Moscow offers some of the best fine dining experiences in the world, and Red Square—the heart of the Russian capital—is surrounded by some of the city’s finest and most luxurious restaurants. Whether you’re looking for classic Russian cuisine with a modern twist, French fine dining, or something innovative and cutting-edge, the area around Red Square is brimming with high-end dining options that promise exceptional food, stunning ambiance, and impeccable service.
Here’s a guide to the best luxury restaurants near Red Square for an unforgettable dining experience.
1. Beluga
Located in the Hotel National, just a stone’s throw from Red Square, Beluga is one of Moscow’s premier luxury restaurants. Known for its opulent décor and elegant atmosphere, Beluga offers an unforgettable gastronomic experience centered around caviar and seafood, combined with world-class service.
Why Visit:
- Caviar Expertise: The restaurant is renowned for offering the best caviar in Moscow, serving various types paired with premium vodka and champagne.
- Stunning Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Kremlin and Red Square while dining in a luxurious, art-deco-style interior.
- Impeccable Service: Known for its outstanding and attentive service, Beluga ensures an extraordinary dining experience.
What to Try:
- Caviar tasting menu (choose from Oscietra or Beluga varieties).
- Seafood and Russian delicacies, like Borscht, pelmeni, and Beef Stroganoff.
2. Café Pushkin
One of Moscow’s most iconic and luxurious dining destinations, Café Pushkin is located just a few minutes from Red Square. Its elegant interior, modeled after an 18th-century aristocratic mansion, offers a blend of classic Russian cuisine and European refinement.
Why Visit:
- Historical Ambiance: The stunning 18th-century décor, complete with antique furnishings, chandeliers, and Soviet-era touches, sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience.
- Authentic Russian Cuisine: Café Pushkin is a culinary haven for lovers of traditional Russian dishes, from Olivier salad to Beef Stroganoff.
- A Touch of Elegance: Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, Café Pushkin offers an elevated dining experience with a vast wine list and highly skilled chefs.
What to Try:
- Duck with oranges (classic Russian dish).
- Caviar and blini.
- Pelmeni (dumplings) and Borscht.
3. White Rabbit
Just a short distance from Red Square, White Rabbit is a celebrated Michelin-starred restaurant, offering a contemporary twist on Russian cuisine. With its stylish interior and innovative menu, it’s an exciting and luxurious spot for dining in Moscow.
Why Visit:
- Michelin-Star Dining: White Rabbit has garnered international acclaim for its innovative approach to traditional Russian cuisine, offering modern interpretations of classic dishes.
- Panoramic Views: The restaurant is located on the top floor of a skyscraper, providing spectacular views of the city’s skyline and Red Square.
- Cutting-Edge Cuisine: Known for combining Russian flavors with global techniques, the food here is artistic, creative, and beautifully presented.
What to Try:
- Lobster with caviar and saffron.
- Black caviar ice cream (a unique twist on a classic).
- Baked sturgeon with wild herbs and seasonal vegetables.
4. The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow – Novikov Restaurant & Bar
Located in the heart of Moscow, the Novikov Restaurant & Bar in the Ritz-Carlton offers a luxurious and elegant atmosphere combined with world-class food. The restaurant specializes in Italian, Japanese, and modern Russian cuisine, making it perfect for those looking for a diverse yet refined dining experience.
Why Visit:
- Luxury Dining: Enjoy top-tier service and a sleek, chic atmosphere in the stunning Ritz-Carlton.
- International Cuisine: Novikov offers an internationally inspired menu, combining Italian and Japanese influences with Russian culinary techniques.
- Sophisticated Ambiance: The restaurant’s modern décor, paired with its impeccable service, makes for a truly upscale experience.
What to Try:
- Sushi and sashimi from the Japanese menu.
- Ravioli with truffle and fresh seafood.
- Signature cocktails paired with your meal.
5. Varvarka
Located a short walk from Red Square, Varvarka offers an exclusive dining experience that celebrates Russian heritage. With an elegant, contemporary design and a focus on high-quality local ingredients, Varvarka is the place to go for a refined, upscale take on traditional Russian flavors.
Why Visit:
- Modern Russian Cuisine: Varvarka specializes in innovative takes on Russian classics, using local ingredients and cutting-edge techniques to create unforgettable dishes.
- Tasting Menus: The restaurant offers an exciting and extensive tasting menu that highlights the best of Russian flavors in a contemporary light.
- Sophisticated Setting: With its elegant, minimalist design and emphasis on comfort, Varvarka provides a stylish setting for fine dining.
What to Try:
- Russian tasting menu, featuring dishes like duck with buckwheat and beetroot soup.
- Smoked sturgeon with dill and potato salad.
- Caviar served with toast and butter.
6. Turandot
Located near Tverskaya Street, Turandot offers an opulent dining experience that transports you to a different world. Housed in a stunning historical mansion, the restaurant serves a blend of European and Asian cuisines, with an emphasis on Italian and Chinese influences.
Why Visit:
- Exquisite Interior: The décor is jaw-dropping, with lavish chandeliers, golden columns, and gilded accents, making it one of the most luxurious settings in Moscow.
- Fusion Cuisine: The menu is a blend of Italian, Chinese, and Russian cuisines, all prepared with top-quality ingredients and a refined touch.
- Fine Wines: The wine list features an extensive selection of world-class wines, perfect for pairing with any of the restaurant’s dishes.
What to Try:
- Handmade pasta with black truffles.
- Peking duck and dim sum.
- Seafood risotto paired with fine white wine.
7. Savva Restaurant & Bar
Located in the Hotel Metropol near Red Square, Savva is a Michelin-starred restaurant that takes Russian cuisine to the next level. Known for its elegant décor and exceptional service, Savva offers a contemporary menu that combines Russian culinary traditions with global influences.
Why Visit:
- Michelin-Star Excellence: Savva is recognized for its culinary mastery and creative reinterpretation of Russian classics.
- Modern Russian Cuisine: The menu features innovative takes on traditional dishes, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients and local flavors.
- Stunning Design: The restaurant’s art-nouveau-inspired interior, with its beautiful ceiling frescoes and luxurious furnishings, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
What to Try:
- Mushroom soup with truffle and dumplings.
- Venison with cranberries and Russian wild herbs.
- Black caviar paired with champagne.
Conclusion: Luxury Dining Near Red Square
Moscow is home to a diverse array of luxury restaurants that promise extraordinary dining experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for Russian cuisine with a modern twist, Italian and Japanese fusion, or a more traditional European experience, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste near Red Square. Each of these restaurants offers a combination of elegant ambiance, exquisite food, and exceptional service, making them perfect destinations for a special evening out in Moscow.