Moscow is Russia's sprawling capital and largest city, a global metropolis blending centuries of history with modern dynamism. Home to iconic landmarks like the Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow offers world-class museums, vibrant nightlife, and a rich cultural scene.
Moscow's culinary scene blends traditional Russian cuisine with Georgian, Central Asian, and European influences, offering everything from hearty borscht to Michelin-starred tasting menus. The city has undergone a restaurant revolution since the 2000s, with modern Russian cuisine now celebrated globally. Georgian restaurants are omnipresent and beloved, Central Asian cuisine is authentic and popular, and European fine dining meets international standards.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Moscow.
Borscht
Deep ruby red beet soup with vegetables, meat, and smetana (sour cream). The most iconic Russian dish.
Where to try: Every Russian restaurant; Café Pushkin does it best
Price: $4-12
Pelmeni
Small meat dumplings served in broth or with sour cream and butter. Russia's ultimate comfort food.
Where to try: Pelmennaya Lyudi, Lepim i Varim, Yolki-Palki
Price: $6-12
Khachapuri
Georgian cheese bread - the Adjarian version with egg and butter is Moscow's current food obsession.
Where to try: Khachapuri restaurant, all Georgian restaurants
Price: $7-10
Beef Stroganoff
Tender beef strips in creamy mushroom sauce - a Russian classic elevated at the best restaurants.
Where to try: Café Pushkin, Yolki-Palki, Zhivago
Price: $14-25
Medovik honey cake
Multi-layer honey sponge cake with cream - Russia's most beloved dessert.
Where to try: Almost every Russian café and restaurant
Price: $4-8
Red caviar blini
Buckwheat pancakes with salmon roe and sour cream - affordable luxury in Russian cuisine.
Where to try: Café Pushkin, GUM Gastronome, Zhivago
Price: $12-20
Olivier salad
Russia's famous potato salad with peas, pickles, eggs, and mayonnaise - ubiquitous at celebrations.
Where to try: Any Russian restaurant
Price: $4-7
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
White Rabbit
Moscow's most acclaimed restaurant, consistently ranked among the world's 50 best restaurants. Chef Vladimir Mukhin creates extraordinary modern Russian cuisine using Siberian and regional ingredients in a glass-enclosed space atop a skyscraper with 360-degree Moscow panoramas.
Known for: World-class panoramic dining with modern Russian cuisine
Smolenskaya Square 3, 16th floor, Moscow, Russia 121099
Café Pushkin
Moscow's most beloved traditional restaurant, serving classic Russian cuisine in a stunning 19th-century mansion setting with three floors themed as a library, apothecary, and terrace. Open 24 hours, the ground floor café is an institution. Beef Stroganoff and Borscht are legendary.
Known for: The quintessential Moscow dining experience in a historic mansion
Tverskoy Boulevard 26A, Moscow, Russia 125009
Twins Garden
Award-winning restaurant run by twin brothers Sergey and Ivan Berezutsky who source from their own farm to create innovative seasonal menus. Celebrated for transforming humble Russian ingredients into extraordinary dishes. Multiple awards and consistently praised by international critics.
Known for: Farm-to-table modern Russian cuisine from celebrated twin chefs
Strastnoy Boulevard 8A, Moscow, Russia 127006
Selfie
Celebrated chef Anatoly Kazakov's showcase restaurant presenting modern Russian cuisine with elaborate presentations and extraordinary local seasonal ingredients. The restaurant name reflects the chef's personal culinary identity - a self-portrait through food.
Known for: Artistic modern Russian cuisine by one of Moscow's top chefs
Novinsky Boulevard 31, Moscow, Russia 121099
Savva
Refined modern Russian cuisine served in the magnificent Art Nouveau surroundings of the historic Metropol Hotel opposite the Bolshoi Theatre. Chef Andrey Shmakov creates seasonal dishes celebrating Russian culinary heritage with a contemporary approach. One of Moscow's most prestigious addresses.
Known for: Fine dining in a historic Art Nouveau hotel setting opposite Bolshoi Theatre
Teatralny Proezd 2 (Metropol Hotel), Moscow, Russia 109012
Sixty
Elevated European and Russian cuisine on the 60th floor of Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy with arguably the most spectacular panoramic views of Moscow. French-influenced contemporary cooking with excellent wine selection and impeccable service.
Known for: Panoramic dining on the 60th floor of a Moscow River skyscraper
Kosmodamianskaya Embankment 52, Building 6, 60th floor, Moscow
Khachapuri
Moscow's most popular Georgian restaurant chain specializing in the famous cheese-filled bread in all its regional variations. The Adjarian-style khachapuri with egg and butter is irresistible. Khinkali dumplings are equally celebrated. Relaxed atmosphere beloved by Muscovites.
Known for: Authentic Georgian bread and dumplings in a casual setting
Bolshoy Kozlovsky Lane 10, Moscow, Russia 101000
Mama Zoya
Beloved Georgian restaurant serving traditional dishes in a warm, family atmosphere. Named for a beloved Georgian grandmother figure, the restaurant serves chakhokhbili chicken stew, hearty khinkali, grilled meats, and excellent Georgian wines from Kakheti region.
Known for: Authentic Georgian home cooking with excellent Georgian wines
Frunzenskaya Embankment 4, Moscow, Russia 119146
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
European
Strelka Bar
Stylish restaurant and bar at the Strelka Institute on the Moscow River embankment, with a terrace offering spectacular river views. European cuisine with creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere popular with Moscow's creative class. The outdoor terrace is a summer institution.
Known for: Creative cocktails and European cuisine with Moscow River terrace
Bersenevskaya Embankment 14/5, Moscow, Russia 119072
Ugolek
Moscow's most popular grill restaurant focusing on fire-cooked meats and vegetables. The wood-fired grill produces exceptional results with quality Russian and imported ingredients. Relaxed atmosphere, excellent wine list, and consistently excellent cooking make this a reliable favorite.
Known for: Exceptional wood-fired grill cooking with excellent wine selection
Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street 12A, Moscow, Russia 125009
Vogue Café
Long-running Moscow institution associated with the Russian edition of Vogue magazine, serving stylish European cuisine in fashionable surroundings near the Pushkin Museum. Popular with Moscow's fashion and media crowd, excellent for a sophisticated lunch or dinner.
Known for: Fashionable European dining popular with Moscow's media and fashion crowd
Kuznetsky Most Street 7/9, Moscow, Russia 107031
Mendeleev Bar & Restaurant
Innovative restaurant and cocktail bar in a hidden courtyard in central Moscow, themed around chemistry and the periodic table in homage to Russian scientist Dmitry Mendeleev. Creative European food served alongside Moscow's most innovative molecular cocktail menu.
Known for: Moscow's most innovative cocktail bar with creative European cuisine
Petrovka Street 20/1, Moscow, Russia 107031
Brasserie Pushkin
The all-day brasserie section of the famous Café Pushkin on the ground floor, offering a more casual and affordable version of the celebrated Russian cuisine in the same historic mansion. Perfect for a coffee and honey cake or a full brasserie meal.
Known for: 24-hour classic Russian brasserie in a historic mansion
Tverskoy Boulevard 26A (ground floor), Moscow, Russia 125009
Italian
Uilliam's
Stylish Moscow restaurant serving excellent Italian-influenced European cuisine. Known for perfectly executed classics including pasta, risotto, and grilled meats. Consistently excellent and popular with Moscow's upmarket crowd seeking reliable European cooking.
Known for: Reliable European classics in a stylish Moscow setting
Malaya Bronnaya Street 20A, Moscow, Russia 123104
Il Patio
Moscow's most widespread Italian restaurant chain offering reliable pizza, pasta, and Italian classics in family-friendly surroundings. Consistently good quality at mid-range prices with children's menus and comfortable atmosphere. Multiple locations throughout Moscow.
Known for: Reliable Italian classics in a family-friendly atmosphere
Novy Arbat 15, Moscow, Russia 121099
Piazza Rossa
Excellent Italian restaurant near Red Square serving authentic pizza from a wood-fired oven and handmade pasta. The name (Red Square in Italian) reflects its prime location. Quality Italian ingredients imported from Italy, excellent wine list.
Known for: Authentic Italian pizza and pasta near Red Square
Nikolskaya Street 25/1, Moscow, Russia 109012
Tarantino Restaurant
Beloved Moscow Italian restaurant serving authentic Roman and Italian cuisine with excellent handmade pasta and pizza. One of Moscow's most consistently good mid-range Italian restaurants, popular with both locals and Italian expats as a taste of home.
Known for: Authentic Italian cuisine popular with Moscow's Italian expat community
Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya Street 21, Moscow, Russia 123001
Russian Dumplings
Pelmennaya Lyudi
Specializing exclusively in pelmeni (Russian meat dumplings), this popular restaurant serves the Russian national comfort food in all its variations with different fillings, broths, and accompaniments. A genuine local dining institution beloved by Muscovites of all ages.
Known for: Moscow's best pelmeni dumplings in dozens of variations
Sretensky Boulevard 6/1, Moscow, Russia 101000
Lepim i Varim
Popular casual chain where dumplings (pelmeni and vareniki) are hand-made on-site. The name means 'Sculpt and Cook' - you can watch the preparation. Affordable prices and fresh ingredients make this a favorite for quick authentic Russian meals.
Known for: Hand-made Russian dumplings prepared fresh daily at affordable prices
Pyatnitskaya Street 26, Moscow (multiple locations)
Specialty Coffee
Double B Coffee & Tea
Moscow's best specialty coffee roaster chain with multiple central locations. Third-wave coffee with single-origin espresso, V60 pour-overs, and excellent cold brew. Light breakfast menu and good pastries. The favorite of Moscow's coffee-obsessed professional class.
Known for: Moscow's best specialty coffee from a dedicated third-wave roaster
Malaya Bronnaya Street 20, Moscow (multiple locations)
Shaggy Dog Coffee
Hip specialty coffee shop in central Moscow with excellent espresso and a loyal local following. The minimalist interior and thoughtful approach to coffee sourcing and preparation set it apart from chain cafés. Excellent filter coffee program.
Known for: Moscow's best specialty coffee with exceptional filter coffee program
Tverskaya Street 16/2, Moscow, Russia 125009
Artisan Bakery
Bulka Bakery
Excellent Moscow artisan bakery chain with outstanding sourdough breads, croissants, and pastries baked fresh daily. Coffee program is also excellent. Popular morning destination for Muscovites seeking quality over chain café mediocrity.
Known for: Moscow's best artisan bread and pastries with quality coffee
Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street 22/2, Moscow (multiple locations)
Brunch
Café Mesto
Popular Moscow café known for excellent all-day brunch menus and specialty coffee. The light-filled space in a courtyard near the center is a favorite with Moscow's young professional crowd. Excellent pancakes, eggs, and fresh juices alongside good coffee.
Known for: Moscow's best all-day brunch with excellent specialty coffee
Potapovsky Lane 7, Moscow, Russia 101000
Central Asian
Chaikhona No.1
Moscow's most popular Uzbek restaurant chain serving the full range of Central Asian cuisine. The plov (Uzbek pilaf), lagman noodle soup, and shashlik skewered meats are prepared to authentic Samarkand and Tashkent standards. Atmospheric interiors with tent-like décor.
Known for: Authentic Central Asian cuisine in Moscow's most popular Uzbek chain
Novy Arbat 4, Moscow, Russia 121099
Farm
Lavka-Lavka
Pioneer of the farm-to-table movement in Moscow, sourcing directly from small Russian farms to create seasonal dishes celebrating local ingredients. The bistro format makes quality farm produce accessible at mid-range prices. Popular with Moscow's food-conscious crowd.
Known for: Pioneering farm-to-table Russian cuisine using local seasonal produce
Petrogsky Passage, Petroverigsky Lane 4/6, Moscow, Russia 101000
Georgian
Mizandari
Traditional Georgian restaurant serving authentic cuisine from western Georgia's Megrelian region, known for its particularly rich and spicy flavors. The adzhika-spiced dishes and walnut-based sauces distinguish it from standard Georgian restaurants in Moscow.
Known for: Authentic Megrelian Georgian cuisine with distinctive spiced dishes
Malaya Ordynka Street 25, Moscow, Russia 119017
Georgian Dumplings
Khinkali House
Casual restaurant specializing exclusively in khinkali, the large Georgian dumplings filled with spiced meat broth. Each table orders by the round of five, eating them by hand in the traditional Georgian manner. The perfect affordable meal in Moscow.
Known for: Authentic Georgian khinkali dumplings eaten the traditional way
Sretensky Lane 6, Moscow, Russia 101000
International Café
Coffeemania
Upscale Moscow café chain known for consistently excellent coffee and comprehensive menu including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Popular with Moscow's professional class for meetings and casual dining. The best option for reliable quality at mid-range prices.
Known for: Reliable quality café with excellent coffee throughout Moscow
Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street 13, Moscow (multiple locations)
International Food Hall
Danilovsky Market Food Court
Moscow's best modern food market with a lively food court featuring dozens of artisan food vendors serving everything from Georgian khachapuri to Thai food, Japanese ramen, and Russian pirogi. Fresh produce market surrounds the food court.
Known for: Moscow's best food market with artisan vendors and fresh produce
Mytnaya Street 74, Moscow, Russia 117049
Japanese
Ramen Like Crazy
Moscow's best ramen restaurant serving authentic Japanese-style ramen broths with quality ingredients. Tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso broths prepared properly attract queues of ramen enthusiasts. One of Moscow's best value dining options.
Known for: Authentic Japanese ramen with rich broths in Zamoskvorechye
Pyatnitskaya Street 27, Moscow, Russia 115035
Middle Eastern
Shawarma Republic
Popular Moscow fast food chain serving shawarma (meat wraps) at extremely affordable prices. The Moscow shawarma tradition is serious business with quality meat and fresh vegetables. Popular late-night option throughout the city.
Known for: Affordable late-night shawarma throughout Moscow
Multiple locations throughout Moscow
Modern Russian
Zhivago
Named for Pasternak's famous novel, Zhivago serves updated Russian classics in an elegant setting near the Bolshoi Theatre. The thoughtfully curated menu celebrates Russian culinary traditions with contemporary refinement. Excellent vodka selection.
Known for: Refined Russian classics in an elegant literary-themed setting
Mokhovaya Street 15/1, Moscow, Russia 125009
Russian Café
Grabli
Modern Russian café chain with fresh daily-prepared salads, soups, grilled meats, and excellent desserts. Popular with local professionals at lunch. Self-service format with consistently fresh food at reasonable prices. Multiple central Moscow locations.
Known for: Fresh daily-prepared Russian food at café prices
Aviamotor Street 77 Building 1, Moscow (and multiple locations)
Russian Café Chain
Shokoladnitsa
Moscow's most widespread café chain with 24-hour locations throughout the city. Serves reliable coffee, teas, pastries, sandwiches, and light Russian meals at affordable prices. Perfect for a quick breakfast or late-night snack. Multiple locations near metro stations.
Known for: 24-hour Russian café chain throughout Moscow
Tverskaya Street 14, Moscow (and 80+ locations city-wide)
Russian Deli And Café
GUM Gastronome No.1
Iconic deli counter and café on the ground floor of GUM department store on Red Square, selling premium Russian products including caviar, smoked salmon, artisan chocolates, and traditional pastries. Famous for ice cream cones eaten while walking around Red Square.
Known for: Premium Russian deli products and famous ice cream in GUM on Red Square
Red Square 3, GUM Ground Floor, Moscow, Russia 109012
Russian Home Cooking
Mumu
Affordable Russian restaurant chain serving home-style cooking in a cafeteria format. Borscht, kotleti (meat patties), and blini at very reasonable prices. Popular with local office workers and budget travelers seeking authentic Russian food without the tourist premium.
Known for: Affordable authentic Russian home cooking at cafeteria prices
Arbat Street 45/24, Moscow, Russia 119002
Russian Street Food
Pirogi
Street kiosks and small shops throughout Moscow selling freshly baked pirogi (stuffed pastry pockets) in dozens of variations. Fillings include meat and onion, cabbage, potato, mushroom, and sweet options. Essential Moscow street food experience.
Known for: Classic Russian street food available throughout Moscow
Street kiosks near metro stations throughout Moscow
Seafood
Burger & Lobster Moscow
Moscow outpost of the London-born restaurant chain specializing in three items: burger, lobster, and lobster roll. The simple concept executed perfectly with fresh Atlantic lobster and handmade burgers. Popular with both locals and visitors for reliable quality.
Known for: Fresh Atlantic lobster and handmade burgers in central Moscow
Novy Arbat 21, Moscow, Russia 121099
Soviet
Stolovaya №57 (GUM Canteen)
Authentic Soviet-style self-service cafeteria located on the second floor of the iconic GUM department store on Red Square. Serves traditional Russian canteen dishes including borscht, pelmeni, salads, and desserts at remarkably affordable prices despite the prime location. Queue with a tray.
Known for: Soviet cafeteria experience inside the iconic GUM on Red Square
Red Square 3, GUM, 2nd Floor, Moscow, Russia 109012
Steakhouse
Myasnoj Club
Moscow's leading steakhouse specializing in premium Russian beef from Voronezh and Bryansk farms, dry-aged to perfection. One of the best places to experience quality Russian beef at fair prices, with an excellent wine selection and knowledgeable staff.
Known for: Premium dry-aged Russian beef from top farms
Bolshaya Sadovaya Street 16, Moscow, Russia 123001
Traditional Russian
Yolki-Palki
Popular Russian restaurant chain serving traditional cuisine in a rustic village-style atmosphere with wooden décor and a comprehensive menu of Russian classics. Excellent for families and first-time visitors to Russian food. Solyanka soup and pelmeni dumplings are reliable favorites.
Known for: Traditional Russian comfort food in a village-themed atmosphere
Neglinnaya Street 8/10, Moscow, Russia 107031
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Pirogi
Freshly baked stuffed pastry pockets with various fillings (meat, cabbage, mushroom, sweet)
Find it at: Street kiosks near metro stations throughout Moscow
Shawarma
Moscow's most popular street food - meat wraps with vegetables and sauce
Find it at: Street kiosks and fast food shops throughout the city
Blini from kiosks
Thin pancakes served sweet with jam or condensed milk, or savory with meat fillings
Find it at: Street stalls in parks and pedestrian areas
GUM ice cream
Famous Soviet-recipe ice cream cones from GUM's historic parlor, eaten while walking Red Square
Find it at: GUM department store, Red Square
Shashlyk
Grilled skewered meat available at parks and outdoor markets in summer
Find it at: Gorky Park, Izmailovo Park, summer festivals
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Danilovsky Market
Moscow's best modern food market with artisan vendors, food court, and fresh produce
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Dorogomilovsky Market
Traditional market with fresh Russian produce, meats, dairy, and excellent pickled vegetables
Hours: Daily 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Izmailovo Market (for food)
Huge weekend market with some food vendors selling Russian sweets, honey, and preserved foods
Hours: Sat-Sun 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Central Market (Tsentralny Rynok)
Renovated central market in the Sadovaya ring with premium food vendors and restaurant
Hours: Daily 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Russians eat lunch as their main meal (1-3PM); dinner portions can be smaller
Bread is always on the table in Russian restaurants - try the dark rye bread
Tipping 10% is standard and expected at sit-down restaurants
Many of the best restaurants require advance reservations - book online
Georgian food is excellent throughout Moscow - don't miss khachapuri and khinkali
Stolovaya (Soviet-style cafeteria) lunch is the best value for authentic food
- Vegetarian
- Growing vegetarian options in modern restaurants. Traditional Russian cuisine has many vegetable-based dishes (borscht, salads, mushroom dishes). Georgian cuisine offers excellent vegetarian options (lobiani, pkhali).
- Halal
- Halal food available at Central Asian restaurants (Chaikhona No.1) and Caucasian restaurants. Halal grocery stores in southern Moscow neighborhoods.
- Gluten free
- Limited gluten-free options in traditional Russian restaurants but modern restaurants are increasingly accommodating. Notify staff in advance.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 300-600 RUB per meal ($3-7) | Street food, stolovayas, and fast food chains |
| Mid-range | 1000-2500 RUB per meal ($11-28) | Sit-down restaurants, Georgian and casual dining |
| Upscale | 5000+ RUB per meal ($55+) | Fine dining restaurants like White Rabbit, Twins Garden, Selfie |