Restaurants & Local Cuisine Moscow - Wander Russia Guide 2025

Moscow’s vibrant dining scene is complemented by some truly stunning garden restaurants that allow you to enjoy a delicious meal while soaking up the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful lunch spot surrounded by greenery, or an elegant garden setting for dinner, Moscow has several restaurants that offer a combination of delicious cuisine and beautiful garden settings. Here are some of the best garden restaurants in Moscow for a relaxing outdoor meal. 1. Gorod Cuisine: Russian, European Location: Sadovaya-Kudrinskaya Street, 5/1 Gorod is an elegant garden restaurant located near the heart of Moscow. Known for its stylish décor and lush greenery, this...

VDNKh (Vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva) isn’t just a place to admire Soviet history, explore technological innovations, or enjoy a peaceful stroll through its lush green spaces—it's also a haven for dessert lovers. With a variety of cafés, bakeries, and sweet shops, VDNKh offers plenty of opportunities to indulge in delicious cakes, pastries, ice creams, and other mouthwatering treats. Whether you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth after a visit to one of the pavilions or simply want to take a break in a charming setting, there are several dessert spots around VDNKh that you won’t want to miss. In this...

Moscow, known for its rich history and diverse culture, has also become a growing hub for vegetarian and vegan cuisine in recent years. If you're exploring Red Square and are looking for plant-based dining options, you'll find a wide variety of restaurants and cafes offering both traditional and modern vegetarian and vegan dishes. Here’s a guide to some of the best spots near Red Square for those who prefer a vegetarian or vegan diet. 1. Jagannath Jagannath is one of the most popular vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Moscow, known for its delicious Indian-inspired dishes. It is located just a short...

Moscow is home to a rich culinary tradition that blends imperial opulence with local flavors. Some of the city’s most historic restaurants offer not only incredible dining experiences but also a deep dive into Russian culture and history. Whether you’re interested in experiencing the grandeur of Tsarist Russia or tasting the flavors that have been passed down through generations, these restaurants provide an unforgettable glimpse into the past. Here are some of the most historic Russian restaurants in Moscow that you must visit: 1. Café Pushkin Why Visit: Café Pushkin is a quintessential part of Moscow’s dining scene and a must-visit for anyone...

Red Square is not just the heart of Moscow in terms of history and culture; it’s also surrounded by some of the city's best dining spots. Whether you're looking for a luxurious restaurant, a charming café, or a spot to enjoy traditional Russian food, there are plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets. In this guide, we’ll highlight the best cafés and restaurants near Red Square, so you can enjoy a delicious meal or a relaxing coffee break after exploring the iconic sights. 1. GUM Department Store – A Gourmet Experience Why It’s Important The GUM Department Store, located directly...

In Russia, Easter is a deeply celebrated occasion, marked by rich traditions and delicious food. Among the many Easter treats, Kulich and Paskha are two of the most iconic desserts, each holding a special place in Russian culture and cuisine. But what exactly is the difference between these two desserts, and which one is better? Here’s a detailed comparison of both, so you can decide for yourself which one is the ultimate Easter treat. 1. Kulich: The Traditional Easter Bread What Is Kulich? Kulich is a sweet Easter bread that’s traditionally baked to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. It’s a tall, cylindrical...

Moscow, a city known for its rich history and grandiose architecture, also offers an exciting culinary scene. Beyond the well-trodden paths of Red Square and Arbat Street, the city’s hidden streets hold many culinary gems that capture the essence of authentic Russian food. These lesser-known spots offer a true taste of local flavors, often in charming, off-the-beaten-path locations. Whether you’re in search of hearty borscht, tender pelmeni, or something more modern and inventive, Moscow’s hidden streets have much to offer. In this article, we explore the best places to find local food in the lesser-known corners of Moscow. The Allure...

Moscow is a city with a rich culinary history, offering a delightful mix of traditional Russian dishes and innovative modern cuisine. For food enthusiasts looking to explore the city’s vibrant food scene, food tours provide the perfect opportunity to discover authentic tastes, hidden gems, and local favorites. Whether you're craving classic Russian dishes like borscht and pelmeni or seeking out new trends in the culinary world, here are the best food tours in Moscow that every food lover should try. 1. Taste of Moscow Food Tour The Taste of Moscow Food Tour offers an exciting way to explore the city’s best...

Mille-feuille, also known as Napoleon in some countries, is a classic French pastry that has become a beloved dessert in Moscow as well. The dessert is made of layers of crispy puff pastry filled with rich pastry cream or whipped cream and often topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or fondant icing. Its name, which means "thousand layers" in French, reflects the delicate, flaky texture that is a hallmark of this iconic dessert. For those looking to indulge in the best mille-feuille in Moscow, there are a number of exceptional patisseries and cafés offering variations of this decadent...

Moscow is a city rich in history and culture, and its chocolate and confectionery scene is no exception. From luxurious chocolate boutiques to charming pastry shops, Moscow offers a wide variety of sweet treats that will satisfy any dessert lover. Whether you’re craving decadent chocolates, delicate pastries, or traditional Russian sweets, here’s a list of the best chocolate and confectionery shops in Moscow that every dessert enthusiast should visit. 1. Khvanchkara Why It’s Great: Located in the heart of Moscow, Khvanchkara is a premium chocolate boutique known for its luxurious handmade chocolates. The shop prides itself on using high-quality, natural ingredients and...

Moscow's culinary scene has embraced the luxury of black truffles, with many of the city's top restaurants offering exquisite dishes that feature this highly prized ingredient. The earthy, aromatic flavor of black truffles adds a sophisticated touch to a wide variety of pasta, meats, and sauces. Whether you’re a seasoned truffle lover or new to the experience, these top restaurants in Moscow offer the best black truffle dishes that will elevate your dining experience. 1. Café Pushkin Cuisine: Russian, French Location: Tverskoy Boulevard, 26/1 Café Pushkin is a luxurious and iconic restaurant that blends Russian and French cuisine, and it's a top spot...

Moscow is a city with a rich food culture, and handmade chocolates are no exception. With an increasing focus on artisanal, locally sourced, and crafted-with-care sweets, the city has some fantastic options for chocolate lovers. Whether you're a fan of dark chocolate, truffles, or milk chocolate pralines, there are numerous spots around Moscow offering the finest in handmade chocolate. Here’s a guide on how to find the best handmade chocolates in Moscow, where you can indulge in expertly crafted confections and enjoy a truly unique chocolate experience. 1. Mendel'sson Chocolaterie Located in the heart of Moscow, Mendel'sson Chocolaterie is one of...

Moscow is home to an array of delightful ice cream parlors and dessert spots that are perfect for families looking to indulge in sweet treats. Whether you’re craving creamy ice cream, delicate pastries, or indulgent cakes, these family-friendly venues offer something for everyone. From vibrant, fun atmospheres to creative dessert menus, here are the best ice cream and dessert restaurants in Moscow that cater to families. 1. Morozoff Cuisine: Ice Cream, Desserts Location: Various locations, including Tverskaya and Kievskaya Morozoff is one of Moscow's favorite ice cream parlors, offering high-quality, artisanal ice cream in a variety of delicious flavors. This family-friendly spot is...

Moscow can get surprisingly hot during the summer months, and what better way to cool off than with a refreshing iced coffee? Whether you're a local or a tourist, Moscow has a variety of cafés and restaurants that serve up delicious iced coffee drinks perfect for a warm day. Here are some of the best spots to find iced coffee and enjoy a cooling break in the city. 1. Café Pushkin Why It’s Great: Located in the heart of Moscow, Café Pushkin is an iconic establishment that blends elegant interior décor with classic Russian cuisine. Although it’s famous for its traditional Russian...

Nikolskaya Street is one of the most picturesque and historic streets in Moscow, offering a blend of modern charm and classic Russian architecture. Located near Red Square and the Kremlin, this bustling street is not only great for shopping and sightseeing but also a fantastic place to enjoy a wide variety of delicious food. Whether you're looking for traditional Russian cuisine, international flavors, or a cozy café to unwind, Nikolskaya Street has something for every taste. Here’s a guide to the best cafés and restaurants on Nikolskaya Street that will enhance your culinary experience while exploring this iconic area. 1....

Kuznetsky Most is one of Moscow’s oldest and most famous streets, located in the heart of the city between Red Square and Khitrovka Market. The street offers a blend of history, charming architecture, and a vibrant dining scene, making it a great spot for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you're looking for a casual bite, a luxurious dinner, or a cozy café to relax in, Kuznetsky Most offers a range of options to suit any taste. Here’s a guide to the best cafés and restaurants you should check out when visiting Kuznetsky Most. 1. Varenichnaya №1 Why It’s a Must-Visit: For...

Moscow winters can be cold and harsh, but there's no better way to escape the chill than by relaxing in one of the city's cozy restaurants. Whether you're looking for a warm, comforting meal or a place to enjoy a hot drink, Moscow offers an array of charming and inviting spots to make your winter dining experience special. Here’s a guide to the coziest winter restaurants in Moscow where you can escape the cold and enjoy delicious food in a warm atmosphere. 1. Café Pushkin Why It’s Important Café Pushkin is one of Moscow’s most iconic restaurants and a perfect spot for...