Moscow boasts a rich café culture, and one of the most delightful ways to spend an afternoon is to pair exquisite desserts with a carefully brewed cup of tea. From traditional Russian pastries to international confections, Moscow’s dessert cafés offer a range of delicious treats that complement a relaxing tea experience. Here are some of the best dessert cafés in Moscow where you can indulge in sweets while enjoying a fine cup of tea.
1. Café Pushkin
Why It’s Great:
- Café Pushkin is a luxurious and atmospheric café that exudes old-world charm. The café’s grand interiors, inspired by 18th-century aristocratic Russia, make it the perfect place to experience classic Russian desserts paired with a variety of premium teas.
What to Try:
- Russian pastries such as Pryaniki (gingerbread) and Napoleon cake.
- Pair your dessert with a specialty tea from their extensive menu, which includes both traditional Russian teas and international blends.
Atmosphere:
- Elegant and refined, Café Pushkin offers an experience that transports you back in time. The ambiance is perfect for those looking to enjoy delicate desserts and flavorful teas in a sophisticated setting.
2. Teplo Café
Why It’s Great:
- Teplo Café is a cozy and casual spot that is loved by locals for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious desserts. Located near Kropotkinskaya Metro Station, it’s a great place to unwind with a cup of tea and indulge in beautifully crafted cakes and pastries.
What to Try:
- Try their Cheesecake or the Apple Strudel, both of which are popular choices.
- Pair it with a Russian black tea or a fruit infusion to complement the sweetness of the desserts.
Atmosphere:
- Teplo Café offers a welcoming environment with warm, rustic decor. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend hours enjoying dessert and tea with friends or family.
3. Marmelad Café
Why It’s Great:
- Marmelad Café is a fun and trendy café offering a selection of sweets, teas, and desserts in a colorful, contemporary setting. The café has a playful vibe and an extensive dessert menu that’s perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
What to Try:
- Marmelad Cake is a must-try, alongside other dessert options like Tiramisu or Chocolate Mousse.
- Complement your dessert with a flavored tea or a classic Earl Grey.
Atmosphere:
- A vibrant and cozy environment with quirky decor. Marmelad Café is perfect for those looking to enjoy both creative desserts and an inviting atmosphere.
4. Varenichnaya No. 1
Why It’s Great:
- Varenichnaya No. 1 specializes in traditional Russian desserts and is known for its variety of Vareniki (dumplings), but it also offers an excellent selection of tea and sweet pastries. This café is a great choice for anyone wanting to try classic Russian flavors with a twist.
What to Try:
- Their sweet Vareniki with cherries or sweetened cottage cheese are perfect.
- Pair with a herbal tea or Russian traditional black tea to balance the sweetness.
Atmosphere:
- The setting is cozy and nostalgic, evoking the feel of a traditional Russian home. With its laid-back vibe, Varenichnaya No. 1 offers a perfect spot for a casual dessert and tea break.
5. The Café at Pushkin Museum
Why It’s Great:
- The café located inside the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts is an elegant choice for art lovers. Here, you can enjoy delicious desserts in an artistic atmosphere, all while sipping on tea that complements the art-filled surroundings.
What to Try:
- Their Fruit Tart and Pistachio Cake are some of the most recommended desserts.
- Pair these with a delicate green tea or an assorted herbal blend to enhance the flavors.
Atmosphere:
- The café has a refined and artistic ambiance, perfect for a peaceful and inspiring tea and dessert experience. It’s a great choice for combining culture, art, and indulgence.
6. Coffee Bean
Why It’s Great:
- Coffee Bean is a popular international chain in Moscow known for its coffee, but they also serve an excellent selection of desserts and teas. It’s a great spot for a more casual yet still satisfying experience.
What to Try:
- Their Carrot Cake and Muffins are fan favorites. Also, the Chocolate Fudge Cake pairs wonderfully with their black tea.
Atmosphere:
- Coffee Bean provides a relaxed and modern setting, making it ideal for a quick and satisfying dessert break. Its wide selection of teas and treats makes it a perfect stop for tea lovers.
7. Café Settebello
Why It’s Great:
- Located in the heart of Moscow, Café Settebello specializes in a mix of Italian and Russian desserts. The café’s cozy and contemporary design makes it a perfect place for those who want to indulge in both Italian and Russian sweets with a fine tea.
What to Try:
- Tiramisu and Russian Honey Cake are great choices, with the latter offering a taste of traditional Russian baking.
- Pair with a Ceylon tea or a floral jasmine tea.
Atmosphere:
- With its modern design and laid-back atmosphere, Café Settebello offers a cozy space to relax while enjoying a sweet treat and tea.
8. Chaihona No. 1
Why It’s Great:
- Chaihona No. 1 is a cozy chain that combines Russian and Central Asian influences in its food and drink menu. It’s an excellent place to experience unique desserts while enjoying a variety of traditional teas.
What to Try:
- The Baklava and Honey Cake are exceptional here.
- Enjoy these with a pot of Kumis tea or a Russian samovar tea, which brings a distinctive and authentic flavor to the experience.
Atmosphere:
- The warm and inviting decor gives it an Eastern European and Central Asian vibe, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy delicious pastries and a cup of tea in a cozy, exotic setting.
9. Sirius Café
Why It’s Great:
- Sirius Café is a modern and stylish café that offers a variety of fresh desserts and exceptional teas. This café is known for its innovative approach to Russian and international sweets, making it a great place for those seeking something different.
What to Try:
- Lemon Meringue Pie and Raspberry Cheesecake are crowd favorites.
- Complement these with a classic green tea or a berry-infused iced tea.
Atmosphere:
- The chic and contemporary setting makes Sirius Café a great spot for both socializing and relaxing with a hot beverage and dessert.
10. Dacha Café
Why It’s Great:
- Dacha Café is known for its homely vibe and traditional Russian sweets. Located in the city center, it offers a unique selection of classic desserts paired with various teas.
What to Try:
- Enjoy a Pavlova or Medovik (Russian honey cake), both of which are crowd favorites.
- Pair with a strong black tea or a more traditional herbal tea blend.
Atmosphere:
- The rustic decor of Dacha Café gives it a cozy, countryside feel. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a warm tea and sweet treat.
Conclusion: A Sweet Tea Journey in Moscow
Moscow offers a rich variety of dessert cafés that cater to those who appreciate pairing sweets with tea. From traditional Russian pastries to international confections, these cafés provide the perfect setting to enjoy an afternoon of indulgence. Whether you prefer the luxurious Café Pushkin, the casual charm of Teplo Café, or the artistic atmosphere of the Pushkin Museum Café, you’ll find the perfect spot to pair delightful desserts with the tea of your choice. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience in the sweet cafés of Moscow!