Moscow’s bakery scene has evolved into a hub of artisanal craftsmanship, where traditional Russian breads are baked with a modern twist. From rich, dark Borodinsky bread to delicate rye loaves and crispy breads with heritage recipes, the city offers a wealth of bakeries that prioritize quality ingredients, authentic techniques, and flavor. Here’s a list of the top 10 artisanal bakeries in Moscow where you can enjoy freshly baked, high-quality Russian bread.
1. Lezzet Bakery
Location: Ulitsa Pokrovka, 12
Lezzet Bakery offers an impressive variety of artisanal breads, including traditional Russian loaves like Borodinsky bread and rye bread. The bakery prides itself on handmade baking using the finest organic ingredients. The sourdough bread here is especially popular, with its crunchy crust and rich flavor.
What to Try
- Borodinsky Bread: A dense, dark rye bread flavored with coriander and malt.
- Sourdough Bread: Naturally leavened with a tangy flavor and crispy crust.
Why It’s Great
Lezzet Bakery combines traditional Russian bread-making techniques with a commitment to organic ingredients, offering a top-tier bakery experience.
2. Bakery 7th Heaven
Location: Pyatnitskaya Street, 23
Bakery 7th Heaven is renowned for its fresh, handcrafted breads made with locally sourced ingredients. Their traditional Russian rye and wheat breads are baked to perfection, and they often feature seasonal varieties, ensuring freshness in every bite.
What to Try
- Rye Bread: Perfectly balanced with a tangy yet slightly sweet flavor.
- Russian Rye with Caraway: A flavorful loaf infused with caraway seeds, perfect for pairing with cold cuts or cheeses.
Why It’s Great
Known for homemade, high-quality bread, Bakery 7th Heaven offers a warm atmosphere and a commitment to traditional Russian baking methods.
3. Beryozka Bakery
Location: Ulitsa Bolshaya Nikitskaya, 10
Beryozka Bakery is a small, quaint establishment in the heart of Moscow, specializing in both Russian and European artisanal breads. This bakery has earned a reputation for producing fresh, fluffy loaves with a variety of fillings. Their Borodinsky bread is a favorite, along with the black rye.
What to Try
- Borodinsky Bread: Classic and dense, this bread is infused with honey, malt, and caraway.
- Multigrain Bread: A wholesome, nutty loaf made with sunflower seeds, flax seeds, and oats.
Why It’s Great
Beryozka is well-loved for its flavorful, well-made breads and the variety it offers. It’s perfect for bread lovers who want something with deep Russian heritage and exceptional taste.
4. Stolle
Location: Various locations including Kuznetsky Most, Tverskaya, and Arbat
While known for their pies, Stolle also offers an excellent selection of artisanal breads baked daily with fresh, organic ingredients. Their rye and wheat breads are prepared using traditional methods, with their Borodinsky-style rye bread being a standout.
What to Try
- Borodinsky-style Rye: Rich and aromatic, this bread is packed with flavor and a slight sweetness from molasses.
- Rye Sourdough: A tangy, chewy, and hearty loaf perfect for sandwiches.
Why It’s Great
Stolle is a well-established name in Moscow for its bread and pastries, and their dedication to quality baking ensures you’ll always get something fresh.
5. Café-Bakery ‘Khleb i Vino’
Location: Ulitsa Tverskaya, 6
Khleb i Vino (meaning “Bread and Wine”) offers a perfect pairing of freshly baked artisan bread and carefully selected wines. The bakery specializes in handmade sourdough, dark rye loaves, and traditional Russian bread varieties, baked with the utmost care.
What to Try
- Rye Sourdough: A naturally leavened bread with a light tang, crunchy crust, and soft interior.
- Traditional Russian Rye Bread: Dense, with a rich and earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with hearty soups.
Why It’s Great
A perfect spot for both bread lovers and wine enthusiasts, Khleb i Vino combines exceptional bread-making with a relaxed, modern atmosphere.
6. Artisan Bakery
Location: Ulitsa Tverskaya, 9
True to its name, Artisan Bakery focuses on the craft of bread-making. They offer an impressive variety of traditional Russian breads such as Borodinsky, sourdough, and pumpernickel. The breads are made with natural ingredients, without preservatives, ensuring freshness and quality.
What to Try
- Borodinsky Rye Bread: Slightly sweet with hints of molasses and caraway seeds.
- Sourdough Bread: A tangy and crusty classic made with natural yeast.
Why It’s Great
Known for its artisanal approach to bread-making, Artisan Bakery produces beautifully crafted, flavorful breads using traditional techniques.
7. Pravda Bakery
Location: Ulitsa Tverskaya, 12
A relatively new addition to Moscow’s bakery scene, Pravda Bakery is known for its carefully crafted bread made with organic and local ingredients. Their rye breads and sourdough are incredibly popular among locals, and the bakery offers innovative twists on traditional Russian recipes.
What to Try
- Rye and Wheat Mix Bread: A delicious, airy loaf with a crispy crust and a soft, flavorful interior.
- Sourdough Rye Bread: A slightly tangy, chewy bread perfect for sandwiches.
Why It’s Great
The combination of quality organic ingredients and modern techniques makes Pravda Bakery a favorite among Moscow bread enthusiasts.
8. Katyusha Bakery
Location: Krasnaya Presnya, 15
Katyusha Bakery specializes in making Russian artisanal breads with a modern flair. Located in the Presnya area, this bakery is known for its fluffy rye loaves and classic Russian country breads.
What to Try
- Country Rye Bread: Hearty and full of flavor, with a thick, chewy texture.
- Poppy Seed Rye: A rich and nutty loaf infused with poppy seeds for extra flavor.
Why It’s Great
Katyusha Bakery is celebrated for its traditional Russian breads and high-quality ingredients, giving customers a taste of authentic, homemade flavor.
9. Svetlana Bakery
Location: Arbat Street, 22
Known for its rustic and authentic Russian breads, Svetlana Bakery offers a variety of sourdough and rye loaves. The bakery’s artisanal approach to bread-making and its use of natural fermentation techniques result in high-quality products.
What to Try
- Russian Rye Bread: Dense and slightly sweet, this bread is perfect for breakfast or sandwiches.
- Sourdough Bread: A tangy, rustic loaf that’s perfect for pairing with soups and cheeses.
Why It’s Great
The dedication to natural ingredients and traditional techniques makes Svetlana Bakery a favorite among those looking for an authentic Russian bakery experience.
10. Lev Bakery
Location: Ulitsa Tverskaya, 8
Lev Bakery is a well-loved artisanal bakery in Moscow offering freshly baked, rustic bread. Specializing in traditional Russian recipes, they provide a variety of dark rye and sourdough breads, all baked with a focus on flavor and authenticity.
What to Try
- Borodinsky Rye Bread: Rich and aromatic with the signature spicy caraway flavor.
- Rye and Wheat Loaf: A soft and chewy blend of rye and wheat flour, with a hearty texture.
Why It’s Great
Known for its old-world craftsmanship and high-quality ingredients, Lev Bakery is the perfect place to indulge in traditional Russian breads with a modern touch.
Conclusion
Moscow’s artisanal bakery scene offers a wide variety of freshly baked Russian breads, from the beloved Borodinsky bread to sourdoughs and multigrain loaves. Whether you’re visiting a bakery like Lezzet, Bakery 7th Heaven, or Artisan Bakery, you’ll experience the rich tradition and craftsmanship behind Russia’s iconic bread-making techniques. These bakeries provide an authentic taste of Russia, offering high-quality products that are perfect for pairing with traditional dishes or enjoying on their own.
