Moscow offers a wide range of dining experiences, and if you’re looking for something casual, quick, and affordable, self-service and cafeteria-style restaurants are excellent choices. These types of eateries are perfect for those who want a more relaxed dining experience without compromising on quality. Here’s a list of some of the top self-service and cafeteria-style restaurants in Moscow, where you can enjoy delicious meals in a laid-back atmosphere.
1. Mari Vanna
Why It’s Great:
Mari Vanna is a cozy, nostalgic restaurant that feels like a traditional Russian home. Although it’s often associated with table service, it has a cafeteria-style counter where you can quickly grab classic Russian dishes, making it a hybrid between both styles.
What to Try:
- Borscht (traditional beet soup)
- Pelmeni (dumplings)
- Solyanka (hearty soup)
Location:
- Tverskoy Blvd, 18, Moscow
2. Varenichnaya №1
Why It’s Great:
This popular self-service restaurant offers a great selection of Russian comfort foods, especially famous for its varenyky (dumplings). It’s a nostalgic spot where you can quickly pick your food from the display case and enjoy it in a casual environment.
What to Try:
- Varenyky with various fillings (cheese, mushrooms, berries)
- Shchi (cabbage soup)
- Russian salads like Olivier salad
Location:
- Various locations across Moscow, including Tverskaya St., Kievskaya, and others
3. Cherkizovo Market
Why It’s Great:
Cherkizovo is one of Moscow’s largest self-service food markets, offering a wide variety of meals that cater to both local Russian tastes and international flavors. It’s a great place to try different types of Russian and European dishes in a cafeteria-style setting.
What to Try:
- Shashlik (grilled meat skewers)
- Pirozhki (small stuffed pastries)
- Blini (Russian pancakes)
Location:
- Ulitsa Kirpichnaya, 10, Moscow
4. Gorky Café (Gorky Central Park)
Why It’s Great:
Located in the scenic Gorky Central Park, the Gorky Café offers a mix of self-service and cafeteria-style options, with a variety of Russian and European dishes. It’s perfect for those looking to grab a meal while enjoying the outdoor park atmosphere.
What to Try:
- Grilled meats and salads
- Cold soups like okroshka
- Pastries and sandwiches for a quick snack
Location:
- Krymsky Val, 9, Moscow (inside Gorky Central Park)
5. Café Pushkin (Buffet Style)
Why It’s Great:
Although Café Pushkin is mostly known for its fine dining atmosphere, it also has a self-service buffet-style option where you can sample Russian classics at your own pace. The atmosphere is elegant yet casual enough for a quick meal.
What to Try:
- Caviar and smoked fish platters
- Beef stroganoff
- Traditional Russian desserts like blini with jam or tartlets
Location:
- Tverskoy Blvd, 26A, Moscow
6. Solyanka Market
Why It’s Great:
A popular choice for both locals and tourists, Solyanka Market offers a self-service style of dining with a variety of Russian dishes and international cuisine. It’s known for its affordable prices and excellent food quality.
What to Try:
- Solyanka soup (a traditional Russian dish)
- Assorted dumplings (Pelmeni, Vareniki)
- Cured meats and cheeses
Location:
- Solyanka St., Moscow
7. Café Sibir
Why It’s Great:
Located near the Kievskiy Railway Station, Café Sibir offers a great mix of Russian traditional and regional Siberian food in a self-service format. It’s a cozy place to sample hearty dishes while sitting in a relaxed environment.
What to Try:
- Siberian dumplings
- Shchi (cabbage soup)
- Mushroom and meat stews
Location:
- Kievsky Station, 2nd Floor, Moscow
8. Dva Kapitana
Why It’s Great:
Dva Kapitana is a classic self-service restaurant that has been serving up great Russian comfort food for years. This spot is well-known for its affordability and simple yet flavorful Russian dishes. It’s perfect for a quick meal without the fuss.
What to Try:
- Shashlik (skewered meat)
- Potato pancakes with sour cream
- Mushroom and cabbage dishes
Location:
- 10/1 Tverskaya St., Moscow
9. Khorosheye Mesto
Why It’s Great:
This cafeteria-style restaurant offers a variety of traditional Russian dishes served in a fast-casual environment. It’s popular with both locals and tourists due to its affordable pricing and quality food.
What to Try:
- Salmon and potato salads
- Grilled meats and vegetable sides
- Traditional Russian dumplings
Location:
- Ulitsa Bolshaya Nikitskaya, Moscow
10. Yeliseyevsky Shop and Café
Why It’s Great:
Located in a historic building, Yeliseyevsky Shop and Café offers both self-service and table service options. The cafeteria section features an impressive selection of traditional Russian food in a bustling atmosphere.
What to Try:
- Olivier Salad (Russian salad)
- Borscht with sour cream
- Kholodets (jellied meat)
Location:
- Tverskaya St., Moscow
Conclusion
Moscow’s self-service and cafeteria-style restaurants offer an accessible and delicious way to enjoy traditional Russian dishes without the formality of fine dining. Whether you’re in the mood for hearty dumplings, soul-warming soups, or freshly grilled meats, these restaurants provide a relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to try a wide variety of local favorites at your own pace.
From the traditional Russian comfort food at Varenichnaya №1 to international options at Solyanka Market, these spots provide great options for a quick, satisfying meal while experiencing Moscow’s food culture. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, these eateries are an excellent way to get a taste of Moscow without breaking the bank.