Red Square is not only home to Moscow’s most iconic landmarks but also boasts a diverse selection of restaurants and cafés that offer something for every taste, whether you’re in the mood for traditional Russian cuisine, international dishes, or modern dining experiences. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a fine dining experience, or a café to relax and soak in the atmosphere, here’s a guide to the best places to eat near Red Square.
1. GUM Café
Why Visit
Located inside the GUM department store (just across from Red Square), GUM Café offers a luxurious atmosphere with a wide variety of food choices, from Russian pastries to international dishes.
What to Try
- Russian Specialties: Don’t miss traditional Russian dishes such as borscht (beet soup), pelmeni (dumplings), and shchi (cabbage soup).
- Pastries: The café is well-known for its selection of fresh pastries, including Russian pirozhki (filled pastries) and blini (pancakes).
Vibe
- Elegant, with high ceilings, large glass windows, and a classic atmosphere, it’s a great spot for a sit-down meal in a stunning historical setting.
Walking Distance from Red Square
- GUM Café is located directly across from Red Square, so it’s an incredibly convenient spot to relax after touring the square.
2. Café Pushkin
Why Visit
Café Pushkin is a must-visit restaurant that combines classic Russian cuisine with an upscale, luxurious atmosphere. It’s one of Moscow’s most famous and long-standing establishments.
What to Try
- Beef Stroganoff: A traditional Russian dish made with tender beef in a creamy sauce.
- Caviar: Try a selection of Russia’s famous black caviar, served in a variety of ways.
- Baked fish and pierogi (dumplings) are also standout options.
Vibe
- The restaurant’s 18th-century aristocratic interior, complete with luxurious chandeliers and antique furnishings, transports you to the opulence of old Russia.
- The atmosphere here is elegant and refined, perfect for those looking for a more formal dining experience.
Walking Distance from Red Square
- Café Pushkin is located just a short 10-minute walk from Red Square, near Tverskoy Boulevard.
3. Tverskaya Street Restaurants
Why Visit
Tverskaya Street, one of Moscow’s busiest streets, is home to a variety of casual eateries, high-end restaurants, and cafés. It’s a great spot for a quick bite or a longer meal after sightseeing at Red Square.
What to Try
- Café de Paris: For a European-style lunch, enjoy French-inspired dishes like croque-monsieur, coq au vin, or a delicious tartare.
- Vino e Cibo: For Italian cuisine, opt for pasta, pizza, and Italian wines.
- Russian Restaurants: Many places along Tverskaya Street serve traditional Russian foods such as borscht, pelmeni, and pirozhki.
Vibe
- The street is full of varied options catering to all tastes and budgets, from upscale to casual dining, making it an ideal spot for a diverse food experience.
Walking Distance from Red Square
- Tverskaya Street is just a 5-minute walk from Red Square, so it’s incredibly accessible for food lovers.
4. Varvarka Street (Near the Kremlin)
Why Visit
Varvarka Street is home to several fantastic dining options close to the Kremlin and Red Square. It’s less touristy than other nearby streets and offers a mix of modern Russian restaurants and international flavors.
What to Try
- Sovetsky: A restaurant that serves classic Soviet dishes with a modern twist, such as Soviet-inspired appetizers and traditional fish dishes.
- Korchma Taras Bulba: This Ukrainian restaurant serves hearty borscht, dumplings, and meat skewers in a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
Vibe
- The vibe on Varvarka Street is a bit more laid-back, with options that cater to locals and offer a more authentic Russian dining experience.
Walking Distance from Red Square
- Varvarka Street is just a 5-10 minute walk from Red Square, making it an excellent spot for dining after a day of sightseeing.
5. Bolshoi Café
Why Visit
Located inside the Bolshoi Theatre, the Bolshoi Café offers an elegant dining experience combined with an artsy atmosphere. It’s perfect for a meal before or after a performance at the Bolshoi Theatre.
What to Try
- Russian Salads: Try traditional Russian salads like Olivier salad (a rich potato salad with mayonnaise).
- Mushroom Dishes: A variety of mushroom-based dishes, often made with local varieties found in Russian forests.
- Fish and Meat: Enjoy traditional dishes such as roast duck or salmon with dill.
Vibe
- The café is designed with regal elegance, reflecting the grandeur of the Bolshoi Theatre, offering a refined and sophisticated atmosphere.
Walking Distance from Red Square
- The Bolshoi Café is just a 10-minute walk from Red Square and is an ideal place to visit before or after enjoying a show at the Bolshoi Theatre.
6. The Russian Tea Room
Why Visit
A classic in Russian dining, The Russian Tea Room offers traditional Russian hospitality with a cozy atmosphere. It’s an excellent spot for a traditional Russian tea and light meal.
What to Try
- Traditional Russian Teas: Sample an array of Russian tea blends, often served with blini (pancakes) and caviar.
- Pelmeni and Pirozhki: Enjoy classic Russian dumplings and pastries, a staple of Russian cuisine.
- Borscht: A must-try, especially in the winter, this famous beetroot soup is comforting and delicious.
Vibe
- The atmosphere is refined but comfortable, ideal for visitors looking for an authentic, more traditional dining experience that’s not overly formal.
Walking Distance from Red Square
- The Russian Tea Room is located about 10-15 minutes from Red Square, near Tverskaya Street.
7. Café Pyshechnaya
Why Visit
For a more casual and authentic Russian experience, Café Pyshechnaya is a must-visit spot. Known for its traditional Russian pastries, especially pirozhki (filled buns), this café has been serving Muscovites for decades.
What to Try
- Pyshechki: A must-try is the pirozhki, Russian pastries filled with sweet or savory fillings like jam, potatoes, or mushrooms.
- Coffee and Tea: Enjoy your pastry with a traditional Russian tea or a coffee.
Vibe
- This humble, old-fashioned café offers an authentic local experience, with a no-frills atmosphere and a focus on hearty, traditional snacks.
Walking Distance from Red Square
- Café Pyshechnaya is just a 10-minute walk from Red Square, located on Tverskaya Street.
Conclusion
Red Square is not only a historic and cultural hub but also an excellent starting point for exploring the many dining options that Moscow has to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for upscale Russian dishes at Café Pushkin, international flavors at Tverskaya Street restaurants, or casual pastries at Café Pyshechnaya, you’ll find a diverse range of eateries within walking distance of Red Square. From traditional Russian meals to modern dining experiences, there’s something for every taste and budget in this vibrant area of Moscow.