Moscow’s café scene offers a wonderful blend of traditional flavors and modern treats, and Russian ice cream is an iconic dessert you shouldn’t miss. Known for its rich, creamy texture and unique flavors, Russian ice cream is often made with high-quality milk and local ingredients, creating a truly delightful experience. Whether you enjoy a classic vanilla scoop, something with berries, or a more adventurous flavor, there are several cafés around Moscow that offer the best ice cream in a cozy, inviting setting. Here are some of the best places in Moscow to enjoy Russian ice cream in a charming café atmosphere.
1. Gelateria di Roma
A favorite for those seeking authentic Italian ice cream with a Russian twist, Gelateria di Roma blends the best of both worlds by offering gourmet ice cream with a distinctly Russian flair. Located in the heart of Moscow, this gelateria uses traditional Italian techniques while incorporating local Russian ingredients to create an unforgettable ice cream experience.
What to Expect:
- Authentic Gelato: Gelateria di Roma offers creamy Italian gelato, with rich flavors like chocolate, pistachio, and strawberry, as well as some unique Russian-inspired creations.
- Russian Influences: Look out for ice cream made with Russian berries, such as black currant and cloudberry, giving it a local twist.
- Cozy Café Ambiance: The café has a charming, cozy interior, making it a perfect place to relax and indulge in your ice cream.
Why It’s Great:
- Gelateria di Roma combines Italian ice cream craftsmanship with Russian ingredients, providing a unique twist on traditional gelato in a cozy, welcoming setting.
2. Varenichnaya №1
Known for serving traditional Russian dishes, Varenichnaya №1 also offers a delicious selection of Russian-style ice creams. The café’s emphasis on local flavors makes it a great spot for those who want to enjoy ice cream made with ingredients that reflect Russia’s culinary heritage.
What to Expect:
- Russian Ice Cream Specialties: Enjoy classic Russian ice cream options like Plombir, a rich and creamy treat made with local milk and vanilla, as well as ice creams infused with traditional Russian flavors like condensed milk and honey.
- Charming Café Vibe: The cozy, homey atmosphere of Varenichnaya №1 makes it the perfect place to enjoy a sweet treat in a relaxed setting.
- Comforting Desserts: Pair your ice cream with other Russian desserts such as pancakes or pies for a truly indulgent experience.
Why It’s Great:
- Varenichnaya №1 offers a blend of traditional Russian ice cream and a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit for dessert lovers in Moscow.
3. Café Pushkin
Café Pushkin is an iconic and luxurious restaurant that brings traditional Russian cuisine to the forefront, and their ice cream offerings are no exception. Known for its elegant setting and high-end service, this is a great place to enjoy Russian ice cream in a refined, café-style atmosphere.
What to Expect:
- Russian Ice Cream Classics: The café serves classic Russian ice cream like Plombir, as well as unique ice cream-based desserts like Russian-style ice cream cakes and ice cream with wild berries.
- Sophisticated Atmosphere: The elegant, aristocratic interior of Café Pushkin makes it an ideal place for indulging in luxurious Russian desserts in a relaxed, refined environment.
- Traditional Flavors: In addition to ice cream, the café offers Russian sweets such as torte and pavlova, complementing your ice cream experience.
Why It’s Great:
- Café Pushkin offers classic Russian ice cream in a luxurious, nostalgic setting, making it the perfect spot for a special treat.
4. Koffein
A trendy and modern café in Moscow, Koffein is not only known for its exceptional coffee but also for serving up delightful Russian-style ice cream. The café combines a relaxed atmosphere with gourmet desserts, making it the perfect place to enjoy a cool treat while sipping on a perfectly brewed coffee.
What to Expect:
- Unique Ice Cream Flavors: Koffein serves Russian ice cream made from local milk and seasonal fruits, including options like black currant, cherry, and wild berry ice cream.
- Stylish Setting: With its modern design and minimalist décor, Koffein offers a chic, comfortable place to enjoy ice cream and coffee.
- Artisan Desserts: In addition to ice cream, Koffein offers a variety of handmade pastries and tarts, perfect for pairing with your dessert.
Why It’s Great:
- Koffein blends gourmet coffee and Russian ice cream, creating a stylish café where you can indulge in both local flavors and international treats.
5. Café Zvezda
If you’re in the mood for Russian ice cream in a more retro-style setting, Café Zvezda offers a nostalgic atmosphere with its Soviet-era charm. The café focuses on offering traditional Russian ice cream flavors, providing a delightful taste of the past.
What to Expect:
- Traditional Soviet Ice Cream: Café Zvezda specializes in classic Russian ice cream such as Plombir and Soviet-style cones, made with fresh local ingredients.
- Retro Café Ambience: The décor of Café Zvezda takes you back in time with its Soviet-inspired design, creating a nostalgic atmosphere for enjoying your ice cream.
- Old-Fashioned Treats: The menu features a selection of ice cream cones, cups, and sundaes, served just like in the old days.
Why It’s Great:
- Café Zvezda offers authentic Soviet-style ice cream in a nostalgic setting, making it a fun, unique destination for those seeking a taste of history with their dessert.
6. Shokoladnitsa
A staple in Moscow’s café scene, Shokoladnitsa is famous for its chocolate desserts and sweet treats, including Russian ice cream served with various toppings. The café offers a charming setting to enjoy your dessert with friends or family.
What to Expect:
- Ice Cream with Toppings: Enjoy traditional Plombir ice cream topped with chocolate sauce, fruit, or whipped cream.
- Sweet Treats: Shokoladnitsa also serves chocolate cakes, pastries, and baked goods, creating the perfect sweet menu to complement your ice cream.
- Warm and Cozy Atmosphere: The inviting, casual vibe of Shokoladnitsa makes it a great spot for enjoying desserts with friends or family.
Why It’s Great:
- Shokoladnitsa combines Russian ice cream with sweet toppings in a cozy, family-friendly setting, making it perfect for a casual ice cream treat.
7. Pinzeria by Bontempi
While known for its Italian-inspired dishes, Pinzeria by Bontempi also offers delicious Russian-style ice cream, providing a fusion of flavors and cultures in a relaxed café atmosphere. This spot is perfect for enjoying a gourmet treat in a stylish setting.
What to Expect:
- Italian-Russian Ice Cream Fusion: Pinzeria serves classic Russian ice cream made with tvorog (cottage cheese) for a creamy and rich texture, paired with Italian toppings like pistachios or hazelnuts.
- Artisanal Desserts: In addition to ice cream, Pinzeria offers a variety of Italian-style desserts such as tiramisu and cannoli, perfect for pairing with your ice cream.
- Modern Café Vibe: The modern, minimalist design of Pinzeria makes it a trendy spot for enjoying a dessert in style.
Why It’s Great:
- Pinzeria by Bontempi offers a creative twist on traditional Russian ice cream, blending Italian flavors with local classics for a unique dessert experience.
8. Buro Espresso Bar
For those who love a coffee-and-dessert combination, Buro Espresso Bar is the place to go. Known for its high-quality espresso drinks, Buro also offers Russian ice cream as the perfect complement to your coffee.
What to Expect:
- Russian Ice Cream with Coffee: Enjoy a scoop of Plombir or fruit-flavored ice cream paired with a rich espresso or iced coffee.
- Chic, Contemporary Design: The café has a sleek, modern vibe, with plenty of space for enjoying your ice cream while sipping on a freshly brewed coffee.
- Innovative Pairings: Buro often experiments with creative dessert combinations, offering unique ice cream floats and other inventive pairings.
Why It’s Great:
- Buro Espresso Bar offers premium Russian ice cream in combination with expertly brewed coffee, creating a perfect dessert experience for those who love both.
9. Café 22
Café 22 is a trendy café located in the heart of Moscow, serving high-end Russian ice cream in a sleek, modern setting. This is a great spot for anyone looking to enjoy a stylish dessert experience.
What to Expect:
- Luxurious Ice Cream: Café 22 serves ice cream made from fresh, high-quality ingredients, offering classic Plombir as well as inventive seasonal flavors.
- Elegant Setting: The modern, minimalist décor provides a chic and sophisticated space to enjoy your ice cream in comfort.
- Perfect Pairings: Pair your ice cream with one of their famous coffees or a smoothie for the ultimate treat.
Why It’s Great:
- Café 22 combines gourmet ice cream with a chic, modern atmosphere, making it an ideal place for enjoying a luxurious dessert experience.
10. Ice Creamery
Ice Creamery is a specialty ice cream shop in Moscow that focuses entirely on premium ice cream made with fresh, local ingredients. Known for its creative flavors and quality, this café provides a sweet escape for ice cream lovers.
What to Expect:
- Creative Flavors: In addition to classic Russian ice cream like Plombir, Ice Creamery offers seasonal and innovative flavors, such as citrus, berries, and chocolate hazelnut.
- Fresh Ingredients: All ice creams are made using high-quality, local milk and fresh fruits, ensuring a rich and flavorful experience.
- Cozy Café Setting: The café has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a sweet treat.
Why It’s Great:
- Ice Creamery offers premium, locally made ice cream in a cozy environment, making it a perfect spot for dessert lovers looking to indulge in high-quality ice cream.
Conclusion
Moscow offers a wide range of wonderful spots to enjoy Russian ice cream, from classic Plombir to creative flavors made with local fruits and ingredients. Whether you prefer a luxurious café like Café Pushkin, a charming spot like Varenichnaya №1, or a modern ice cream experience at Ice Creamery, Moscow’s ice cream cafés provide something for every taste and style. Don’t miss the chance to savor Russian ice cream at its finest while relaxing in these cozy, inviting settings.
