Moscow is home to a rich culinary tradition that blends imperial opulence with local flavors. Some of the city’s most historic restaurants offer not only incredible dining experiences but also a deep dive into Russian culture and history. Whether you’re interested in experiencing the grandeur of Tsarist Russia or tasting the flavors that have been passed down through generations, these restaurants provide an unforgettable glimpse into the past.
Here are some of the most historic Russian restaurants in Moscow that you must visit:
1. Café Pushkin
Why Visit:
Café Pushkin is a quintessential part of Moscow’s dining scene and a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience both traditional Russian cuisine and the elegance of 19th-century Russian aristocracy. The café is housed in a restored mansion that evokes the grandeur of the Imperial era and offers a sense of stepping back in time.
What to Expect:
- Interior: The restaurant’s decor mimics the aesthetic of a Tsarist aristocratic home, with classic chandeliers, velvet curtains, and antique furnishings.
- Cuisine: Café Pushkin serves a wide range of traditional Russian dishes, including borsch, beef stroganoff, and blini. The menu also features an extensive selection of Russian caviar and vodka.
- Atmosphere: A romantic and historical setting, perfect for a luxurious dining experience. The staff is dressed in period costumes, further enhancing the timeless atmosphere.
Location:
Tverskoy Boulevard, Moscow.
Must-Try:
- Pelmeni (Russian dumplings)
- Beef Stroganoff
- Caviar
2. Restaurant Turandot
Why Visit:
While Restaurant Turandot isn’t a traditional Russian restaurant in terms of cuisine, it is housed in a historic building with a strong Russian cultural presence. The restaurant’s decor, with its opulent chandeliers and baroque-style interiors, evokes the grandeur of Imperial Russia. It’s a place where you can indulge in fine dining while feeling immersed in Russian historical luxury.
What to Expect:
- Interior: The restaurant is famous for its lavish decor, including chandeliers, rich tapestries, and golden columns.
- Cuisine: Russian and European fusion, with a focus on high-end dishes such as caviar, foie gras, and truffles. Traditional dishes are given a contemporary twist.
- Atmosphere: An exquisite dining experience perfect for special occasions. The sumptuous atmosphere of Turandot makes it one of Moscow’s most iconic fine dining venues.
Location:
Tverskoy Boulevard, Moscow.
Must-Try:
- Caviar with vodka
- Duck with berry sauce
- Homemade Russian pastries
3. Pravda Bar
Why Visit:
Pravda Bar is a historical Moscow gem that dates back to the Soviet era, serving a unique mix of Russian and Soviet cuisine with a modern twist. Despite being more casual than some of the other options, it’s famous for its historic significance and offers an interesting insight into Soviet dining culture.
What to Expect:
- Interior: The atmosphere combines a classic Soviet bar style with a more contemporary edge, offering an eclectic and comfortable vibe.
- Cuisine: Traditional Russian dishes with a nod to Soviet-era recipes and ingredients. Expect hearty meals like shchi (soup), salo (cured pork fat), and pirozhki (small pastries filled with different fillings).
- Atmosphere: A fun and laid-back spot to explore Moscow’s history through food, offering an authentic Soviet-era experience.
Location:
Bolshaya Dmitrovka Street, Moscow.
Must-Try:
- Borscht
- Shchi
- Pirozhki with meat and cabbage
4. Varvary (The Barbarian)
Why Visit:
Varvary is a Michelin-starred restaurant that brings together Russia’s culinary heritage with modern techniques. While it’s newer compared to some of the city’s historic spots, its focus on traditional Russian ingredients and its location in a historic building give it a unique place in Moscow’s gastronomic history.
What to Expect:
- Interior: The restaurant features a blend of modern design and historical elements, offering a sleek and contemporary atmosphere.
- Cuisine: Modern Russian cuisine with seasonal ingredients. It focuses on traditional Russian flavors, elevated with innovative techniques. Expect dishes like sour cabbage soup with black caviar, and quail with beetroot.
- Atmosphere: A fine dining experience that celebrates both the past and future of Russian food.
Location:
Pokrovka Street, Moscow.
Must-Try:
- Fermented cabbage soup
- Black caviar with sour cream
- Truffled mashed potatoes
5. Delis
Why Visit:
Delis is a historical restaurant famous for its blend of traditional Russian and Soviet influences. It offers an experience that mixes old-school Soviet comfort food with refined techniques and elegant decor.
What to Expect:
- Interior: The décor is a nod to Soviet-era cafés, with modern accents. It creates a nostalgic atmosphere that transports visitors back to the Soviet Union, but with contemporary luxury.
- Cuisine: A mix of traditional Russian favorites, such as pelmeni, borscht, and Russian pastries, served with a modern twist.
- Atmosphere: The setting is both classic and refined, making it a great place to experience both the history and contemporary culture of Russia’s food scene.
Location:
Novy Arbat Street, Moscow.
Must-Try:
- Pelmeni with sour cream
- Traditional Russian blini
- Shchi with beef
6. The Café at the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts
Why Visit:
Located within the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, this café blends Russian history, culture, and fine dining. The café is part of one of the oldest museums in Moscow, making it a fantastic place to immerse yourself in Russian culture while enjoying classic Russian dishes.
What to Expect:
- Interior: The café offers a beautiful museum-style atmosphere. The classic interiors reflect the grandeur of the museum itself, making it the perfect place for a meal in a cultural setting.
- Cuisine: Russian classics such as beef stroganoff, borscht, and blini. The menu focuses on traditional recipes prepared with modern techniques.
- Atmosphere: A comfortable and quiet spot perfect for those looking to experience Russian culture in an intellectual and artistic setting.
Location:
Volkhonka Street, Moscow.
Must-Try:
- Beef stroganoff
- Borscht
- Russian honey cake
Conclusion: Dining with Russian History
Moscow is home to a rich tapestry of dining experiences that span from Tsarist grandeur to Soviet nostalgia, with each restaurant offering a glimpse into Russia’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you are looking to dine in a grand aristocratic setting, like Café Pushkin, or explore the Soviet-era comfort food at Pravda Bar, these historic Russian restaurants allow you to savor both the flavors and the stories that define the country’s history.
Each of these restaurants offers an opportunity to delve into a different part of Russia’s history, whether through elegant decor, traditional recipes, or the nostalgic atmosphere of a bygone era. Make sure to visit these historic gems to get an authentic taste of Russia’s cultural legacy.