Moscow’s vibrant dining scene is filled with restaurants that offer much more than just great food—they provide an immersive experience through retro-inspired designs and nostalgic themes. Whether you’re looking to relive the charm of Soviet-era Russia or enjoy an atmosphere reminiscent of mid-century elegance, these retro-styled restaurants in Moscow will transport you back in time while serving delicious meals. Here’s a list of top retro-themed restaurants in Moscow that you can’t miss.
1. Café Pushkin
Cuisine: Russian, French
Location: Tverskoy Boulevard, 26/1
Café Pushkin is the epitome of retro elegance in Moscow, offering a luxurious, 19th-century aristocratic dining experience. The restaurant’s decor is designed to mimic a pre-Revolutionary Russian mansion, with opulent chandeliers, vintage furniture, and classic artwork that evoke the grandeur of the Tsarist era.
What to Try
- Beef Stroganoff: A rich and creamy classic.
- Olivier Salad: Traditional Russian potato salad.
- Pelmeni: Russian dumplings served with sour cream.
Why It’s Great
Café Pushkin is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. The atmosphere is designed to transport you to the elegance of Russian aristocracy, making it the perfect place for a special meal in a truly nostalgic setting.
2. Varenichnaya №1
Cuisine: Russian
Location: Various locations across Moscow
For a more casual retro experience, Varenichnaya №1 offers a cozy, vintage-inspired space that’s all about comfort food. The restaurant’s design channels the charm of Soviet-era cafes, complete with retro wallpaper, old Soviet posters, and a laid-back atmosphere.
What to Try
- Pelmeni: Traditional Russian dumplings stuffed with beef, pork, or mushrooms.
- Vareniki: Dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, or cherries.
- Borscht: A classic beetroot soup served with sour cream.
Why It’s Great
The Soviet nostalgia at Varenichnaya №1 is palpable, from the old-school decor to the simple, comforting dishes that evoke memories of traditional Russian home cooking. It’s a fun and affordable way to dive into Russia’s past while enjoying hearty meals.
3. Glavpivtrest
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Varvarka Street, 6
Glavpivtrest is a retro restaurant with a twist, inspired by the Soviet era, especially when it comes to its design and menu. The restaurant is named after the Soviet-era Soviet state brewery, and the interior is filled with vintage industrial décor, Soviet-era posters, and old brewing equipment, creating a unique throwback vibe.
What to Try
- Pork Shashlik: Marinated and grilled to perfection, served with fresh veggies.
- Russian Beer Snacks: Enjoy an assortment of traditional snacks, like salo (cured pork fat) and pickles.
- Russian Dumplings (Pelmeni): A must-try in this Soviet-inspired space.
Why It’s Great
Glavpivtrest transports you straight to the Soviet past, offering hearty dishes alongside a fantastic selection of Russian beers. It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to combine nostalgia with a rustic dining experience.
4. Soviet Café
Cuisine: Soviet, Russian
Location: Tverskaya Street, 5
For an authentic Soviet-style café experience, Soviet Café takes you right back to the mid-20th century. The menu focuses on the kind of meals you would find in Soviet-era canteens, and the design incorporates old Soviet furniture, black-and-white photos, and even communist-era memorabilia.
What to Try
- Borscht: A classic, hearty beetroot soup with a dollop of sour cream.
- Herring Under Fur Coat: A traditional Russian salad layered with herring, beetroot, and potatoes.
- Soviet-Style Pirozhki: Small pies filled with meat or vegetables.
Why It’s Great
The vintage charm of the restaurant, along with its affordable prices and traditional dishes, make it an ideal spot for anyone looking to relive the Soviet culinary experience.
5. Sirius
Cuisine: European, Russian
Location: Zubovsky Boulevard, 6
If you’re in the mood for a Soviet chic experience, Sirius is a must-visit. This restaurant channels a retro futuristic style, blending Soviet-era elements with a modern, sleek look. The menu features a mix of traditional Russian dishes and contemporary European influences, served in an atmosphere that feels like stepping into an old Soviet space station.
What to Try
- Soviet Meatloaf: A nod to traditional Soviet home-cooking.
- Beef Stroganoff: A Russian classic, rich and indulgent.
- Kholodets: A cold meat jelly, a traditional Russian dish.
Why It’s Great
The retro-futuristic design of Sirius is both stylish and fun, offering a mix of the old Soviet charm with modern dining techniques. It’s the perfect place for those looking for a unique, themed dining experience.
6. Shashlychny Dvorik
Cuisine: Russian, Barbecue
Location: Tverskaya Street, 10
Shashlychny Dvorik is a rustic restaurant that offers Soviet-style barbecue in a cozy, retro setting. The décor features traditional Russian wooden furniture and vintage Soviet paraphernalia, giving the restaurant a homey, nostalgic feel. It’s an ideal place for a hearty, comforting meal that brings you back to a simpler time.
What to Try
- Shashlik: Traditional Russian barbecue with skewered meats.
- Pickles: A variety of Soviet-style pickled vegetables to pair with your meal.
- Solyanka: A rich Russian soup made with meat, pickles, and vegetables.
Why It’s Great
The retro Soviet design paired with flavorful, grilled meat dishes creates a perfect casual dining experience. Shashlychny Dvorik offers a taste of traditional Russian comfort food in an environment full of nostalgia.
7. Cafe-Teatr Vysotsky
Cuisine: Russian
Location: Arbat Street, 22
Cafe-Teatr Vysotsky is a restaurant dedicated to Vladimir Vysotsky, the legendary Soviet singer and poet. The restaurant’s design reflects the artistic flair of Vysotsky’s era, with black-and-white photos, old Soviet records, and memorabilia celebrating his life and work. This café is more than just a place to eat—it’s a tribute to Soviet music history.
What to Try
- Borscht: The famous beetroot soup served with a dollop of sour cream.
- Vysotsky’s Steak: A hearty steak served with vegetables.
- Soviet Shashlik: A juicy, grilled version of the classic shashlik.
Why It’s Great
With its retro atmosphere and homage to Vysotsky, this is the perfect spot for those who want to experience Soviet culture through food and art.
8. Burek Café
Cuisine: Central Asian, Russian
Location: Malaya Bronnaya Street, 17
Burek Café transports diners to the days of Soviet Central Asia, with a focus on the flavors of countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. The café’s décor features retro Soviet-style murals, artwork, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels like a step back in time.
What to Try
- Burek: Traditional Central Asian pastries filled with meat or vegetables.
- Pilaf: A hearty dish of rice and lamb, cooked to perfection.
- Kebab: Juicy skewers of meat served with flatbread.
Why It’s Great
The Central Asian charm combined with the Soviet-inspired design makes this café a great spot for experiencing the flavors of the Soviet Union’s southern republics, all while enjoying an affordable, cozy meal.
Conclusion
Moscow is home to a range of retro-styled restaurants that offer not only delicious food but also an immersive experience that takes you back in time. Whether you’re visiting Café Pushkin for an aristocratic dinner or enjoying Soviet-themed comfort food at Varenichnaya №1, these restaurants provide the perfect blend of nostalgia and culinary delights. Each offers a unique glimpse into the Soviet past while serving up traditional Russian dishes in cozy, atmospheric settings.