Moscow may be famous for its hearty meat-based dishes, but it also offers a thriving seafood scene, perfect for pescatarians seeking fresh and delicious seafood options. From sushi and sashimi to grilled fish and shellfish, the city is home to many excellent seafood restaurants that serve high-quality, flavorful dishes. Here’s a list of the best seafood restaurants in Moscow, ideal for those looking to enjoy the freshest catches from the sea.
1. Severyane
Cuisine: Russian, Seafood
Location: Smolenskaya Square, 3
Severyane is a luxurious seafood restaurant offering a blend of modern Russian cuisine and fresh seafood from across the world. The restaurant emphasizes sustainable sourcing and offers a variety of fresh fish, crustaceans, and shellfish. The elegant ambiance and impeccable service make it an excellent choice for seafood lovers in Moscow.
What to Try
- Oysters: Fresh, briny oysters served with a mignonette sauce.
- Salmon Tartar: Light and flavorful salmon tartare with herbs and olive oil.
- Grilled Sole: A freshly grilled sole with herbs and lemon.
- Seafood Paella: A flavorful paella made with an assortment of seafood and saffron.
Why It’s Great
Severyane is known for its elegant setting, exceptional seafood dishes, and seasonal menus that highlight the freshest catch. It’s an excellent spot for those who want to enjoy high-end seafood with a Russian twist.
2. White Rabbit
Cuisine: Russian, Modern European, Seafood
Location: Smolenskaya Square, 3, 16th Floor
White Rabbit is a Michelin-starred restaurant that offers an upscale dining experience with stunning views of Moscow. Known for its innovative approach to Russian cuisine, White Rabbit also features an impressive seafood menu, with an emphasis on fresh, sustainable ingredients. The restaurant offers a selection of sophisticated seafood dishes that perfectly complement its modern ambiance.
What to Try
- Caviar: Enjoy Russian caviar with blini and sour cream.
- Grilled Lobster: Fresh lobster, grilled to perfection and served with garlic butter.
- Seafood Soup: A rich and flavorful soup made with seafood, cream, and herbs.
- Sea Bass: Perfectly cooked sea bass with seasonal vegetables and a tangy lemon dressing.
Why It’s Great
With a Michelin star and exceptional service, White Rabbit offers a luxurious yet innovative seafood experience in Moscow. The stunning views of the city only enhance the experience of indulging in fresh, expertly prepared seafood.
3. Sinyaya Ptitsa
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Seafood
Location: Novy Arbat, 11
Sinyaya Ptitsa (which means “Blue Bird”) offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a strong focus on fresh seafood. The restaurant’s ambiance is sophisticated yet relaxed, making it the perfect spot to enjoy high-quality dishes in a welcoming environment. Sinyaya Ptitsa specializes in Mediterranean seafood dishes, with a variety of options ranging from grilled fish to seafood risottos.
What to Try
- Grilled Octopus: Tender octopus, grilled and served with vegetables.
- Seafood Risotto: A creamy risotto made with fresh shrimp, mussels, and scallops.
- Tuna Tartar: Fresh tuna tartare with avocado and citrus.
- Baked Sea Bass: Sea bass baked with herbs, garlic, and lemon.
Why It’s Great
Sinyaya Ptitsa combines the best of Mediterranean cuisine with fresh seafood options in a relaxed, stylish setting. It’s a great place for pescatarians who love simple, flavorful dishes made from the freshest ingredients.
4. Luch (The Lighthouse)
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Seafood
Location: Krylatskaya Street, 8
Situated near the Moscow River, Luch (also known as The Lighthouse) offers a beautiful view and specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. The restaurant’s airy and light atmosphere, paired with its excellent seafood offerings, makes it a perfect dining destination for seafood lovers.
What to Try
- Seafood Platter: A selection of oysters, shrimp, crab, and smoked fish.
- Grilled Fish: Choose from tuna, salmon, or sea bass, grilled with Mediterranean herbs.
- Paella: A delicious seafood paella packed with mussels, clams, and shrimp.
- Mussels in White Wine: Fresh mussels served with a white wine broth and garlic.
Why It’s Great
With its waterfront location and focus on Mediterranean seafood, Luch provides a memorable dining experience in Moscow, especially for those who love fresh seafood and a relaxed atmosphere.
5. Café Kranzler
Cuisine: Contemporary Russian, European, Seafood
Location: Tverskoy Boulevard, 24
Café Kranzler offers a contemporary take on Russian and European cuisine, with a menu that highlights fresh, sustainable seafood. The restaurant’s cozy atmosphere and modern décor make it a great place to enjoy an elevated seafood dining experience. The seafood is always fresh and the wine list is extensive, ensuring a complete dining experience.
What to Try
- Grilled Salmon: Perfectly cooked salmon, served with seasonal vegetables and a tangy lemon dressing.
- Seafood Pasta: A comforting dish made with shrimp, mussels, and pasta in a rich cream sauce.
- Seafood Tacos: Fish tacos with spicy mayo, avocado, and salsa.
- Clams in Garlic Butter: Fresh clams served with garlic butter and herbs.
Why It’s Great
Café Kranzler combines modern European flavors with fresh, sustainable seafood, making it a standout choice for those seeking a more contemporary seafood dining experience in Moscow.
6. Farsh
Cuisine: Russian, Mediterranean, Seafood
Location: Ulitsa Pyatnitskaya, 24
Known for its fusion approach to both Russian and Mediterranean cuisines, Farsh offers a range of seafood dishes that reflect the restaurant’s commitment to freshness and quality. The seafood menu features both traditional and modern options, ensuring there’s something for every pescatarian.
What to Try
- Octopus Carpaccio: Octopus served thinly sliced with a citrus dressing.
- Grilled Shrimp: Perfectly grilled shrimp with a lemon-garlic sauce.
- Fish Soup: A comforting, light fish soup with fresh herbs and a tangy broth.
- Salmon with Pesto: Grilled salmon served with a zesty basil pesto.
Why It’s Great
The combination of modern and traditional Russian cuisine, along with a focus on fresh seafood, makes Farsh a top spot for those wanting to explore the flavors of the sea in Moscow.
7. Benedict
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Seafood
Location: Ulitsa Tverskaya, 8
Benedict offers a casual yet sophisticated dining experience with a menu that highlights Mediterranean seafood. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the restaurant specializes in fresh fish, seafood platters, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. It’s a great place to enjoy seafood in a laid-back, stylish setting.
What to Try
- Grilled Sardines: Sardines grilled with lemon and herbs.
- Seafood Salad: A light and refreshing salad made with shrimp, crab, and lettuce.
- Seafood Pizza: A thin-crust pizza topped with shrimp, mussels, and squid.
- Lobster Ravioli: Ravioli stuffed with lobster and served in a delicate sauce.
Why It’s Great
The combination of Mediterranean flavors, fresh seafood, and a stylish atmosphere makes Benedict a wonderful choice for pescatarians looking to enjoy a relaxed yet delicious seafood meal.
Conclusion
Moscow’s seafood scene has grown considerably in recent years, with restaurants offering an array of fresh and sustainable seafood options. Whether you prefer Mediterranean flavors, Russian twists, or modern interpretations, the city has a diverse range of seafood restaurants to satisfy every pescatarian’s palate. From luxurious fine dining to casual coastal vibes, Moscow has something for everyone looking to indulge in fresh, high-quality seafood.
