Moscow is home to a vibrant Italian dining scene, offering everything from traditional pasta and pizza to contemporary takes on classic dishes. Whether you’re craving a perfectly cooked pizza with a crispy crust or a bowl of rich, hearty pasta, the Italian restaurants in Moscow deliver authentic, flavorful dishes made with the finest ingredients. Here are the top Italian restaurants in Moscow where you can enjoy some of the best pasta and pizza in the city.
1. Caffé dell’Arte
Caffé dell’Arte is a high-end Italian restaurant that combines traditional recipes with contemporary style. Known for its refined approach to classic Italian cuisine, this restaurant offers a great selection of both pasta and pizza. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, making it perfect for an intimate dinner or a special occasion.
What to Expect:
- Authentic Italian Pizza: Enjoy traditional Neapolitan-style pizza with a perfectly crispy thin crust, topped with fresh ingredients like mozzarella, tomato, and fresh basil.
- Hearty Pasta Dishes: Indulge in expertly made pasta dishes such as fettuccine al tartufo (fettuccine with truffle), spaghetti alla carbonara, and lasagna.
- Sleek Interior: The restaurant’s stylish, contemporary décor creates a chic dining environment perfect for enjoying top-tier Italian cuisine.
Why It’s Great:
- Caffé dell’Arte offers refined, authentic Italian food with a focus on quality ingredients, making it a perfect choice for pasta and pizza lovers looking for a more sophisticated Italian dining experience.
2. Giuseppe
Giuseppe is a celebrated chain of Italian restaurants in Moscow, offering authentic and high-quality Italian dishes. Known for its cozy, rustic atmosphere and attentive service, this restaurant specializes in both handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza.
What to Expect:
- Handmade Pasta: Enjoy a variety of freshly made pasta, such as pappardelle with wild boar ragu, ravioli with ricotta and spinach, and tagliatelle with seafood.
- Wood-Fired Pizza: Giuseppe’s wood-fired oven produces crispy, authentic pizzas with a deliciously smoky flavor. The margherita and quattro stagioni are especially popular.
- Rustic, Cozy Interior: The warm, inviting atmosphere with wooden beams and classic Italian elements gives the restaurant a rustic charm.
Why It’s Great:
- Giuseppe excels at creating an authentic Italian dining experience, with freshly made pasta and wood-fired pizza that transport you straight to Italy.
3. Osteria Toscana
Located in central Moscow, Osteria Toscana is a charming Italian restaurant that specializes in classic Tuscan cuisine. The menu features an impressive selection of pasta, pizza, and other Italian dishes, all prepared with the finest ingredients.
What to Expect:
- Tuscan Pasta Dishes: Dive into rich pasta dishes like pappardelle with duck ragu, gnocchi with gorgonzola, or a classic spaghetti aglio e olio.
- Neapolitan Pizza: Savor authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas with fresh, high-quality toppings and a light, airy crust. The pizza margherita and pizza prosciutto e funghi are crowd favorites.
- Warm Atmosphere: Osteria Toscana’s rustic décor, complete with wooden tables and vintage Italian accents, creates a cozy environment perfect for an intimate meal.
Why It’s Great:
- Osteria Toscana offers a genuine taste of Tuscany in Moscow, with a focus on fresh ingredients, traditional recipes, and authentic Italian flavors.
4. Il Forno
Il Forno is an upscale Italian restaurant that combines modern design with classic Italian flavors. Located in the heart of Moscow, this restaurant offers a wide variety of pasta and pizza dishes, along with a selection of Italian wines to complement the meal.
What to Expect:
- Fresh Pasta: Il Forno’s menu includes a variety of freshly made pasta dishes, such as spaghetti vongole, ravioli with ricotta, and fettuccine with truffle sauce.
- Wood-Fired Pizza: The restaurant is known for its wood-fired pizzas, which are crispy and flavorful, with a selection of toppings like mozzarella di bufala, salami, and fresh vegetables.
- Elegant Modern Setting: The sleek and modern interior, complete with stylish furnishings and an open kitchen, makes it an ideal place for a chic dining experience.
Why It’s Great:
- Il Forno offers an upscale experience, serving high-quality pasta and pizza in a contemporary setting with a fantastic wine selection to pair.
5. Bontempi
Bontempi is an Italian restaurant known for its commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and offering a classic Italian dining experience. The restaurant is particularly popular for its handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza.
What to Expect:
- Fresh, Handmade Pasta: Bontempi offers a variety of pasta dishes made with care, including tagliatelle with truffle cream, lasagna, and spaghetti with seafood.
- Authentic Pizza: The wood-fired pizza at Bontempi is perfectly crispy with a deliciously chewy crust. Options like the pizza margherita and pizza quattro formaggi are popular choices.
- Casual, Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The ambiance is warm and welcoming, making it a great spot for families and groups of friends to enjoy a delicious meal together.
Why It’s Great:
- Bontempi offers delicious, authentic Italian food in a comfortable, family-friendly environment, making it a great choice for a casual night out.
6. Mamma Roma
Mamma Roma is a beloved Italian restaurant in Moscow, offering a range of Italian classics with a particular focus on fresh pasta and authentic pizzas. The restaurant is known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent service.
What to Expect:
- Fresh Pasta: The menu features an assortment of fresh pasta dishes, including pasta alla norma, spaghetti carbonara, and pappardelle with wild boar ragu.
- Neapolitan-Style Pizza: Enjoy pizza made with fresh, authentic ingredients, such as pizza margherita, pizza capricciosa, and pizza alla diavola.
- Friendly Atmosphere: The laid-back and warm interior makes Mamma Roma a great place for a casual dinner with friends or family.
Why It’s Great:
- Mamma Roma delivers delicious, classic Italian dishes in a relaxed, welcoming environment, making it an excellent choice for anyone craving homestyle Italian comfort food.
7. Pesto Café
For a cozy yet chic experience, Pesto Café offers a delightful selection of Italian dishes in an inviting, modern setting. The restaurant has a reputation for serving fresh, flavorful pasta and pizza, perfect for any Italian food lover.
What to Expect:
- Delicious Pasta: From linguine with shrimp to gnocchi with gorgonzola, the pasta dishes are made with love and high-quality ingredients.
- Wood-Fired Pizza: The pizzas at Pesto Café are crisp and flavorful, with options like pizza margherita, pizza quattro stagioni, and pizza with truffle.
- Stylish Setting: The interior is sleek and modern, with plenty of natural light and cozy seating for a relaxed meal with friends.
Why It’s Great:
- Pesto Café is perfect for those looking for fresh, authentic Italian cuisine in a trendy yet comfortable space that’s ideal for a relaxed meal.
Conclusion
Moscow is home to a fantastic selection of Italian restaurants, where you can enjoy authentic pasta and pizza made with high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes. From the upscale elegance of Il Forno and Caffé dell’Arte to the rustic charm of Giuseppe and Mamma Roma, these restaurants offer the perfect blend of delicious food and authentic Italian atmosphere. Whether you’re craving a flaky pizza or a bowl of handmade pasta, Moscow’s Italian dining scene has something for everyone to enjoy.
