Borscht, the iconic beetroot-based soup, is a beloved dish throughout Russia, and Nizhny Novgorod is no exception. The city offers a variety of places where you can enjoy this hearty and flavorful soup, often made with a local twist. Whether you’re a long-time fan of borscht or trying it for the first time, here’s where you can find some of the best borscht in Nizhny Novgorod. These restaurants and cafes offer rich, savory, and authentic versions of the dish that will delight your taste buds.
1. Pyat Ozer (Five Lakes)
Pyat Ozer is a well-known restaurant in Nizhny Novgorod, famous for its traditional Russian dishes, including borscht. The restaurant is renowned for using fresh, local ingredients, and it has a welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying a comforting bowl of soup.
What to Expect:
- Authentic Borscht: The borscht at Pyat Ozer is made with tender beets, fresh vegetables, and meat, often served with a generous dollop of sour cream and rye bread on the side.
- Cozy Ambiance: The restaurant’s interior exudes a warm, rustic charm that adds to the experience of enjoying classic Russian comfort food.
- Variety of Russian Dishes: While their borscht is a highlight, the restaurant offers other delicious Russian classics, including shchi, pelmeni, and kulebyaka (Russian pie).
Insider Tip: The borscht is perfect for pairing with some freshly baked pirozhki (stuffed pastries), making it a hearty meal that satisfies your hunger and warms you up.
2. Russiya Restaurant
If you’re looking for a traditional dining experience with a modern twist, Russiya Restaurant is a great place to try borscht in Nizhny Novgorod. Located in the city center, this restaurant offers a range of classic Russian dishes, and their borscht is a standout.
What to Expect:
- Rich and Hearty Borscht: Their borscht is made with high-quality ingredients and has a deep, rich flavor, with the right balance of sweetness from the beets and acidity from the sour cream.
- Rustic and Elegant Setting: The ambiance of the restaurant blends rustic Russian charm with contemporary decor, making it a pleasant spot for both casual dining and special occasions.
- Traditional Russian Menu: The menu at Russiya Restaurant is extensive, featuring other staples of Russian cuisine like pelmeni, stroganina (frozen fish), and blini.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss out on trying the herring under a fur coat (Selyodka pod Shuboy) as an appetizer, which pairs beautifully with the borscht for a full Russian culinary experience.
3. Taverna Na Naberezhnoy
Located by the Volga River, Taverna Na Naberezhnoy is known for its picturesque setting and delicious borscht. The restaurant combines the flavors of traditional Russian cuisine with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.
What to Expect:
- Classic Borscht with Fresh Ingredients: The borscht served at Taverna Na Naberezhnoy is hearty and flavorful, made with local beets and vegetables. It’s served piping hot with a generous dollop of sour cream to balance the flavors.
- Riverside Views: Enjoy your meal while taking in beautiful views of the Volga River. It’s an especially pleasant place to dine in the summer months when you can sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.
- Great for Groups and Families: The spacious restaurant is perfect for family gatherings or groups of friends looking to enjoy traditional Russian fare together.
Insider Tip: The outdoor terrace is perfect for enjoying a meal in warmer months, but the cozy indoor seating is ideal during the colder weather when you want to enjoy a bowl of borscht in a warm and inviting setting.
4. Chaihona No 1
For a more modern take on Russian cuisine, Chaihona No 1 offers a fresh and stylish atmosphere paired with classic borscht. The restaurant specializes in offering the best of Central Asian and Russian flavors, and their borscht is prepared with care and attention to detail.
What to Expect:
- Modern Interpretation of Borscht: The borscht at Chaihona No 1 is rich, flavorful, and slightly modernized, often served with extra garnishes and accompanied by a selection of fresh herbs.
- Innovative Menu: While borscht is a staple, Chaihona No 1 also offers unique twists on traditional Russian and Central Asian dishes. It’s a place where you can try shashlik (grilled meat) and other tasty dishes alongside your soup.
- Stylish Interior: The restaurant’s interior is contemporary and trendy, with comfortable seating and an energetic atmosphere, perfect for a lively dining experience.
Insider Tip: Pair the borscht with a glass of kefir (fermented milk drink) or kvass (fermented rye bread drink) for a truly authentic Russian experience.
5. Borscht Café
As the name suggests, Borscht Café specializes in this beloved dish, offering a variety of borscht recipes and toppings. If you’re a borscht enthusiast or just curious to try different versions, this is the place to go. Located in the city center, this casual eatery offers a range of options for borscht lovers.
What to Expect:
- Different Versions of Borscht: You can try various versions of borscht, from the classic beet-based soup to regional variations. Some versions are meat-based, while others are vegetarian, so there’s something for everyone.
- Comfortable Setting: The café has a cozy and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with friends or family. The focus is on providing a simple yet satisfying meal.
- Affordable and Accessible: One of the best things about Borscht Café is its affordability, making it an excellent choice for a budget-friendly meal without sacrificing quality.
Insider Tip: While you’re there, don’t miss out on trying some of the other Ukrainian and Russian specialties, like vareniki (dumplings) and paska (traditional Russian bread).
6. Restaurant Pirozhki
Located near Nizhny Novgorod’s main attractions, Restaurant Pirozhki is an excellent place to experience traditional Russian comfort food, including some of the best borscht in the city. Known for its homemade borscht, this spot provides an authentic and satisfying taste of Russian cuisine.
What to Expect:
- Homemade Borscht: The borscht at Pirozhki is made from scratch using local beets, fresh vegetables, and tender meat. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for any time of the day.
- Classic Russian Dishes: In addition to borscht, you can enjoy a variety of other Russian dishes such as kulebyaka (Russian fish pie), shchi (cabbage soup), and hearty blini (pancakes).
- Cozy Atmosphere: The restaurant has a cozy, inviting ambiance, with friendly service and a focus on delivering delicious, home-cooked meals.
Insider Tip: Enjoy your borscht with a side of blini or pancakes. These are often served with a variety of toppings like sour cream, honey, or jam, making them a perfect complement to the rich flavors of the soup.
Conclusion
Nizhny Novgorod offers a range of wonderful places to enjoy a bowl of borscht, from traditional eateries serving classic recipes to modern spots that put their own spin on the beloved dish. Whether you’re craving a hearty, homemade version or looking to experience borscht in a trendy setting, the city has something for every taste. Be sure to check out these top spots for borscht when you visit, and savor the rich flavors of this iconic Russian soup. For more dining recommendations and local tips, visit Russia Vibes, your guide to the best culinary experiences in Russia.