplings: Varenichnaya №1 is known for its handmade dumplings, which come with a variety of fillings such as potatoes, meat, mushrooms, and sweet fillings like cherries and apples.
- Hearty Soups: The menu also features a selection of hearty soups like borscht, shchi (cabbage soup), and solyanka (Russian soup), perfect for warming you up on a chilly winter day.
- Cozy, Casual Interior: The interior is cozy, with rustic wooden tables, warm lighting, and a casual vibe that feels like home.
Why It’s Great
- Authentic and Comforting: If you’re craving traditional Russian comfort food, Varenichnaya №1 is a perfect choice for hearty, homemade meals served in a cozy environment.
- Affordable Winter Escape: With its reasonable prices, Varenichnaya №1 provides a great value for a delicious winter meal in a casual yet cozy setting.
3. Dr. Zhivago
Why It’s Important
Located in the heart of Moscow, Dr. Zhivago is a Soviet-era-themed restaurant that offers a cozy and nostalgic atmosphere, making it an ideal winter retreat. Known for its classic Russian dishes, it’s a great place to warm up and experience both the flavors and history of Russia.
What to Expect
- Soviet-Inspired Dishes: The menu at Dr. Zhivago features traditional Russian favorites such as borscht, pelmeni, beef stroganoff, and shchi, all served with a modern twist.
- Warm, Nostalgic Atmosphere: The decor is inspired by the Soviet era, with vintage elements and an inviting ambiance that makes it a great place to relax and escape the cold.
- Warm Drinks: The restaurant serves Russian tea, hot chocolate, and a variety of alcoholic beverages such as vodka cocktails and mulled wine, perfect for warming up.
Why It’s Great
- Charming Soviet-Age Vibe: The nostalgic atmosphere combined with hearty Russian dishes makes Dr. Zhivago an excellent choice for those looking to experience Russian comfort food in a cozy setting.
- Relaxing and Inviting: The warm décor and delicious comfort food create a relaxing environment where you can unwind and enjoy a comforting meal during Moscow’s cold winters.
4. Café Gorynych
Why It’s Important
Café Gorynych is a cozy restaurant known for its traditional Russian dishes and Caucasian influences. The restaurant offers an intimate setting, with an inviting atmosphere and hearty dishes perfect for winter dining.
What to Expect
- Traditional Russian and Caucasian Cuisine: Café Gorynych serves a mix of Russian and Caucasian dishes, including shashlik (grilled meat skewers), khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), and chakhokhbili (a flavorful chicken stew), making it an ideal spot for a warming winter meal.
- Warm, Inviting Atmosphere: The interior has a rustic, cozy feel with wooden accents and traditional Russian decor. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day in the cold.
- Comforting Soups and Stews: The restaurant offers hearty soups like borscht and solyanka, as well as rich stews that are perfect for winter.
Why It’s Great
- Comforting and Hearty Dishes: The Caucasian and Russian fusion at Café Gorynych offers a variety of warming, flavorful dishes that are ideal for cold winter days.
- Cozy Setting: The inviting atmosphere and intimate setting make it a great choice for a comfortable, relaxing meal in the winter.
5. Café Marius
Why It’s Important
Café Marius is a hidden gem in Moscow, serving French-inspired cuisine with Russian ingredients. This cozy bistro is perfect for escaping the winter cold while enjoying delicious French-style comfort food in an intimate atmosphere.
What to Expect
- French-Russian Fusion: The menu at Café Marius offers a fusion of French techniques and Russian ingredients, such as duck with berries, beetroot salad with smoked cheese, and wild mushroom risotto.
- Warm, Inviting Ambiance: The restaurant’s design features rustic and charming elements, with wooden tables, cozy lighting, and a relaxed yet stylish vibe that makes it perfect for winter dining.
- Hearty Winter Dishes: Café Marius is known for its hearty dishes and seasonal ingredients, perfect for warming up during Moscow’s chilly winters.
Why It’s Great
- French-Russian Fusion: Café Marius offers a unique combination of French sophistication with Russian heartiness, providing a great winter dining option.
- Charming, Cozy Environment: The welcoming and intimate atmosphere of Café Marius makes it a great place to relax and enjoy delicious comfort food during the winter months.
6. LavkaLavka
Why It’s Important
LavkaLavka is a farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on using seasonal, local ingredients in its dishes. While it is known for its commitment to sustainability, its cozy ambiance and hearty winter dishes make it a perfect winter escape.
What to Expect
- Seasonal, Local Ingredients: The menu at LavkaLavka features seasonal dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Expect hearty meals like wild game and mushroom-based dishes, perfect for a winter meal.
- Cozy, Rustic Setting: The restaurant’s décor emphasizes natural materials like wood and stone, creating a rustic and warm atmosphere that complements the seasonal ingredients used in the food.
- Sustainable Dining: LavkaLavka’s commitment to sustainability ensures that the dishes are not only delicious but also environmentally responsible.
Why It’s Great
- Farm-to-Table Freshness: LavkaLavka offers fresh, locally sourced ingredients, perfect for anyone seeking seasonal, sustainable dining in a cozy winter setting.
- Relaxing and Inviting: The rustic ambiance and focus on quality ingredients make it a great place to enjoy a comforting winter meal with friends or family.
Conclusion
Moscow offers a wealth of cozy winter restaurants where you can escape the cold and enjoy delicious food. Whether you’re craving traditional Russian comfort food at Varenichnaya №1, warming up with Soviet-inspired dishes at Dr. Zhivago, or enjoying a French-Russian fusion meal at Café Marius, these spots offer the perfect winter retreat. With their warm atmospheres, hearty dishes, and inviting settings, these cozy restaurants are the perfect places to enjoy a delicious meal during Moscow’s cold winter months.