Moscow boasts a rich culinary history, with restaurants that have stood the test of time, evolving from humble eateries to iconic institutions. These famous restaurants are not only known for their delicious food but also for their fascinating stories that reflect the city’s history, culture, and culinary evolution. Whether they served as meeting spots for intellectuals during the Soviet era, or have become symbols of luxury dining in modern Moscow, these restaurants offer a glimpse into the city’s gastronomic journey.
1. Café Pushkin
Cuisine: Russian, French
Location: Tverskoy Boulevard, 26/1
Café Pushkin is one of Moscow’s most iconic restaurants, named after the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. Its neoclassical design evokes the golden age of Russian aristocracy in the 19th century. The restaurant has become a symbol of luxury dining in Moscow, offering both French and Russian cuisine in an elegant setting. It opened in 1999 but has rapidly become a part of the city’s history due to its opulent atmosphere and exceptional menu.
History
Café Pushkin was inspired by 19th-century Russian dining traditions and the opulence of aristocratic Russian homes. The restaurant is designed to resemble a classic Russian mansion, offering a glimpse into the world of Tsarist Russia. It quickly became a favorite among the city’s elite, attracting both locals and tourists with its refined atmosphere and culinary excellence.
Why It’s Famous
Café Pushkin is renowned for its blend of Russian and French cuisine, offering indulgent dishes like beef stroganoff, pelmeni, and blini with caviar. The restaurant’s luxurious décor and historical significance make it a top destination for anyone seeking a taste of Russian history.
2. Metropol Restaurant
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Teatralny Proyezd, 2
The Metropol Restaurant is located in the Metropol Hotel, one of Moscow’s oldest and most prestigious hotels. Established in 1905, the hotel and its restaurant have witnessed some of the most important moments in Russia’s history, including the Russian Revolution and the Soviet era. The restaurant’s grand interior and timeless elegance have made it a symbol of luxury dining in Moscow.
History
The Metropol Hotel and restaurant were designed by architects William Walcot and Fyodor Schechtel and were considered cutting-edge at the time of their opening. The restaurant quickly became a gathering spot for aristocrats, intellectuals, and artists. During the Soviet era, the Metropol Restaurant continued to serve as a symbol of prestige despite the country’s political and social changes. The establishment’s lavish interiors were carefully restored after the fall of the Soviet Union, maintaining its historical charm.
Why It’s Famous
The Metropol Restaurant is celebrated for its classic Russian dishes, such as beef stroganoff and borscht, served in an elegant setting. The history, opulent décor, and timeless appeal make it a must-visit destination for those looking to experience Moscow’s past while enjoying a fine meal.
3. Varenichnaya №1
Cuisine: Russian
Location: Arbat Street, 20
Varenichnaya №1 is one of Moscow’s oldest and most popular restaurants that specializes in Russian comfort food, particularly vareniki (dumplings). This humble yet iconic establishment offers a warm, nostalgic atmosphere and has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
History
Opened in the 1950s, Varenichnaya №1 has remained a beloved institution in Moscow for decades. It became famous for its simple, hearty meals and welcoming environment, offering traditional Russian dishes that were staples in Soviet-era dining. While many restaurants have come and gone, Varenichnaya №1 has continued to serve authentic Russian food, making it a cultural landmark in the city.
Why It’s Famous
Varenichnaya №1 is known for its hearty dishes, particularly its vareniki stuffed with a variety of fillings, including potatoes, cheese, and cherries. It’s also famous for its kvass, a traditional fermented drink that pairs perfectly with dumplings and soup. The restaurant’s casual, nostalgic charm makes it a great spot for those wanting to experience Soviet-era comfort food.
4. Café GUM
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Red Square, GUM Department Store
Located inside the iconic GUM Department Store on Red Square, Café GUM offers a sophisticated dining experience with a rich historical backdrop. Established in the 1930s, it has served as an important spot for Soviet officials, intellectuals, and tourists. Today, the café continues to attract visitors looking to indulge in Russian and European cuisine in one of Moscow’s most famous locations.
History
Café GUM opened in 1934 during the height of the Soviet Union’s modernization efforts. It has long been a meeting place for Moscow’s elite and has served as the backdrop for many historical moments. The café’s location in the GUM Department Store, one of the oldest and most famous shopping destinations in Russia, only adds to its allure. The restaurant’s classic Soviet-era décor has been maintained throughout the years, making it a place where you can experience Moscow’s rich history while enjoying a meal.
Why It’s Famous
Café GUM is known for its Soviet-era dishes, such as borscht, pelmeni, and pâté, offering a taste of Russian heritage in a luxurious setting. The restaurant’s historic location and timeless elegance make it a popular choice for those visiting Moscow’s Red Square.
5. Praga
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Nizhny Kislovsky Lane, 1
Praga is one of the oldest restaurants in Moscow, with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Originally opened in 1872, it became a popular spot for Soviet officials and high society in the 1920s and beyond. Today, Praga continues to offer traditional Russian and European dishes in a classic Soviet-inspired setting.
History
Throughout the Soviet era, Praga was a prominent meeting place for the city’s elite. The restaurant has survived the years, enduring through various political and social changes. It is now a symbol of Moscow’s historical dining culture. The retro Soviet interior has been preserved, allowing patrons to experience the elegance of early 20th-century Moscow while enjoying classic Russian cuisine.
Why It’s Famous
Praga is beloved for its classic Russian dishes, such as solyanka, borscht, and beef stroganoff. The vintage Soviet atmosphere and historical significance make it a standout restaurant in Moscow, offering a taste of Russia’s culinary history.
6. Metropol Restaurant
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Teatralny Proyezd, 2
Located in the Metropol Hotel, one of Moscow’s most famous landmarks, Metropol Restaurant is a prime example of Soviet-era luxury dining. The restaurant was originally opened in 1905 and became a gathering place for intellectuals, artists, and politicians during the Soviet era. Today, it continues to serve classic Russian and European dishes in a grand, historical setting.
History
The Metropol Hotel and restaurant were designed by William Walcot and Fyodor Schechtel and were considered cutting-edge at the time. The Metropol Restaurant became a popular destination for Soviet elites, despite the political and social changes during the era. The restaurant has remained an integral part of Moscow’s cultural history.
Why It’s Famous
With its timeless elegance and historical significance, Metropol Restaurant is known for its classic Russian dishes, such as pelmeni, borscht, and beef stroganoff. The opulent setting and Soviet heritage make it a must-visit spot for those seeking to experience Moscow’s rich dining traditions.
Conclusion
Moscow’s famous restaurants have witnessed the transformation of the city’s culinary scene from Soviet-era dining to the modern food culture we see today. These iconic spots, such as Café Pushkin, Metropol, and Varenichnaya №1, offer a chance to explore Russian history through the flavors and atmospheres that have shaped the city’s dining landscape. Whether you’re looking for a taste of Soviet comfort food or a more elegant dining experience, these historic restaurants continue to serve up some of the best traditional Russian dishes.
