Moscow offers a wealth of dining spots where you can taste some of Russia’s most iconic dishes, including borscht, pelmeni, and blini. These traditional Russian dishes offer a glimpse into the country’s rich culinary history, and there’s no better way to experience them than in the heart of Moscow. Here’s a guide to the best places in the city where you can enjoy these timeless classics.
1. Café Pushkin
Cuisine: Russian, French
Location: Tverskoy Boulevard, 26/1
Café Pushkin is one of the most famous restaurants in Moscow, offering a luxurious and historic atmosphere along with exceptional traditional Russian cuisine. The menu combines Russian and French influences, and it is renowned for serving some of the best borscht, pelmeni, and blini in the city.
What to Try
- Borscht: Rich and flavorful, served with sour cream and dill.
- Pelmeni: Delicate, handmade dumplings filled with beef and pork, served with a dollop of sour cream.
- Blini: Thin, delicate pancakes with red caviar or smoked salmon.
Why It’s Great
With its elegant atmosphere and high-end service, Café Pushkin offers the ultimate experience of traditional Russian food in a setting that transports you back in time to 19th-century aristocratic Moscow.
2. Mari Vanna
Cuisine: Russian
Location: Spiridonovka Street, 10
Mari Vanna is an intimate, charming restaurant with a homey vibe that reflects the warmth and hospitality of traditional Russian dining. Known for its authentic Russian comfort food, it’s the perfect place to try borscht, pelmeni, and blini.
What to Try
- Borscht: This hearty, beet-based soup is made with a mix of beef and vegetables, served with sour cream.
- Pelmeni: Made with ground beef and pork, served with butter and a side of sour cream.
- Blini: Traditionally served with caviar, smoked salmon, or sweet fillings like jam.
Why It’s Great
The atmosphere at Mari Vanna makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a Russian grandmother’s house, and the food is prepared with love and authenticity, providing a warm and nostalgic experience.
3. Varenichnaya №1
Cuisine: Russian
Location: Various locations across Moscow
Varenichnaya №1 specializes in Russian dumplings, including pelmeni and vareniki (Russian dumplings with various fillings). It’s a casual and cozy place where you can experience a range of traditional Russian dishes.
What to Try
- Borscht: The rich beetroot soup served with sour cream is a classic at Varenichnaya №1.
- Pelmeni: A choice of meat-filled dumplings, served with butter, sour cream, or even a spicy mustard sauce.
- Blini: Often served with various fillings, including caviar, smoked salmon, or sweetened condensed milk.
Why It’s Great
Known for its dumplings and comfort food, Varenichnaya №1 offers an affordable and relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying classic Russian dishes.
4. Pechki-Lavochki
Cuisine: Russian
Location: Lubyanka, 5
Pechki-Lavochki is an ideal spot to dive into traditional Russian home cooking. With a focus on the hearty and comforting dishes that are staples in Russian homes, this restaurant offers borscht, pelmeni, and blini made with care and authenticity.
What to Try
- Borscht: The classic beet soup is prepared with a touch of sour cream for richness.
- Pelmeni: Dumplings filled with ground beef and pork, perfect for a filling meal.
- Blini: Served with classic toppings, like red caviar or smoked salmon.
Why It’s Great
With its cozy and rustic atmosphere, Pechki-Lavochki brings the feel of Russian countryside dining right into the city, making it the perfect spot for traditional comfort food.
5. Barashka
Cuisine: Russian, Georgian
Location: Arbat Street, 24
Barashka serves hearty and traditional Russian dishes, with a special focus on countryside classics. The menu features a great selection of Russian favorites, including borscht, pelmeni, and blini.
What to Try
- Borscht: This beet-based soup is rich and flavorful, made with a hearty mix of vegetables and meat.
- Pelmeni: Pelmeni are made with beef, pork, or a combination of both, and served with butter and sour cream.
- Blini: Blini with a variety of fillings, including savory options like caviar or sweet fillings like condensed milk.
Why It’s Great
Barashka has a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like an authentic taste of the Russian countryside in the heart of Moscow, offering traditional meals made with care.
6. The Café at the Pushkin Museum
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Volkhonka Street, 12
Located near the Pushkin Museum, this café offers a combination of Russian and European cuisine, with a focus on traditional Russian dishes. It’s an elegant place to enjoy Russian classics while surrounded by art and history.
What to Try
- Borscht: A tangy, satisfying beetroot soup with a rich meaty broth.
- Pelmeni: Handmade dumplings filled with beef, served with sour cream and fresh dill.
- Blini: Light, thin pancakes served with various savory and sweet toppings.
Why It’s Great
For those who want to enjoy traditional Russian cuisine in a refined, culturally rich environment, the Café at the Pushkin Museum is the ideal spot. The setting, coupled with the authentic dishes, provides a charming dining experience.
7. Sirotkin
Cuisine: Russian
Location: Moscow City, Vysotnaya Tower
Located on one of Moscow’s tallest skyscrapers, Sirotkin offers a high-end dining experience with a focus on Russian cuisine. This is a modern restaurant that specializes in traditional Russian flavors and is known for using local, seasonal ingredients.
What to Try
- Borscht: Classic borscht made with fresh ingredients.
- Pelmeni: Pelmeni with a choice of meats like pork, beef, or lamb, served with a variety of toppings.
- Blini: Served with caviar or smoked fish.
Why It’s Great
With its luxurious setting and focus on traditional Russian food made with modern techniques, Sirotkin is perfect for those looking to experience Russian cuisine with a twist.
8. Kuchina
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Tverskaya Street, 16
Kuchina combines the best of Russian and European cuisine, offering a refined take on traditional Russian dishes. This modern restaurant provides a contemporary atmosphere with classic Russian flavors.
What to Try
- Borscht: A rich and flavorful beet soup served with a dollop of sour cream.
- Pelmeni: Pelmeni filled with tender meat and served with a side of sour cream or butter.
- Blini: Served with various fillings, from red caviar to sweet jam.
Why It’s Great
Kuchina is the perfect mix of elegance and comfort, serving traditional dishes with modern presentation in an inviting environment.
9. Puri
Cuisine: Russian
Location: Petrovka Street, 20
Puri is a cozy, upscale restaurant specializing in Russian traditional dishes. With an intimate atmosphere, it focuses on hearty, delicious classics that represent Russia’s culinary heritage.
What to Try
- Borscht: A hearty and flavorful beet soup served with sour cream and herbs.
- Pelmeni: Fresh, homemade dumplings filled with beef and pork, served with butter and sour cream.
- Blini: Thin pancakes with sweet or savory fillings, including red caviar or condensed milk.
Why It’s Great
For those looking for a more intimate dining experience, Puri offers a cozy atmosphere while serving traditional Russian dishes with finesse.
10. Tavern “Korchma”
Cuisine: Russian
Location: Tverskaya Street, 23
Tavern “Korchma” brings the experience of a traditional Russian inn to the modern world. The restaurant serves comforting and hearty Russian food with a focus on quality local ingredients.
What to Try
- Borscht: Traditional beet soup with a hearty, meaty base.
- Pelmeni: Dumplings filled with either pork or beef, served with a generous dollop of sour cream.
- Blini: Light, thin pancakes served with a variety of fillings, including red caviar and sour cream.
Why It’s Great
Tavern “Korchma” offers authentic Russian food in a rustic, welcoming environment, making it perfect for those who want to enjoy hearty Russian dishes in a relaxed setting.
Conclusion
Moscow offers a variety of places where you can enjoy traditional Russian comfort food such as borscht, pelmeni, and blini. Whether you’re after an elegant, fine-dining experience at places like Café Pushkin and Mari Vanna, or a cozy, rustic setting like Pechki-Lavochki, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to savor these iconic dishes. These restaurants provide a great way to experience the essence of Russian cuisine while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Moscow.