Moscow offers a wealth of themed cafés that provide not only delicious food and drinks but also unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re into vintage decor, space exploration, or literary themes, there’s something for everyone looking for a unique dining experience. Here’s a guide to the top 10 themed cafés in Moscow, where you can immerse yourself in an extraordinary atmosphere while enjoying a great meal or drink.
1. Café Pushkin
Theme: Russian Aristocracy, 19th Century
Location: Tverskoy Boulevard, 26/1
Café Pushkin is a beautifully designed café that transports you back to the 19th century Russian aristocracy. The interior resembles a classic Russian mansion, with opulent chandeliers, elegant mirrors, and a luxurious setting that makes it feel like you’ve stepped into a bygone era.
Why It’s Unique
The café’s old-world Russian charm pairs perfectly with its menu of French and Russian classics. You can indulge in traditional Russian dishes in an atmosphere that feels both regal and welcoming.
2. Bar Gorky
Theme: Soviet Retro, 1980s
Location: 1st Tverskaya-Yamskaya, 27
Bar Gorky is a vibrant, retro-themed bar that channels the spirit of Soviet 1980s nostalgia. The décor is filled with Soviet-era memorabilia, from old posters to vintage radios. It’s like stepping into a time machine that takes you straight to the Soviet past.
Why It’s Unique
From its Soviet-style furniture to the signature cocktails inspired by Soviet flavors, Bar Gorky is a great spot to relive the past while enjoying a modern twist on the classics.
3. Vino e Cucina
Theme: Italian Elegance, Cozy Vineyard
Location: Gorky Park, Krymsky Val, 9
Vino e Cucina is an Italian-themed café and restaurant that transports you to the countryside vineyards of Tuscany. The warm, rustic ambiance, complete with wooden tables, terracotta floors, and lush plant life, creates the perfect setting for enjoying classic Italian dishes paired with fine wines.
Why It’s Unique
The Italian countryside atmosphere and exceptional wine list make this place perfect for anyone craving Italian cuisine in an elegant, cozy environment.
4. The Old Tower Café
Theme: Medieval, Castle
Location: Ulitsa Bolshaya Dmitrovka, 18
The Old Tower Café offers a medieval castle-themed dining experience. The interior features stone walls, wooden tables, and tapestries, giving it the feel of a medieval fortress. The menu offers hearty, rustic dishes inspired by medieval European cuisine.
Why It’s Unique
The castlesque setting combined with a robust menu makes it an ideal spot for anyone wanting to dine like royalty in a medieval-inspired space.
5. Library Café
Theme: Literary, Book-themed
Location: Ulitsa Novy Arbat, 16
Library Café is a paradise for book lovers. The café’s décor is designed to resemble a classic library, with bookshelves full of novels, old tomes, and literary classics. The ambiance encourages visitors to sip on coffee or tea while browsing through the café’s book collection.
Why It’s Unique
If you love reading while enjoying a good meal or drink, this is the perfect café for you. The library-like atmosphere, combined with thoughtfully crafted dishes, makes for a perfect retreat for literary enthusiasts.
6. Cosmonaut Café
Theme: Space, Soviet Space Exploration
Location: Ulitsa Novy Arbat, 21
For anyone fascinated by space and the Soviet Union’s role in the space race, Cosmonaut Café offers a truly out-of-this-world experience. The café features a décor dedicated to the Soviet space program, with walls covered in space posters, astronaut suits, and spacecraft memorabilia.
Why It’s Unique
The space theme is reflected in both the interior design and the menu, which offers space-inspired cocktails and dishes. Dining here is an adventure of its own, making you feel like a cosmonaut from the Soviet era.
7. Café de la Paix
Theme: Parisian Elegance, French Café
Location: Teatralny Proyezd, 2
Café de la Paix is an elegant Parisian-inspired café that brings the charm of Parisian café culture to Moscow. The classic French-style décor, with its white marble tables, chandeliers, and soft lighting, creates the perfect setting for enjoying a French breakfast or afternoon tea.
Why It’s Unique
The French flair combined with the luxurious atmosphere offers an intimate dining experience perfect for indulging in traditional French pastries, cheeses, and wines.
8. Sheremetyevo Café
Theme: Travel, Airport Lounge
Location: Sheremetyevo International Airport, Terminal D
Sheremetyevo Café is a unique travel-themed café located inside Sheremetyevo Airport, designed to make you feel like you’re dining in a luxurious airport lounge. The café is inspired by the world of aviation, with sleek, modern décor and in-flight inspired dishes.
Why It’s Unique
This café is perfect for travelers looking to relax with a comforting meal before their flight, offering a futuristic ambiance and a chance to experience the airport atmosphere in an entirely new way.
9. The Wizard’s Café
Theme: Fantasy, Wizardry
Location: Ulitsa Bolshaya Yakimanka, 14
For fans of magic and fantasy, The Wizard’s Café offers a whimsical experience straight out of a wizard’s world. The café is filled with fantastical décor, including wizard hats, potion bottles, and spell books. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to dine in a magical, fantasy-inspired space.
Why It’s Unique
If you’ve always dreamed of being part of the wizarding world, this café brings that fantasy to life with fun, magical-themed food and drinks.
10. Moss Café
Theme: Nature, Forest
Location: Ulitsa Tverskaya, 6
Moss Café brings the outdoors inside with its nature-inspired décor, featuring plenty of plants, wooden furniture, and natural elements. The café is designed to make you feel like you’re dining in a forest or nature reserve.
Why It’s Unique
The eco-friendly, nature-themed setting is perfect for those looking for a calming and refreshing dining experience. The menu emphasizes healthy and sustainable dishes, making it ideal for anyone who loves nature and fresh food.
Conclusion
Moscow is home to an incredible variety of themed cafés, each offering a unique experience that goes beyond just food. Whether you’re indulging in a medieval castle setting at The Old Tower Café or stepping into a wizard’s magical world at The Wizard’s Café, these establishments offer a fun way to experience dining in a new and exciting context. From Soviet nostalgia to French elegance, these cafés are perfect for anyone looking to enjoy an unforgettable meal in an atmosphere that is as much a part of the experience as the food itself.
