Moscow’s café culture isn’t just about coffee—Russian herbal and fruit teas have a long-standing tradition, deeply embedded in the country’s rich cultural heritage. The perfect way to unwind or enjoy a cozy afternoon is by sipping a warm cup of herbal or fruit tea, often paired with a delicious pastry. Whether you’re in the mood for a floral herbal infusion or a sweet fruit tea, here’s a list of the best cafés in Moscow where you can experience the finest Russian herbal and fruit teas in a relaxed setting.
1. Tea & Coffee
Located in the heart of Moscow, Tea & Coffee is a well-known spot that specializes in offering a wide variety of premium teas, including traditional Russian herbal and fruit teas. This café provides a charming atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing and savoring the delicate flavors of Russian tea culture.
What to Expect:
- Extensive Tea Menu: The café offers an impressive selection of Russian herbal teas, such as thyme, mint, sage, and rosehip, as well as fruit teas made from wild berries and apples.
- Traditional Tea Service: The café serves teas in the traditional Russian style, using teapots and providing jam or honey as accompaniments.
- Comfortable Vibe: With its cozy and inviting atmosphere, Tea & Coffee is perfect for a quiet afternoon or a leisurely tea break.
Why It’s Great:
- Tea & Coffee excels in providing a diverse and high-quality selection of Russian herbal and fruit teas, with a traditional service style that enhances the tea-drinking experience.
2. Chaikhona №1
Chaikhona №1 is one of Moscow’s most beloved café chains, known for its vibrant atmosphere and a rich variety of herbal and fruit teas. It combines modern Russian tea traditions with an inviting ambiance, making it a fantastic place to explore the world of Russian teas.
What to Expect:
- Russian Herbal Teas: Enjoy an array of traditional Russian herbal blends, such as mint, chamomile, and cedar needle tea, all known for their soothing properties.
- Fruit Teas: Chaikhona also offers fruit-based teas made from wild berries like cranberries and black currants, often served with a bit of honey for sweetness.
- Vibrant Setting: The café’s colorful and lively interior creates a welcoming environment, ideal for enjoying a pot of tea with friends or family.
Why It’s Great:
- Chaikhona №1 offers a fun and lively atmosphere, paired with an extensive selection of Russian herbal and fruit teas, making it an excellent destination for tea enthusiasts.
3. Teplo
Teplo is a cozy café with a homely atmosphere, offering a wide variety of teas, including many unique Russian herbal and fruit blends. It’s a perfect spot to spend an afternoon relaxing with a cup of tea and enjoying a slice of homemade cake.
What to Expect:
- Russian Herbal Teas: Teplo serves a selection of herbal teas such as lemon balm, thyme, and peppermint, each with its own natural benefits.
- Fruit Infusions: The café also serves fruit teas made from apples, cherries, and rose hips, often paired with a warm pastry.
- Homely Vibes: With its cozy interior, comfortable seating, and warm atmosphere, Teplo is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a quiet tea break.
Why It’s Great:
- Teplo offers a relaxed, homey setting where you can enjoy authentic Russian herbal and fruit teas, making it a great choice for a comforting tea experience.
4. Varenichnaya №1
Famous for its hearty Russian dishes and classic comfort food, Varenichnaya №1 also excels in offering traditional Russian herbal and fruit teas that perfectly complement their menu. The cozy and casual atmosphere makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
What to Expect:
- Herbal Tea Selection: Varenichnaya №1 offers a variety of traditional herbal teas, such as motherwort, rosehip, and linden, which are all known for their health benefits.
- Fruit Teas: Their fruit teas are made with a variety of wild berries like raspberries and strawberries, as well as apples and citrus fruits.
- Comfortable Atmosphere: The rustic and casual interior creates a relaxed environment, ideal for enjoying tea with a warm bowl of vareniki (dumplings) or other Russian specialties.
Why It’s Great:
- Varenichnaya №1 combines delicious herbal and fruit teas with its signature Russian comfort food, offering a perfect pairing for those looking for an authentic tea experience in a cozy setting.
5. Café Pushkin
One of Moscow’s most iconic and luxurious cafés, Café Pushkin serves a range of traditional Russian herbal and fruit teas, perfectly matching the elegant surroundings. It’s a sophisticated place to enjoy Russian tea traditions with a touch of luxury.
What to Expect:
- Traditional Russian Herbal Teas: Café Pushkin serves a selection of classic Russian herbal teas, including mint, chamomile, and melissa, each carefully selected for their refreshing flavors.
- Exotic Fruit Teas: They also offer a range of fruit teas made from Russian berries and citrus fruits, often served with jam and honey.
- Elegant Ambiance: The café’s opulent interior transports you back to the 19th century, creating a luxurious setting for enjoying tea with a selection of Russian pastries.
Why It’s Great:
- Café Pushkin provides a sophisticated and elegant atmosphere for enjoying traditional Russian teas, making it the ideal destination for a luxurious tea experience.
6. Dr. Zhivago
Located in the heart of Moscow, Dr. Zhivago is a classic restaurant offering a modern take on Russian cuisine and traditional tea blends. It’s a great spot to enjoy authentic Russian herbal teas and fruit infusions in an upscale environment.
What to Expect:
- Russian Herbal Teas: Try their carefully brewed Russian herbal teas, such as linden, mint, and melissa, each known for their calming and health-boosting qualities.
- Fruit Teas: Dr. Zhivago also offers refreshing fruit teas made from seasonal berries, including cranberries and blackberries, served with a side of Russian jam or honey.
- Elegant Dining Experience: The upscale décor and atmosphere make it a great place to enjoy tea while savoring a traditional Russian meal.
Why It’s Great:
- Dr. Zhivago offers a unique opportunity to enjoy premium Russian teas in a stylish, upscale setting, perfect for those seeking a refined tea experience.
7. Kaffeverk
Kaffeverk is a modern and trendy café known for its exceptional selection of specialty teas, including a focus on Russian herbal and fruit teas. This café is perfect for those who appreciate high-quality tea in a minimalist setting.
What to Expect:
- Herbal Teas: Kaffeverk offers a variety of herbal teas, such as chamomile, mint, and lemon balm, each chosen for their delicate flavors and soothing qualities.
- Fruit Teas: You can also try fruit teas made from apples, rosehips, and wild berries, each steeped to perfection to bring out the best flavors.
- Minimalist Ambience: With its clean, modern design, Kaffeverk offers a minimalist, peaceful environment to enjoy your tea.
Why It’s Great:
- Kaffeverk provides an excellent selection of herbal and fruit teas in a modern, relaxing space, perfect for anyone who wants to experience high-quality tea in a contemporary setting.
8. Café Beluga
Located on the top floors of the Beluga Hotel, Café Beluga offers an exceptional tea experience, showcasing Russian heritage through a variety of herbal and fruit teas. The café offers a luxurious setting and panoramic views of the city.
What to Expect:
- Premium Herbal Teas: Café Beluga serves a carefully curated selection of Russian herbal teas, including sage, linden, and rosehip, each known for their natural flavors and health benefits.
- Fruit Infusions: They also offer a selection of fruit teas made with apples, cranberries, and wild berries, providing a refreshing experience.
- Luxurious Ambiance: The café’s upscale setting with floor-to-ceiling windows offers beautiful views of the city, creating an unforgettable tea experience.
Why It’s Great:
- Café Beluga combines a luxurious tea experience with stunning views, making it the perfect spot for those looking for a premium Russian tea experience.
9. Vladivostok Café
For those craving a more coastal tea experience, Vladivostok Café offers a great selection of Russian herbal teas that highlight the flavors of the Russian Far East. The café’s modern design and focus on local ingredients make it a unique spot for tea lovers.
What to Expect:
- Herbal Teas from the Far East: Try unique blends made with cedar and wild herbs, which are native to the Russian Far East, providing a distinctive flavor.
- Traditional Fruit Teas: Enjoy fruit-based teas made from local berries, such as cranberries and lingonberries, perfect for a refreshing cup.
- Modern Design: The café’s sleek and minimalist design creates a comfortable space to enjoy a quiet tea moment.
Why It’s Great:
- Vladivostok Café offers a unique tea experience, showcasing local herbal blends and fruit teas from the Russian Far East, making it a must-visit for those seeking something different.
10. Hermitage Café
Known for its Russian heritage and classic recipes, Hermitage Café offers a range of traditional Russian teas, including herbal and fruit infusions. Its cozy atmosphere and cultural flair make it a lovely place to enjoy a comforting cup of tea.
What to Expect:
- Classic Russian Teas: The café serves traditional Russian herbal teas like thyme, mint, and chamomile, as well as fruit teas made from apples, berries, and rosehip.
- Traditional Tea Service: Enjoy the tea with a side of traditional Russian pastries or jam for an authentic experience.
- Charming Interior: The café has a homely, rustic design that creates a warm and welcoming environment.
Why It’s Great:
- Hermitage Café offers a classic Russian tea experience, making it a great spot for those looking to immerse themselves in Russian tea culture.
Conclusion
Moscow is home to a vibrant tea culture, and these cafés offer some of the best Russian herbal and fruit teas in the city. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious experience at Café Pushkin, a cozy homestyle setting at Teplo, or a contemporary twist at Kaffeverk, there’s something for every tea lover. Enjoy a variety of floral infusions, herbal blends, and fruit teas, each carefully crafted to reflect the essence of Russian traditions. These cafés are the perfect places to sit back, relax, and savor a cup of Russia’s finest teas.
