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Top Self-Service and Cafeteria-Style Restaurants in Moscow

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Moscow offers a wide range of dining experiences, and if you’re looking for something casual, quick, and affordable, self-service and cafeteria-style restaurants are excellent choices. These types of eateries are perfect for those who want a more relaxed dining experience without compromising on quality. Here’s a list of some of the top self-service and cafeteria-style restaurants in Moscow, where you can enjoy delicious meals in a laid-back atmosphere.

1. Mari Vanna

Why It’s Great:

Mari Vanna is a cozy, nostalgic restaurant that feels like a traditional Russian home. Although it’s often associated with table service, it has a cafeteria-style counter where you can quickly grab classic Russian dishes, making it a hybrid between both styles.

What to Try:

  • Borscht (traditional beet soup)
  • Pelmeni (dumplings)
  • Solyanka (hearty soup)

Location:

  • Tverskoy Blvd, 18, Moscow

2. Varenichnaya №1

Why It’s Great:

This popular self-service restaurant offers a great selection of Russian comfort foods, especially famous for its varenyky (dumplings). It’s a nostalgic spot where you can quickly pick your food from the display case and enjoy it in a casual environment.

What to Try:

  • Varenyky with various fillings (cheese, mushrooms, berries)
  • Shchi (cabbage soup)
  • Russian salads like Olivier salad

Location:

  • Various locations across Moscow, including Tverskaya St., Kievskaya, and others

3. Cherkizovo Market

Why It’s Great:

Cherkizovo is one of Moscow’s largest self-service food markets, offering a wide variety of meals that cater to both local Russian tastes and international flavors. It’s a great place to try different types of Russian and European dishes in a cafeteria-style setting.

What to Try:

  • Shashlik (grilled meat skewers)
  • Pirozhki (small stuffed pastries)
  • Blini (Russian pancakes)

Location:

  • Ulitsa Kirpichnaya, 10, Moscow

4. Gorky Café (Gorky Central Park)

Why It’s Great:

Located in the scenic Gorky Central Park, the Gorky Café offers a mix of self-service and cafeteria-style options, with a variety of Russian and European dishes. It’s perfect for those looking to grab a meal while enjoying the outdoor park atmosphere.

What to Try:

  • Grilled meats and salads
  • Cold soups like okroshka
  • Pastries and sandwiches for a quick snack

Location:

  • Krymsky Val, 9, Moscow (inside Gorky Central Park)

5. Café Pushkin (Buffet Style)

Why It’s Great:

Although Café Pushkin is mostly known for its fine dining atmosphere, it also has a self-service buffet-style option where you can sample Russian classics at your own pace. The atmosphere is elegant yet casual enough for a quick meal.

What to Try:

  • Caviar and smoked fish platters
  • Beef stroganoff
  • Traditional Russian desserts like blini with jam or tartlets

Location:

  • Tverskoy Blvd, 26A, Moscow

6. Solyanka Market

Why It’s Great:

A popular choice for both locals and tourists, Solyanka Market offers a self-service style of dining with a variety of Russian dishes and international cuisine. It’s known for its affordable prices and excellent food quality.

What to Try:

Location:

  • Solyanka St., Moscow

7. Café Sibir

Why It’s Great:

Located near the Kievskiy Railway Station, Café Sibir offers a great mix of Russian traditional and regional Siberian food in a self-service format. It’s a cozy place to sample hearty dishes while sitting in a relaxed environment.

What to Try:

  • Siberian dumplings
  • Shchi (cabbage soup)
  • Mushroom and meat stews

Location:

  • Kievsky Station, 2nd Floor, Moscow

8. Dva Kapitana

Why It’s Great:

Dva Kapitana is a classic self-service restaurant that has been serving up great Russian comfort food for years. This spot is well-known for its affordability and simple yet flavorful Russian dishes. It’s perfect for a quick meal without the fuss.

What to Try:

  • Shashlik (skewered meat)
  • Potato pancakes with sour cream
  • Mushroom and cabbage dishes

Location:

  • 10/1 Tverskaya St., Moscow

9. Khorosheye Mesto

Why It’s Great:

This cafeteria-style restaurant offers a variety of traditional Russian dishes served in a fast-casual environment. It’s popular with both locals and tourists due to its affordable pricing and quality food.

What to Try:

  • Salmon and potato salads
  • Grilled meats and vegetable sides
  • Traditional Russian dumplings

Location:

  • Ulitsa Bolshaya Nikitskaya, Moscow

10. Yeliseyevsky Shop and Café

Why It’s Great:

Located in a historic building, Yeliseyevsky Shop and Café offers both self-service and table service options. The cafeteria section features an impressive selection of traditional Russian food in a bustling atmosphere.

What to Try:

  • Olivier Salad (Russian salad)
  • Borscht with sour cream
  • Kholodets (jellied meat)

Location:

  • Tverskaya St., Moscow

Conclusion

Moscow’s self-service and cafeteria-style restaurants offer an accessible and delicious way to enjoy traditional Russian dishes without the formality of fine dining. Whether you’re in the mood for hearty dumplings, soul-warming soups, or freshly grilled meats, these restaurants provide a relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to try a wide variety of local favorites at your own pace.

From the traditional Russian comfort food at Varenichnaya №1 to international options at Solyanka Market, these spots provide great options for a quick, satisfying meal while experiencing Moscow’s food culture. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, these eateries are an excellent way to get a taste of Moscow without breaking the bank.

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