Moscow’s culinary scene has evolved into a sophisticated mix of traditional Russian fare, international influences, and modern dining trends. Many restaurants are catering to increasingly diverse tastes and dietary preferences by offering customizable menus. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking for something tailored to your exact taste, Moscow offers several restaurants where you can enjoy a meal that’s designed just for you. Here are the best places in Moscow where you can enjoy a customizable menu to suit your individual preferences.
1. Delicatessen
Located in the heart of Moscow, Delicatessen is a trendy and innovative restaurant known for its flexible and customizable menu. The restaurant specializes in contemporary European cuisine with a touch of Russian influence, and the chefs are happy to accommodate special requests, whether you have dietary restrictions or a desire to experiment with flavors.
What to Expect:
- Tailored Dishes: The chefs at Delicatessen are happy to modify their dishes based on your preferences. Whether you want a dish made gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan, they can accommodate.
- Seasonal Ingredients: The menu changes based on what’s fresh and in-season, and you can request specific ingredients or modifications to suit your tastes.
- Interactive Dining: The restaurant encourages diners to engage with the staff about their preferences, creating a more personalized experience.
Why It’s Great:
- Delicatessen offers a dining experience where flexibility and creativity are encouraged, making it the perfect place for diners who want a customized menu with locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.
2. Café Pushkin
For a more classic Russian dining experience with customizable options, Café Pushkin stands out. Known for its luxurious interior and exceptional service, Café Pushkin offers a wide variety of dishes, and the staff is always happy to cater to specific dietary needs or preferences.
What to Expect:
- Flexible Menu: While Café Pushkin specializes in traditional Russian cuisine, they offer a range of customizable options for vegetarians, vegans, or those with dietary restrictions like gluten-free or dairy-free.
- Personalized Requests: The chefs can modify classic dishes like borscht or pelmeni (dumplings) to accommodate your preferences.
- Luxurious Atmosphere: The restaurant’s opulent, 19th-century décor sets the stage for a more refined and personalized dining experience.
Why It’s Great:
- Café Pushkin combines luxury dining with a focus on personalization, offering diners a chance to enjoy traditional Russian fare with custom modifications, all in an iconic and elegant setting.
3. White Rabbit
White Rabbit, one of Moscow’s top Michelin-starred restaurants, is known for its innovative approach to modern Russian cuisine. The restaurant offers an interactive and customizable dining experience where guests can tailor their meals to suit their tastes.
What to Expect:
- Innovative Russian Cuisine: With a focus on modern twists on traditional Russian dishes, the chefs at White Rabbit are flexible in adapting dishes based on dietary needs or specific flavor requests.
- Tasting Menu Customization: The tasting menu can be adjusted based on your preferences, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or have any allergies.
- Creativity in Every Dish: The chefs are known for their creativity and often ask guests for feedback on the flavors, allowing you to be part of the customization process.
Why It’s Great:
- White Rabbit is perfect for foodies who want to experience cutting-edge Russian cuisine with a personal touch, making it one of the best choices for customizable dining in Moscow.
4. LavkaLavka
LavkaLavka is a farm-to-table restaurant that focuses on fresh, organic ingredients sourced from local Russian farms. The restaurant prides itself on catering to a variety of dietary preferences and allows diners to customize dishes based on their personal needs.
What to Expect:
- Farm-to-Table Approach: With a focus on seasonal and organic ingredients, the menu is highly customizable. You can request dishes to be adjusted to fit vegan, gluten-free, or paleo diets.
- Open Kitchen Concept: The open kitchen gives you a glimpse of the chefs at work, allowing for greater interaction when discussing customizations or dietary restrictions.
- Sustainability: The focus is on locally sourced ingredients that are both healthy and sustainable, making it a great choice for those looking for an eco-conscious, customizable meal.
Why It’s Great:
- LavkaLavka allows you to enjoy sustainable, organic meals that cater to a wide variety of dietary preferences, making it an excellent choice for those who want a personalized, eco-friendly dining experience.
5. Kuznya
Kuznya is a modern restaurant that offers a variety of dishes inspired by European and Russian flavors. The restaurant focuses on flexible, customizable options, making it a great choice for diners who want to craft a meal that suits their exact tastes.
What to Expect:
- Modern European Cuisine: The menu is inspired by European and Russian flavors, with a focus on creating customizable dishes using fresh ingredients.
- Flexible Modifications: You can customize your dishes, whether it’s asking for a vegetarian option, substituting ingredients, or adjusting seasonings based on your preferences.
- Seasonal Menu: The restaurant adapts its menu according to the seasons, so you can always enjoy fresh, flavorful dishes with your desired modifications.
Why It’s Great:
- Kuznya offers an interactive dining experience with the freedom to personalize your meal, all while enjoying a modern, sleek ambiance and high-quality ingredients.
6. Roots
Roots is a popular vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Moscow, known for its creative plant-based cuisine and its dedication to accommodating various dietary needs. The restaurant’s menu is designed to be flexible, allowing you to customize your meals based on your dietary preferences.
What to Expect:
- Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Roots offers a full menu of vegan and vegetarian dishes, but you can easily adjust the menu to fit your needs (gluten-free, raw, etc.).
- Customizable Bowls: One of the highlights of the menu is the customizable bowls, where you choose your base, protein, toppings, and sauce to create a personalized meal.
- Fresh, Plant-Based Ingredients: Roots uses organic, local produce to prepare dishes that are both flavorful and nutritious.
Why It’s Great:
- Roots is ideal for plant-based eaters who want healthy, customizable dishes that cater to a variety of dietary needs, all served in a relaxed and trendy setting.
7. Mushroom
For those seeking a refined yet customizable dining experience, Mushroom offers a modern take on classic Russian and European dishes. The restaurant focuses on fresh, organic ingredients and offers guests the option to customize their meals according to specific needs.
What to Expect:
- Innovative Dishes: Enjoy creative takes on classic Russian cuisine, with options to modify dishes to suit vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets.
- Personalized Service: The chefs at Mushroom are open to adjusting the ingredients and preparation of dishes based on your preferences, making it easy to create your ideal meal.
- Seasonal Menus: The restaurant offers seasonal menus, ensuring that the dishes are always fresh and aligned with what’s currently available.
Why It’s Great:
- Mushroom offers a high-end customizable experience, allowing diners to enjoy delicious, seasonal ingredients prepared according to their personal tastes, all in a refined setting.
8. Gorynych
If you’re craving a unique, customizable experience, Gorynych specializes in hearty Russian and Caucasian cuisine. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes that can be customized to accommodate various dietary needs.
What to Expect:
- Hearty Russian and Caucasian Cuisine: From shashlik (grilled meats) to stews and dumplings, Gorynych provides a variety of customizable options that can be adjusted for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary restrictions.
- Interactive Menu: The staff is happy to assist in customizing dishes based on your preferences, and the atmosphere is welcoming for special dietary requests.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy traditional Russian and Caucasian flavors with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and bold spices.
Why It’s Great:
- Gorynych offers a personalized dining experience with an emphasis on hearty, customizable dishes perfect for plant-based eaters or anyone seeking to craft their ideal meal.
Conclusion
Moscow offers a variety of restaurants that cater to customizable menus, making it easy for diners to enjoy meals that fit their dietary preferences or personal taste. From innovative Russian cuisine at White Rabbit to healthy plant-based options at Roots, these restaurants provide flexibility in both flavor and preparation, ensuring a personalized dining experience for every guest. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or simply looking for a meal tailored to your taste, Moscow’s food scene has something to offer for everyone.
