Moscow is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a wide range of cuisines from around the world, including Middle Eastern food. Whether you’re craving flavorful mezzes, kebabs, or traditional dishes like shawarma and falafel, the city has many places that offer delicious Middle Eastern food. Here are some of the best spots in Moscow where you can enjoy authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.
1. Café Pushkin
Why It’s Great:
- Café Pushkin is one of Moscow’s most famous and elegant restaurants, offering a mix of Russian and Middle Eastern dishes. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored mansion, and its interior exudes a classic Russian atmosphere. While it is known for its Russian cuisine, the menu also includes dishes inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, such as pilaf, lamb kebabs, and stuffed grape leaves.
What to Try:
- Lamb Shish Kebab
- Manti (steamed dumplings with meat)
- Baklava for dessert
Address:
Café Pushkin – Tverskoy Blvd, 26A
2. Shawarma #1
Why It’s Great:
For fans of shawarma, Shawarma #1 is a must-try spot in Moscow. Located in the city center, this casual eatery offers some of the best shawarma in town, made with fresh ingredients and perfectly seasoned meats. The place has a relaxed vibe and is great for a quick and satisfying meal.
What to Try:
- Classic Chicken Shawarma
- Lamb Shawarma
- Falafel and hummus for vegetarians
Address:
Shawarma #1 – Suvorovskaya Square, 2
3. Mari Vanna
Why It’s Great:
Although primarily known for its Russian cuisine, Mari Vanna also offers a Middle Eastern-inspired selection. The cozy, homely atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxed meal. The menu features Persian and Armenian dishes, adding a nice variety to Moscow’s food scene.
What to Try:
- Lavash (Armenian flatbread)
- Dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat)
- Kebab or shashlik (grilled meat)
Address:
Mari Vanna – Spiridonyevsky Pereulok, 10A
4. Chaihona No. 1
Why It’s Great:
Chaihona No. 1 is a popular chain of restaurants serving a Central Asian and Middle Eastern menu. It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere and wide selection of dishes. From plov (rice pilaf) to lamb skewers, this place offers a diverse range of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, with plenty of vegetarian options.
What to Try:
- Plov (Uzbek rice pilaf with meat and vegetables)
- Shashlik (grilled skewers of marinated meat)
- Khubz (Arabic flatbread) with dips
Address:
Chaihona No. 1 – Multiple locations across Moscow
5. Jolokia
Why It’s Great:
If you’re in the mood for Indian and Middle Eastern fusion cuisine, Jolokia is a great place to visit. Located in the city center, Jolokia offers a variety of flavorful dishes, blending both Indian and Middle Eastern spices and ingredients for a unique dining experience. Their food is rich and aromatic, with a focus on grilled meats and flavorful vegetarian options.
What to Try:
- Tandoori Chicken Kebab
- Paneer Tikka
- Hummus and Pita
Address:
Jolokia – Ulitsa Novy Arbat, 21
6. Dastarkhan
Why It’s Great:
Dastarkhan specializes in Uzbek and Middle Eastern dishes, with a focus on traditional recipes and high-quality meats. The restaurant has a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a casual meal with friends or family. If you’re craving Uzbek plov, lamb kebabs, or pilaf, this is the place to go.
What to Try:
- Uzbek Plov (a signature rice dish with lamb or chicken)
- Samsa (flaky pastries filled with meat)
- Kebabs with pilaf or fresh naan
Address:
Dastarkhan – Ulitsa Bolshaya Nikitskaya, 23
7. Khachapuri & Vino
Why It’s Great:
This restaurant blends Georgian, Armenian, and Middle Eastern flavors, offering a unique mix of traditional cuisine from these regions. It’s particularly popular for its freshly made khachapuri (Georgian cheese-filled bread), but the menu also includes kebabs, tabbouleh, and falafel.
What to Try:
- Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread)
- Lamb Kebabs
- Hummus with pita
Address:
Khachapuri & Vino – Nikolskaya Ulitsa, 3
8. Mosaic
Why It’s Great:
Mosaic brings the flavors of the Middle East and North Africa to Moscow with an innovative menu focused on the freshest ingredients. The restaurant has a sleek, modern atmosphere and serves a variety of Middle Eastern-inspired dishes with a contemporary twist. Mosaic is especially popular for its mezze platters and spicy dishes.
What to Try:
- Mezze Platter
- Kebab Skewers
- Spiced Lamb with Couscous
Address:
Mosaic – Ulitsa Komsomolskaya, 9
9. Tabouleh
Why It’s Great:
A popular spot for lovers of Lebanese food, Tabouleh offers an authentic Middle Eastern dining experience. The restaurant’s mezze selection, including hummus, mutabbal, and tabbouleh, is a hit among customers. The flavors are fresh, and the dishes are rich with spices and herbs.
What to Try:
- Tabbouleh (fresh parsley and bulgur salad)
- Hummus with Lamb
- Falafel
Address:
Tabouleh – Tsvetnoy Boulevard, 15
10. Bazar
Why It’s Great:
For a Middle Eastern twist on modern Russian cuisine, Bazar offers an eclectic menu featuring Arabic spices, Moroccan tagines, and Mediterranean dishes. Located in a trendy neighborhood, it’s a wonderful place to enjoy high-quality food with a vibrant atmosphere.
What to Try:
- Moroccan Tagine
- Shawarma
- Vegetarian Mezze Platter
Address:
Bazar – Moscow, Tverskaya Street, 1
Conclusion: A Taste of the Middle East in Moscow
Moscow has a wide variety of places offering Middle Eastern cuisine, from traditional Lebanese dishes to Uzbek and Georgian fusion. Whether you’re craving a quick shawarma, an indulgent plov, or a more refined dining experience, there’s something for every palate in Moscow’s Middle Eastern food scene. These restaurants not only serve delicious food but also offer an opportunity to explore the rich spices and flavors of the Middle East while in the heart of Russia’s capital.