Gorky Park is one of Moscow’s most iconic green spaces, offering lush surroundings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy a relaxing outdoor meal. Whether you’re looking for a casual bite or a more refined dining experience with beautiful views, Gorky Park has a range of restaurants and cafés that cater to various tastes. Here’s a list of the best spots for a charming outdoor meal in Gorky Park.
1. Gorky Park Café
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Gorky Park, Krymsky Val, 9
Gorky Park Café is a laid-back spot offering European and Russian dishes in a relaxed outdoor setting. This café is perfect for a sunny day out, providing a pleasant atmosphere for families, friends, and couples alike. With plenty of outdoor seating, it offers beautiful views of the park’s greenery.
What to Try
- Borscht: A classic Russian beet soup, served with a dollop of sour cream.
- Pelmeni: Russian dumplings filled with meat or mushrooms, served with sour cream.
- Grilled Fish: Fresh, perfectly grilled fish, often served with seasonal vegetables.
- Salads: Light and refreshing salads made with fresh ingredients.
Why It’s Great
With its relaxed vibe and outdoor terrace overlooking the park, Gorky Park Café is perfect for a leisurely meal. The menu combines traditional Russian comfort food with European influences, making it a great spot for those wanting to enjoy delicious food while surrounded by nature.
2. Vino e Cucina
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Location: Gorky Park, Krymsky Val, 9
Vino e Cucina offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu, perfect for those craving authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of Gorky Park. With its modern, airy atmosphere and spacious outdoor seating, it’s an ideal spot for a sunny day meal while enjoying views of the park and the Moscow River.
What to Try
- Pasta: Choose from a variety of Italian pasta dishes, like spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil or pasta with seafood.
- Pizza: Thin-crust pizza with fresh toppings like mozzarella, prosciutto, and arugula.
- Grilled Vegetables: A delicious assortment of Mediterranean-style grilled vegetables.
- Tiramisu: A classic Italian dessert with layers of coffee-soaked sponge cake and mascarpone cream.
Why It’s Great
With high-quality food and a comfortable outdoor dining area, Vino e Cucina is perfect for those who want to enjoy Mediterranean and Italian flavors in a vibrant park setting. The relaxed vibe and great atmosphere make it a wonderful place for a long lunch or evening meal.
3. Café Krymsky
Cuisine: European, Russian
Location: Gorky Park, Krymsky Val, 9
Café Krymsky offers a fantastic setting for outdoor dining with a stylish terrace in Gorky Park. The menu features a mix of European and Russian dishes, making it a great place to enjoy a light meal or a full-course dinner in the open air. The restaurant’s focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients ensures that the food is always delicious and vibrant.
What to Try
- Salmon Tartare: Freshly prepared with avocado and olive oil.
- Duck Breast: Cooked to perfection, served with a tangy berry sauce.
- Crispy Potatoes: Served with a side of garlic and rosemary.
- Pavlova: A delicate meringue-based dessert with fresh berries.
Why It’s Great
Café Krymsky offers delicious food in a stylish setting, with the perfect outdoor terrace for a relaxed meal. Whether you’re looking for classic Russian dishes or European classics, this café has a variety of options to please every palate.
4. Café Gorky
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Gorky Park, Krymsky Val, 9
Situated in the heart of Gorky Park, Café Gorky offers a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy a charming meal outdoors. The menu combines Russian dishes with modern European touches, creating a perfect mix of comfort food and refined dining. The café is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a meal while taking in the park’s beauty.
What to Try
- Beef Stroganoff: Tender pieces of beef in a creamy sauce, served with potatoes or rice.
- Chicken Kiev: A breaded chicken breast filled with garlic butter.
- Mushroom Soup: A comforting bowl of Russian mushroom soup, perfect for cooler weather.
- Pavlova: A delicious dessert of meringue topped with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Why It’s Great
With its beautiful outdoor terrace and delicious menu, Café Gorky offers a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy hearty meals. The location in the heart of the park adds to its charm, making it an excellent place for an easy-going meal surrounded by nature.
5. I Like Wine
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Wine Bar
Location: Krymsky Val, 9
I Like Wine is the ideal spot for those who want to enjoy a relaxed meal with a great selection of wines. Located in Gorky Park, the restaurant offers a contemporary atmosphere with an emphasis on Mediterranean dishes and carefully curated wines. The outdoor seating area is perfect for sipping wine while enjoying a variety of small plates.
What to Try
- Cheese Plate: A variety of Mediterranean cheeses, perfect for pairing with wine.
- Olives: Fresh and tangy, served with Mediterranean bread.
- Grilled Vegetables: Served with herbs and a yogurt dressing.
- Moussaka: A traditional Greek dish made with eggplant, ground lamb, and béchamel sauce.
Why It’s Great
I Like Wine offers a relaxed, sophisticated outdoor setting where you can enjoy Mediterranean flavors and high-quality wine. Its location in Gorky Park and the focus on wine pairing make it a wonderful place for a leisurely afternoon or evening meal.
6. Krymsky Bridge Café
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Krymsky Bridge, near Gorky Park
Located just next to Gorky Park, Krymsky Bridge Café offers a great outdoor dining experience with views of the Moscow River. The café serves a range of Russian and European dishes in a relaxing, casual atmosphere.
What to Try
- Shashlik: A grilled meat skewers dish, typically served with vegetables and flatbread.
- Vareniki: Dumplings filled with either potatoes or sweet cherries.
- Grilled Fish: Fresh, locally sourced fish served with a side of seasonal vegetables.
- Apple Pie: A comforting dessert made with local apples and a flaky crust.
Why It’s Great
The café’s location by the river provides a scenic outdoor space to enjoy traditional Russian flavors with a focus on fresh ingredients. The relaxed environment makes it a great spot to unwind after a walk through the park.
7. Park Grill
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Grill
Location: Gorky Park, Krymsky Val, 9
For those who enjoy grilled dishes and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere, Park Grill is the perfect destination. This restaurant specializes in Mediterranean and grilled fare served in a modern, open-air setting. It’s ideal for a leisurely meal while enjoying the sights and sounds of Gorky Park.
What to Try
- Grilled Octopus: Tender octopus grilled to perfection and served with Mediterranean spices.
- Lamb Chops: A succulent and flavorful grilled meat.
- Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta.
- Grilled Vegetables: A variety of seasonal vegetables served with a light dressing.
Why It’s Great
With an emphasis on fresh, grilled dishes, Park Grill offers a casual and delicious meal in a stunning outdoor setting. The combination of great food and a relaxed vibe makes it a perfect spot for a day out in Gorky Park.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a light Mediterranean meal, a traditional Russian feast, or simply a spot to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, these restaurants in Gorky Park provide the perfect environment for an outdoor meal. From casual cafés to upscale dining, the park’s offerings are diverse and cater to all tastes. With the beautiful natural surroundings of Gorky Park, these restaurants provide a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.
