New Year’s Eve in Moscow is one of the most exciting times to experience the city. The streets come alive with celebrations, and the restaurants host spectacular dinners and events that make ringing in the New Year unforgettable. Whether you want to enjoy a luxurious feast with live music, or savor traditional Russian dishes, Moscow offers a wide range of dining experiences for every type of celebration. Here are some of the best places to eat during New Year’s Eve festivities in Moscow.
1. Café Pushkin
If you’re looking for a truly elegant and festive New Year’s Eve experience, Café Pushkin is the place to be. Known for its luxurious atmosphere and classic Russian dishes, this iconic restaurant offers an unforgettable celebration with a gala dinner and live entertainment.
What to Expect:
- Gala Dinner: Enjoy a multi-course feast featuring Russian delicacies like beef stroganoff, caviar, and pelmeni, paired with fine wines and champagne.
- Elegant Décor: The restaurant’s 19th-century aristocratic design makes it the perfect place for a sophisticated, high-end celebration.
- Live Music and Festivities: The evening includes live music, dancing, and toasts at midnight, creating a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for ringing in the New Year.
Why It’s Great:
- Café Pushkin offers an elegant, unforgettable experience, combining traditional Russian cuisine with a luxurious atmosphere and top-notch entertainment for a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration.
2. White Rabbit
White Rabbit, with its Michelin-starred menu and stunning views, offers an unforgettable dining experience during the New Year’s Eve festivities. Located on the 16th floor, this restaurant combines world-class cuisine with panoramic views of Moscow, making it an ideal spot for a special celebration.
What to Expect:
- Modern Russian Cuisine: The chef prepares innovative twists on Russian classics, featuring seafood, game, and seasonal ingredients. Expect dishes like black caviar, duck with berries, and beef tenderloin.
- Stunning Views: The large windows provide spectacular views of Red Square, the Kremlin, and St. Basil’s Cathedral — perfect for watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
- Luxurious Setting: The restaurant’s chic and contemporary décor provides a glamorous backdrop for the evening’s celebrations.
Why It’s Great:
- White Rabbit offers a Michelin-quality dining experience with beautiful views of Moscow’s landmarks, ensuring that your New Year’s Eve is filled with culinary excellence and unforgettable sights.
3. Turandot
For a truly opulent dining experience, Turandot is one of Moscow’s most extravagant restaurants, offering a royal experience. This stunning venue, inspired by the famous opera, is known for its luxury and spectacular setting, making it a perfect place to ring in the New Year.
What to Expect:
- Grand Buffet and Gala Menu: The evening includes a gala buffet featuring exquisite dishes, such as foie gras, lobster, caviar, and decadent desserts.
- Elegant Ambiance: The interior is designed to evoke the grandeur of ancient China with golden chandeliers, marble floors, and opulent design.
- Live Music: Enjoy live performances that set the mood for an exciting night of celebration, with toasts at midnight.
Why It’s Great:
- Turandot provides an extravagant, luxurious experience with gourmet food and live entertainment in a stunning atmosphere, perfect for those looking for an elegant and festive New Year’s Eve celebration.
4. Dr. Zhivago
For a more traditional Russian New Year’s Eve celebration, Dr. Zhivago offers a homey yet elegant atmosphere. Located near Red Square, this restaurant specializes in classic Russian dishes served in a stylish, cozy setting.
What to Expect:
- Traditional Russian Dishes: Enjoy hearty favorites like borscht, pelmeni, blini, and beef stroganoff, along with a variety of vodka cocktails and champagne.
- Vintage Russian Décor: The restaurant’s décor is inspired by Soviet-era Russia, creating a nostalgic and welcoming atmosphere.
- Live Music and Entertainment: The evening is filled with live performances, dancing, and the joyous celebrations that accompany Russian New Year traditions.
Why It’s Great:
- Dr. Zhivago provides a charming, nostalgic atmosphere with traditional Russian food and festive entertainment, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy a more classic Russian celebration on New Year’s Eve.
5. Gorynych
For a more relaxed New Year’s Eve with hearty food and traditional Russian flavors, Gorynych is a hidden gem that serves delicious home-cooked meals in a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s perfect for a low-key yet festive evening.
What to Expect:
- Hearty Russian Cuisine: Enjoy classic dishes such as pork shashlik, pickled herring, pelmeni, and a wide variety of soups and salads.
- Rustic Setting: The restaurant is designed to resemble a traditional Russian dacha, complete with wooden beams, cozy furnishings, and a welcoming, warm atmosphere.
- Local Festivities: Gorynych provides a more intimate setting for guests to enjoy a relaxed celebration with live folk music, traditional toasts, and sophisticated cocktails.
Why It’s Great:
- Gorynych offers a cozy, casual atmosphere with delicious home-style cooking, perfect for a laid-back New Year’s Eve dinner.
6. Basilic
Basilic offers an incredible dining experience with a Mediterranean twist on classic Russian cuisine. This elegant spot is perfect for those seeking a romantic and refined celebration with gourmet Mediterranean and Russian fusion dishes.
What to Expect:
- Mediterranean-Inspired Dishes: The menu features seafood, grilled meats, pasta, and fresh salads, with a focus on healthy, flavorful dishes made from high-quality ingredients.
- Elegant Interior: The stylish interior combines modern elegance with classic charm, offering a sophisticated setting for an evening out.
- Special New Year’s Eve Menu: The restaurant offers a special New Year’s Eve menu, with a selection of carefully crafted courses and premium drinks.
Why It’s Great:
- Basilic offers Mediterranean-inspired gourmet dining in a stylish setting, making it ideal for a more refined New Year’s Eve dinner.
7. Severyane
For those looking to celebrate with traditional Russian fare in a unique atmosphere, Severyane is an excellent choice. The restaurant specializes in food from the northern regions of Russia and provides a cozy and charming environment perfect for New Year’s Eve.
What to Expect:
- Northern Russian Cuisine: The menu features traditional dishes such as venison, game meats, fish, and root vegetables.
- Rustic Charm: The décor combines wooden furnishings, warm lighting, and a traditional Russian style, creating an inviting and relaxed atmosphere.
- Authentic Experience: The staff provides a welcoming and authentic experience, with local Russian entertainment and festive toasts at midnight.
Why It’s Great:
- Severyane offers a unique, rustic dining experience with delicious Russian specialties from the north, perfect for those looking for a more authentic and intimate celebration.
Conclusion
Moscow offers a wide range of restaurants to suit all tastes and preferences for celebrating New Year’s Eve. From luxurious and elegant settings at White Rabbit and Turandot to more traditional, homey experiences at Dr. Zhivago and Gorynych, the city provides diverse options for ringing in the new year. Whether you’re after opulent cuisine, a relaxed meal, or a romantic dinner, Moscow’s restaurants offer something for every type of celebration.
