Moscow boasts a wealth of restaurants that serve traditional Russian cuisine, providing a unique opportunity to experience the country’s rich gastronomic heritage. Whether you’re craving hearty borscht, delicate pelmeni, or flavorful blini, these top 10 restaurants in Moscow offer some of the best examples of Russia’s most iconic dishes.
1. Café Pushkin
Cuisine: Russian, French
Location: Tverskoy Boulevard, 26/1
One of Moscow’s most famous and luxurious restaurants, Café Pushkin, offers a sophisticated setting that evokes the grandeur of 19th-century Russia. The menu combines both Russian and French cuisine, with a focus on traditional Russian dishes.
Signature Dishes:
- Borscht
- Beef Stroganoff
- Pelmeni
- Blini with caviar
Why It’s Great
The elegant ambiance and excellent service make Café Pushkin a must-visit. The combination of historical décor and exceptional Russian cuisine ensures a dining experience that feels like a step back in time.
2. Varenichnaya №1
Cuisine: Russian
Location: Various locations in Moscow
Varenichnaya №1 is dedicated to Russian dumplings and comfort food. With a focus on vareniki (dumplings), the restaurant serves up a variety of fillings, from classic potato and cheese to meat and cherry versions.
Signature Dishes:
- Vareniki with potatoes and mushrooms
- Pelmeni with beef
- Shchi (Russian cabbage soup)
- Kvass
Why It’s Great
For a more casual and affordable experience, Varenichnaya №1 is perfect for enjoying traditional Russian comfort food in a cozy, charming environment.
3. Mari Vanna
Cuisine: Russian
Location: Spiridonovka Street, 10
Mari Vanna is a beloved Moscow spot for those seeking classic Russian home-style cooking. The restaurant is famous for its warm, cozy atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Russian grandmother’s home.
Signature Dishes:
- Beef Stroganoff
- Olivier salad (Russian potato salad)
- Pirozhki (small pies with various fillings)
- Borscht
Why It’s Great
Mari Vanna is popular for its authenticity and welcoming, homey vibe. You can taste all the classics while enjoying a warm, nostalgic atmosphere that feels like home.
4. Dr. Zhivago
Cuisine: Russian
Location: Tverskaya Street, 4
Located in the luxurious Hotel National, Dr. Zhivago offers a fine dining experience with a modern twist on traditional Russian dishes. The restaurant is named after the famous novel by Boris Pasternak, which reflects its connection to Russian history and culture.
Signature Dishes:
- Beef Stroganoff
- Pelmeni with sour cream
- Baked sturgeon
- Medovik (Russian honey cake)
Why It’s Great
The elegant and stylish design makes Dr. Zhivago a great place for those seeking traditional Russian cuisine with a modern flair. It’s perfect for a special night out.
5. LavkaLavka
Cuisine: Russian, Farm-to-Table
Location: Kuznetsky Most, 6
LavkaLavka is a restaurant with a focus on locally sourced, organic ingredients and sustainable farming practices. They specialize in traditional Russian dishes made with fresh, high-quality produce.
Signature Dishes:
- Pickled vegetables
- Shchi (cabbage soup)
- Solanka (Russian meat soup)
- Buckwheat porridge with mushrooms
Why It’s Great
For those interested in a modern take on traditional Russian cuisine, LavkaLavka offers a fresh and ethical approach to classic dishes.
6. Pechki-Lavochki
Cuisine: Russian
Location: Lubyanka, 5
With an inviting, rustic atmosphere, Pechki-Lavochki is a restaurant that specializes in classic Russian home cooking. The cozy ambiance and hearty food make it a great spot for both tourists and locals.
Signature Dishes:
- Pelmeni
- Shchi (cabbage soup)
- Dumplings with mushrooms and sour cream
- Honey cakes and desserts
Why It’s Great
The welcoming, homestyle atmosphere and authentic Russian comfort food make Pechki-Lavochki a beloved spot for casual yet delicious dining.
7. Kuchina
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Tverskaya Street, 16
Kuchina offers a blend of classic Russian and European cuisine, with a focus on traditional flavors and modern presentation. Located near Moscow’s city center, it provides a refined yet welcoming environment.
Signature Dishes:
- Pelmeni
- Borscht
- Blini with salmon and caviar
- Vareniki with cherries
Why It’s Great
The menu features a mix of traditional Russian dishes with modern European influences, making it perfect for those who want a fusion of the old and new.
8. The Café at the Pushkin Museum
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Volkhonka Street, 12
Located near the Pushkin Museum, this café serves traditional Russian dishes and is perfect for a meal after exploring the museum’s exhibits. The atmosphere is stylish yet relaxed, with a modern take on the historic Russian dining experience.
Signature Dishes:
- Borscht
- Pelmeni with sour cream
- Beef Wellington
- Pirozhki (small savory pies)
Why It’s Great
The combination of excellent food and proximity to one of Moscow’s major cultural institutions makes this spot a must-visit for history and art lovers.
9. Ulrich
Cuisine: Russian, European
Location: Maroseyka Street, 10
Ulrich offers a fine dining experience with a focus on both Russian and European flavors. The restaurant is known for combining high-end techniques with traditional Russian ingredients, creating a luxurious and refined atmosphere.
Signature Dishes:
- Borscht
- Pelmeni
- Buckwheat porridge with wild mushrooms
- Siberian sturgeon with vegetables
Why It’s Great
For a refined take on Russian dishes, Ulrich is a top choice. The sophisticated setting and emphasis on quality ingredients make it a standout in Moscow’s fine dining scene.
10. Sirotkin
Cuisine: Russian
Location: Moscow City, Vysotnaya Tower
Located in one of Moscow’s most prestigious skyscrapers, Sirotkin serves high-end, modern interpretations of traditional Russian cuisine. The restaurant combines elegance with authenticity, offering diners the opportunity to experience Russia’s best dishes with contemporary flair.
Signature Dishes:
- Beef Stroganoff
- Pelmeni with duck filling
- Shchi
- Medovik (honey cake)
Why It’s Great
Sirotkin offers refined Russian dishes in an upscale, modern setting, with stunning views of the city from the Vysotnaya Tower. It’s ideal for those who want a combination of luxury and tradition.
Conclusion
Moscow’s traditional Russian restaurants offer a diverse and rich culinary landscape, where you can experience the best of Russian comfort food and classic dishes. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a luxurious dining experience, the restaurants on this list will provide you with an authentic taste of Russia’s culinary heritage. From pelmeni and borscht to caviar and blini, these eateries will make your time in Moscow a memorable gastronomic journey.
