As the leaves change color and the crisp autumn air sets in, Moscow transforms into a city brimming with seasonal flavors. Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy comforting dishes made from locally harvested ingredients like pumpkin, mushrooms, root vegetables, and game meats. Whether you’re craving hearty soups, rich stews, or decadent desserts, Moscow’s restaurants offer a wide array of options to celebrate the flavors of fall. Here’s where you can experience the best autumn flavors in Moscow.
1. LavkaLavka
Cuisine: Russian, Farm-to-Table
Location: Kuznetsky Most, 6
LavkaLavka is one of Moscow’s top farm-to-table restaurants, known for its commitment to seasonal, organic ingredients. In autumn, the restaurant celebrates the harvest with an extensive menu that features root vegetables, mushrooms, and other fall produce. The menu changes based on what’s in season, allowing guests to experience the freshest flavors of autumn.
What to Try
- Borscht: A classic Russian beet soup that’s especially perfect for the autumn season.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like carrots, beets, and squash.
- Wild Mushroom Soup: Rich and earthy, perfect for the colder weather.
- Pumpkin Pie: A seasonal dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why It’s Great
The restaurant’s focus on local, sustainable ingredients makes LavkaLavka a fantastic choice for experiencing autumn’s best flavors. Its menu highlights seasonal produce, and the cozy atmosphere adds to the enjoyment of fall-inspired dishes.
2. Café Pushkin
Cuisine: Russian, French
Location: Tverskoy Boulevard, 26/1
Café Pushkin is a Moscow institution that serves a mix of classic Russian and French cuisine in an elegant, historical setting. During the autumn months, the restaurant focuses on heartwarming dishes that reflect the season’s abundance, with comforting soups, stews, and dishes featuring game meats.
What to Try
- Duck with Apple and Berries: The rich, hearty flavors of duck complemented by the sweetness of autumn fruits.
- Pelmeni: Traditional Russian dumplings filled with meat or mushrooms, served with sour cream.
- Stewed Venison: A luxurious autumn dish made with tender venison, perfect for the season.
- Apple Strudel: A warm dessert with autumn apples wrapped in a crispy pastry.
Why It’s Great
The combination of luxury dining and seasonal flavors at Café Pushkin makes it the perfect spot to enjoy the comforting and rich tastes of autumn. The elegant setting adds to the experience of enjoying classic Russian and French autumn dishes.
3. Warshawa
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Smolenskaya Square, 3
Warshawa is a cozy restaurant offering a mix of traditional Russian and European cuisine. Its autumn menu is all about hearty stews, rich meats, and roasted vegetables, designed to warm you up during the cooler months. The interior’s rustic charm makes it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing meal while taking in the flavors of the season.
What to Try
- Shchi (Cabbage Soup): A comforting, hearty soup made with cabbage, potatoes, and root vegetables.
- Beef Stroganoff: Tender pieces of beef in a rich, creamy sauce.
- Roast Pork with Apples: A flavorful combination of pork and autumn apples, roasted to perfection.
- Mushroom Tart: A savory pie filled with autumn mushrooms and herbs.
Why It’s Great
Warshawa offers a delightful atmosphere with seasonal Russian dishes that truly reflect the heartiness of autumn. It’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a classic, rustic autumn meal in a cozy, inviting space.
4. Gorky Park Café
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Gorky Park, Krymsky Val, 9
Located in the heart of Gorky Park, Gorky Park Café provides a relaxing space to enjoy seasonal flavors while surrounded by the park’s beautiful autumn landscape. The café’s menu features hearty, comforting dishes with an emphasis on Russian and European cuisine, making it an ideal spot to experience fall’s best ingredients.
What to Try
- Mushroom Soup: A rich and earthy soup made with wild mushrooms.
- Stewed Lamb: Tender lamb cooked with autumn herbs and vegetables.
- Autumn Salad: A fresh, seasonal salad featuring roasted squash and beets.
- Homemade Apple Cake: A perfect dessert to enjoy the autumn apple harvest.
Why It’s Great
With a scenic view of the park and a menu that changes with the seasons, Gorky Park Café offers an ideal place to enjoy the flavors of fall. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a sweet treat, this café offers a wonderful autumn dining experience.
5. Tsekh 85
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Arbat Street, 85
Tsekh 85 offers a modern take on Russian and European classics. This spot is beloved by both locals and chefs for its focus on seasonal produce and modern techniques. During the autumn months, the menu highlights fall vegetables, wild mushrooms, and game meats, providing a truly seasonal dining experience.
What to Try
- Wild Mushroom Risotto: A creamy risotto made with a mix of wild mushrooms.
- Venison Stew: A rich and hearty dish with venison, root vegetables, and a savory sauce.
- Autumn Vegetable Medley: A simple, flavorful dish made with seasonal vegetables like squash and carrots.
- Chestnut Cake: A decadent dessert featuring the earthy richness of chestnuts.
Why It’s Great
The restaurant’s focus on seasonal ingredients and innovative cooking techniques makes Tsekh 85 a great place to enjoy autumn dishes in a modern and stylish environment. The menu’s reliance on fresh, local ingredients ensures that every dish reflects the best of the season.
6. Café Kranzler
Cuisine: European, Contemporary
Location: Tverskoy Boulevard, 24
For a more contemporary experience, Café Kranzler offers a modern menu that blends European and Russian influences, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s cozy ambiance and creative autumn dishes make it a popular spot for those wanting to enjoy fall flavors in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting.
What to Try
- Pumpkin Soup: A creamy, warming soup made with pumpkin and spices.
- Autumn Goulash: A rich, hearty stew made with beef and root vegetables.
- Autumn Tart: A sweet dessert made with seasonal fruits like apples and pears.
Why It’s Great
With its modern ambiance and focus on seasonal ingredients, Café Kranzler offers a unique twist on autumn dining. The menu is designed to highlight the best produce of the fall season, making it an ideal place for those looking for a contemporary take on autumn flavors.
7. The Red Fox
Cuisine: Russian, Game
Location: Prechistenka Street, 5
The Red Fox is an excellent choice for those looking to experience the rich flavors of game meat during the autumn months. Known for its focus on Russian game dishes, the restaurant offers a warm, rustic atmosphere that’s perfect for savoring hearty autumn meals. The autumn menu often includes venison, boar, and other seasonal delicacies.
What to Try
- Venison: Roasted or stewed venison, a perfect dish for the colder months.
- Boar Stew: Rich and flavorful wild boar, cooked with root vegetables and herbs.
- Pumpkin Porridge: A warm, comforting dish made with pumpkin and rice.
Why It’s Great
With its focus on game meats and seasonal produce, The Red Fox offers a unique autumn dining experience. The rustic ambiance and hearty menu make it a great place to enjoy the flavors of fall.
Conclusion
Moscow’s autumn menus showcase the city’s abundance of seasonal produce, wild mushrooms, root vegetables, and game meats. Whether you’re looking for traditional Russian dishes, contemporary European flavors, or a farm-to-table experience, these restaurants offer the best of autumn’s harvest. From cozy cafés to sophisticated dining, Moscow’s culinary scene provides a perfect setting to enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of the season.
