Moscow is renowned for its luxury goods, and one of the most iconic items on the list is Russian caviar. This delicacy, often regarded as one of the finest foods in the world, is a must-try during a visit to Russia. Whether you’re looking to bring some home as a gift or simply indulge in a luxurious culinary experience, here are the best places to buy Russian caviar in Moscow.
1. GUM (State Department Store)
Location: Red Square, 3
GUM, Moscow’s iconic department store, is home to some of the finest luxury foods, including the coveted Russian caviar. The gourmet food section of GUM offers a selection of premium caviar brands from around the country. The store’s luxurious environment makes it a great place to pick up caviar as a souvenir or special gift.
Why It’s Great
GUM’s historic and luxurious atmosphere makes purchasing caviar here a truly exclusive experience. The selection of top-tier Russian caviar makes it the go-to spot for high-end delicacies.
What to Look For
- Beluga caviar: The largest and most sought-after of the sturgeon varieties.
- Oscietra caviar: Known for its firm texture and nutty flavor.
- Classic Russian caviar: Available in beautifully packaged tins.
2. Detsky Mir (Children’s World)
Location: Lubyanka Square, 5
While Detsky Mir is primarily a toy store, it’s also home to a gourmet food section that offers a selection of fine Russian delicacies, including premium caviar. It’s a more unique shopping spot to find high-quality caviar at competitive prices.
Why It’s Great
In addition to toys, Detsky Mir has become a popular spot for gourmet food lovers who want to purchase authentic Russian caviar in a child-friendly environment.
What to Look For
- Varieties of sturgeon caviar from local Russian producers.
- Affordable caviar tins and beautifully packaged sets.
3. Viktoriya Grocery Store
Location: Various locations throughout Moscow
Viktoriya is a popular grocery chain in Moscow known for its high-quality food selections. It offers premium caviar at affordable prices, with multiple locations around the city. Whether you’re looking for fresh caviar or canned varieties, Viktoriya offers a wide range to choose from.
Why It’s Great
If you want affordable luxury without compromising on quality, Viktoriya Grocery Store is a reliable choice. The store also stocks a selection of other Russian delicacies, making it a great place for food lovers.
What to Look For
- Classic sturgeon caviar at affordable prices.
- Smoked and flavored caviar varieties.
- Small-batch Russian caviar brands.
4. Caviar House & Prunier
Location: Tverskaya Street, 12
Caviar House & Prunier is a renowned gourmet food store that specializes in caviar, offering an exceptional selection of the finest Russian caviar. Located on Tverskaya Street, this store is one of the top destinations for those seeking luxury caviar.
Why It’s Great
This establishment offers premium caviar with expert recommendations on tasting pairings. The store is known for its exclusive selection of Russian caviar and luxurious packaging, perfect for gifting or indulging in.
What to Look For
- Beluga and Ossetra caviar in luxurious gift boxes.
- Specialty caviar sets paired with champagne.
- Gourmet caviar pairings with blinis and vodka.
5. Gastronom No. 1
Location: Ulitsa Tverskaya, 15
Gastronom No. 1 is a high-end grocery store located in the heart of Moscow, offering a wide range of premium products, including Russian caviar. The store has a gourmet food hall featuring some of the best caviar brands in the city.
Why It’s Great
Gastronom No. 1 is known for its luxurious selection of Russian caviar and other premium Russian foods. The store’s elegant environment makes it perfect for those looking to purchase gourmet delicacies.
What to Look For
- Beluga and Oscietra caviar.
- Freshly packed caviar and custom caviar tins.
- Exclusive caviar brands with Russian origins.
6. Red Square and GUM Gourmet Section
Location: Red Square, 3
The gourmet food section of GUM is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering a selection of luxury Russian products, including caviar. The food court offers premium caviar brands, perfect for those who want to indulge in the finest quality.
Why It’s Great
With its iconic setting, shopping for Russian caviar at GUM is a memorable experience. The elegant atmosphere and wide variety of caviar brands make it one of the top spots to purchase this luxurious delicacy.
What to Look For
- Exclusive caviar brands like Caviar House & Prunier.
- Premium caviar with luxurious packaging.
- Gourmet food gifts including caviar and other Russian delicacies.
7. Izmailovo Market
Location: Izmailovo, East Moscow
Izmailovo Market is one of Moscow’s most famous markets, where you can find a variety of authentic Russian souvenirs and handcrafted goods, including premium caviar. This market offers a great way to buy caviar in bulk or unique packaging.
Why It’s Great
Izmailovo Market provides an excellent opportunity to purchase authentic, locally sourced caviar from small producers at more affordable prices than luxury stores.
What to Look For
- Locally made caviar from small Russian producers.
- Traditional wooden caviar boxes for an authentic touch.
- Caviar in bulk for those seeking more affordable options.
8. Yelagin Island Food Market
Location: Yelagin Island, Moscow
Yelagin Island Food Market offers a selection of premium gourmet foods, including some of the finest Russian caviar. The market is a great place for those looking to purchase high-quality sturgeon caviar or smoked varieties at reasonable prices.
Why It’s Great
This market offers a combination of quality and affordability, making it an ideal choice for those looking for authentic Russian caviar without breaking the bank.
What to Look For
- Fresh sturgeon caviar.
- Smoked caviar varieties.
- Caviar in traditional Russian containers.
9. Caviar Boutique
Location: Various locations in Moscow
For those who want a truly luxurious caviar experience, Caviar Boutique offers an exquisite range of the finest Russian caviar. The boutique specializes in premium, fresh caviar, providing personalized service to ensure you find the perfect selection.
Why It’s Great
This boutique offers premium caviar from Russia’s most prestigious sturgeon farms, ensuring top quality and an exceptional shopping experience. The exclusive packaging and service make it perfect for gifting.
What to Look For
- Premium Beluga and Oscietra caviar.
- Gift sets including caviar accessories.
- Caviar tasting experiences with expert recommendations.
10. Central Moscow Markets
Location: Various locations in Central Moscow
For a truly local experience, visit the markets throughout central Moscow, where you can find a variety of Russian caviar sold directly by small vendors. These markets offer fresh and affordable caviar, perfect for those seeking a more authentic and personal shopping experience.
Why It’s Great
These markets are ideal for those looking for affordable options without sacrificing quality. You can find authentic caviar straight from the producer, often at competitive prices.
What to Look For
- Locally made caviar at lower prices.
- Fresh caviar from Moscow-based producers.
- Traditional Russian caviar tins.
Conclusion
Moscow offers a wide variety of places to buy authentic Russian caviar, from luxurious department stores like GUM to local markets like Izmailovo. Whether you’re seeking premium Beluga caviar for a special occasion or looking for affordable options at a market, you’ll find the finest selection of this iconic delicacy in Moscow. Choose from gourmet shops for high-end experiences, or explore local markets for an authentic and personal shopping experience.
