Ajanta

Indian restaurant with Indian chef and waiters in a huge palace with many halls. Many traditional vegetarian and meat dishes including the favourite yogurt drink lassi.

Cuisine: Indian
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Malaya Gruzinsky Ul. 23, bldg. 1
Metro: Ulitsa 1905 Goda
Phone: (495) 609-3701
WWW: www.ajanta.su

ArteFAQ

Bohemian club-restaurant. There are a few finds in the interior: amusing toilets and a glass floor on the second floor. The menu is decent with several creative dishes and sometimes un-bohemian prices. The restaurant is comfy enough for a full dinner while the two-floored bar area is better for cocktails and ligt bites. The cellar hosts literary readings, live concerts and other cultural events. It has Wi-Fi.

Cuisine: European
Average bill: 2
Open hours: 12.00-6.00
Address: B. Dmitrovskaya Ul. 32, bldg. 1
Metro: Tverskaya
Phone: (495) 650-3971
WWW: www.artefaq.ru

BambooBar

Situated in Moscow City. The interior successfully combines stylish minimalism and traditional motifs. Rare woods and natural stone are used, along with a large amount of glass. The menu has Japanese sushi and rolls, salads and soups, teppan dishes, Chinese dishes in a wok or steamer and many sorts of dim sum. The menu also has dishes of Vietnamese, Thai and Malaysian origin. The bar list is also one of the restaurant's pluses. It has a multitude of interesting cocktails, a wide range of sake and Japanese single malt whiskeys.

Cuisine: Asian cuisine
Average bill: 3
Open hours: 12.00-02.00
Address: Presnenskaya Nab. 8, bldg. 1
Metro: Vystavochnaya
Phone: (495) 970-43-41

Bistrot

Luxurious villa with Tuscan cuisine in a glittering row of clubs and restaurants in the Savvinskaya Nabereznaya district. Everything here was brought from Italy, from the crockery and spices to the chef, although prices are entirely Moscow.

Cuisine: Italian
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-5.00
Address: B. Savvinsky Per. 12, bldg. 2
Metro: Kievskaya, Sportivnaya, Frunzenskaya
Phone: (499) 248-4045
WWW: www.restsindikat.com

Bon

Deserves a visit even if just to observe designer Philippe Starck's ironic take on Moscow excessiveness in everything. Owls encrusted with diamonds, lamps in the shape of a Kalashnikov rifle, stained glass with pictures of penises. The menu does not wow in the same way as the interior.

Cuisine: European
Average bill: 4
Open hours: Mon-Thurs, Sun 11.00-24.00, Fri-Sat 11.00-1.00
Address: Yakimanskaya Nab. 4, bldg. 1
Metro: Oktyabrskaya, Polyanka
Phone: (495) 737-8008/09
WWW: www.bonmoscow.ru

Budvar

Budvar is one of the oldest and most respected beer restaurants, open since 1994. Singularly beautiful interior, attentive service, 11 sorts of draft beer, and appetising and filling European dishes that go well with beer. The wonderful chalet-veranda works year-round: when it is hot outside it is cool here, and in the rain it becomes warm and cosy.

Cuisine: Czech
Average bill: 3
Open hours: 12.00-23.00
Address: Kotelnicheskaya nab. 33
Metro: Taganskaya
Phone: (495) 915-1598/3124
WWW: www.budwar.ru

Cafe Pushkin

Flagship restaurant of the famous Andrei Dellos and one of Moscow's cult restaurants, where you can feel the atmosphere of imperial Russia of the 19th century and try legendary dishes. The 'Chemist' hall on the first floor is a bit less expensive: in the 'Library' on the second and third floors a more expensive menu is in operation. There is also the 'Cellar' wine hall and a summer terrace on the roof. Refined aristrocratic setting, stunningly special treats on the menu, amazingly gallant service - cafe Pushkin will leave a lasting impression on you!

Cuisine: Russian
Average bill: 4
Open hours: Chemist' - 24-h, 'Biblioteka' - 12.00-23.45
Address: Tverskoi Bulvar 26a
Metro: Pushkinskaya, Tverskaya, Chekhovskaya
Phone: (495) 739-0033
WWW: www.cafe-pushkin.ru

Casta Diva

Restaurant-palace of high-class Italian cooking that took 2 years to open. Inside are fountains, walls painted with frescoes, marble columns and statues. Dishes by Michel Brogoni are astounding! Just think fois-gras followed by tiramisu costs! Every second saturday of the month a doll's theatre gives performances for children. In warm weather there is an idyllic summer veranda.

Cuisine: Italian
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Tverskoi Bulvar 26
Metro: Pushkinskaya, Tverskaya, Chekhovskaya
Phone: (495) 651-8181
WWW: www.castadiva.ru

Clumba

Unusually cosy and relaxed restaurant in the centre of town. Light tones, soft seats with cushions, intimate lampshades and flower arrangements everywhere - Clumba club looks like a lovely country house. The menu can pride itself on everything being fashionable and delicious. The usual Moscow mix of Russian, Italian, French, Caucasian and Asian always finds supporters. People come here to watch sporting events on big screens, and also to relax with their children at the children's parties on Sundays. In the evenings trendy DJs play live sets. In summer there is a luxurious terrace with elegant woven furniture and at the centre of the composition is a flower bed.

Cuisine: International
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-06.00
Address: Povarskaya ul. 33
Metro: Barrikadnaya
Phone: (495) 782-7398
WWW: www.clumba-club.ru

Damas

Splendid furniture and refined hand-made accessories make up the luxurious and intriguing interior of this Arabic restaurant. The menu includes excellent dishes of Syrian, Lebanese and Italian cuisine - for this answer two chefs, from Syria and Italy.

Cuisine: Near East
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-5.00
Address: Maroseyka Ul. 8
Metro: Kitai-Gorod
Phone: (495) 628-8080
WWW: http://www.damas-rest.ru

Djun Go

The imperial luxury of its interior distinguishes this restaurant from other Chinese establishments that are usually decorated in an ethnic style. The chef here cooks 'imperial' dishes from Guangzhou province. The menu has many dishes of seafood and fish and of course the usual meat and poultry.

Cuisine: Chinese
Average bill: 3
Open hours: 12.00-2.00
Address: Tverskaya Ul. 24
Metro: Mayakovskaya
Phone: (495) 755-8403
WWW: www.djungo.ru

Expeditsiya

This Siberian house has a fascinating interior for those who love adventure: hewn wooden tables, plaster trees and a real helicopter as decoration. You can try unique northern Russian fare such as reindeer meat, arctic partridge, fillet of whitefish and white salmon, other Siberian delicaties and of course alcoholic infusions. The restaurant complex has its own banya and shop of adventure-related goods. They can also help to organise expeditions and picnics.

Cuisine: Russian
Average bill: 3
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Pevchesky per. 6
Metro: Kitai-Gorod
Phone: (495) 775-6075
WWW: www.expedicia.ru

Genatsvale

The interiors of this restaurant inspire deep affection: it looks like a picturesque Georgian village in miniature. There is a VIP hall and one a bit more simple. They are two halls of the same restaurant but have separate entrances from the street. The food is abundant and tasty, and shashliks are served with songs.

Cuisine: Georgian
Average bill: 3
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Ostozhenka Ul. 12/1
Metro: Kropotninskaya
Phone: (495) 695-0401, 695-0393
WWW: http://restoran-genatsvale.ru/

Glavpivtorg

Beer restaurant in retro style, decorated like a Soviet ministery. Russian and European cooking, including all the beloved Soviet favourites. Good choice of beer; some is brewed in the restaurant's microbrewery. Live music and dancing.

Cuisine: Beer
Average bill: 3
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: B. Lubyanka ul. 5
Metro: Lubyanka
Phone: (495) 628-2591, (495) 624-1996
WWW: www.glavpivtorg.ru

Gorki

Fashionable restaurant of Russian and Mediterranean cooking with a grandiose interior in the Stalinist spirit. Ceilings with stucco moulding, red sofas and live jazz add to the rhapsodic impression from the restaurant.

Cuisine: European
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: 1st Tverskaya-Yamskaya Ul. 3
Metro: Mayakovskaya
Phone: (495) 775-2456
WWW: www.gorki.su

Graf Orlov

This splendid 18th century manor was once the out-of-town residence of Count Orlov. This restored architectural monument is surrounded by a picturesque park with a fountain, alleys and gazebos. All three floors have restaurant rooms where Russian and European dishes are served. An establishment ideally suited to refined receptions and putting on noble airs.

Cuisine: Russian
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: 2nd Verkhny Mikhailovsky proezd 2
Metro: Shabolovskaya
Phone: (495) 954-0740
WWW: www.graforlov.ru

Gusar - 1812

An unusually pompous and solemn restaurant in the historic manor of general-lieutenant Orlov. Moscow's main architect, Alexander Kuzmin, worked on creating the establishment. The restaurant's facade is executed in the shape of a triumphal arch; inside are columns, rich cornices, wrought iron balustrades, sophisticated furniture and English china. The menu has European and Russian specialities. It is worth trying the olivier with lobster cheeks and pelmeni with bear meat.

Cuisine: Russian
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Ul. Sadovaya Kudrinskaya 6
Metro: Barrikadnaya, Krasnopresnenskaya
Phone: (495) 697–3600/5055
WWW: www.gusar-rest.ru

H.L.A.M.

Art-cafe Khlam (an acronym of the Russian for Artists, Writers, Performers and Musicians that also means ‘Junk’) was the name of a Kiev art-caf? in the 20s and is now a Moscow restaurant that is reincarnating bohemian Russian decadence and european art deco. Quiet background jazz, cabaret music, and a cinematic interior created by Nikolai Samonov make allusions to the 20s and 30s of last century, to cosmopolitan and bohemian pleasure. The menu has vegetarian, Mediterranean and Russian food, and the restaurant's pride and joy is its 'Green List' - 50 vegetables, fruits and herbs that can be prepared how you like. The dessert menu deserves special attention with its russian syrniki, light pineapple soup with basil and drops of chocolate, and hot pumpkin with sweet sage sauce.

Cuisine: International
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 11.00-01.00, Sat-Sun 11.00-05.00
Address: Golutvinsky Per. 3/5
Metro: Polyanka
Phone: (499) 238-1678
WWW: www.hlamcafe.ru

Kapri

Go on a culinary journey round Italy with Kapri, a classic long-lived upmarket restaurant. The interior is quality and dear with a grand piano, Limoges china, silver service, landscape paintings of the island of Kapri and an abundance of fresh flowers. Kapri is a restaurant for gourmands with traditional ideas about taste and good food.

Cuisine: Italian
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Academica Sakharova Prospect 7
Metro: Turgenevskaya
Phone: (495) 607-5253
WWW: www.restokapri.ru

Lastochka Teplokhod

Restaurant on a 2-decked riverboat, just like those that sailed on Russia’s rivers at the start of the 20th century. The halls and cabinets have woven furniture, sea paraphernalia and ships’ teak on the floor. The proprieters have succeeded in creating an aristocratic yet relaxing atmosphere. An Italian chef conjures away in the kitchen, offering European food with an Italian accent. Lastochka is tied up at a picturesque wharf and only comes out for cruises on the Moscow river when it is hired for special events.

Cuisine: European
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Southern berth, Luzhnetskaya Nab., entrance from Frunzenskaya Nab.
Metro: Sportivnaya, Vorobyovy Gory
Phone: (495) 778-89-94
WWW: www.restoran-vip.ru/tern

Lucien

This restaurant is located in a manor estate from the start of the 20th century. The noble and beautiful interior makes you want to eat unhurriedly, in the Russian manner. The favourite is the salad Olivier – they say that it is made strictly from a 19th century recipe. There is daily shchi with veal, minced pike served with tender caviar, champagne and beetroot jelly – real refined, noble food. Don’t forget to order the real Russian spectacle: tea ceremony with a real samovar on coals from Tula.

Cuisine: Russian
Average bill: 3
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Gilyarovskogo ul. 65, bldg. 1
Metro: Prospect Mira, Sukharevskaya, Rizhskaya
Phone: (495) 997-76-65
WWW: www.lucienrest.ru

Marocana

Restaurant with bright national decor. The second floor is good for chilling out smoking a hookah. Large selection of tapas, cous-cous, tagines and other Moroccan specialities. There is also real Moroccan tea!

Cuisine: Moroccan
Average bill: 3
Open hours: 11.00-23.00
Address: Kotelnicheskaya Nab. 1/15, bldg. B
Metro: Taganskaya
Phone: (495) 915-3500
WWW: www.marocana.ru

Nabi

Fashionable place that serves Asian dishes including Japanese, Indian, Thai and Vietnamese cuisine. You can choose from two halls, the interior is thought out even to the smallest details: shades of gold harmonies with turquoise and crocodile skin and there are many hand-made articles about, specially brought from Bali. In summer you can eat in the fresh air under a large canopy.

Cuisine: Asian cuisine
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00 - 24.00
Address: M. Afanasyevsky Per. 5
Metro: Arbatskaya
Phone: 691-4060
WWW: http://www.restsindikat.com

Nkong

This establishment plays to refined guests who value luxurious interiors and an interesting pan-asian menu that also includes European specialities. Tom Kurokawa developed the concept for the cuisine: he divided the menu into three sections: sea, sky and earth – presenting dishes from fish, poultry and meat respectively. This restaurant is exclusive; prices correspondingly so.

Cuisine: Chinese cuisine
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: 1st Tverskaya-Yamskaya Ul. 7
Metro: Mayakovskaya
Phone: 694-5763
WWW: http://www.h-kong.ru

Nobu

The appearance of the world-famous brand Nobu in Moscow caused a great noise. The restaurant was personally opened by Nobuyuki Matsukhisa and Robert de Niro. Now the chain’s high standards are continued in Moscow by chef Lloyd Roberts from New York’s Nobu Fifty Seven. The refined interior and Japanese-Peruvian menu attracts a lot of attention from gourmands. There is no consensus of opinion: some people are in ecstasy and some expected more from Nobu. But the restaurant deserves a visit in any case. .

Cuisine: Japanese
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 13.00-23.45
Address: B. Dmitrovskaya 20/1
Metro: Pushkinskaya, Tverskaya, Chekhovskaya
Phone: (495) 645-3191
WWW: www.noburestaurants.ru

Palazzo Ducale

Elite Italian restaurant with a stunningly luxurious interior that was created to look like a Venetian palace. Broad delicatessen menu. Prices are high (pizza costs 1000 rubles on average). But in the coffee hall you can have breakfast until 12.00 for reduced prices; the main menu comes into effect after that.

Cuisine: Italian
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-24.00, coffee hall Mon-Fri 08.00-24.00, Sat-Sun 09.00-24.00
Address: Tverskoi Bulvar 3
Metro: Arbatskaya, Pushkinskaya, Tverskaya
Phone: (495) 789-6404/03,
WWW: www.palazzoducale.ru

Pivnaya 01

Entertaining interior done out like a fire station. Real nozzle water hoses, emergency fire escapes, protective fireman’s gear hung on the walls as decoration and a bar made from a fire engine, real of course. The restaurant has centralized beer supplies in red tubes; you can open the valve and pour yourself a pint. The menu has average dishes with very funny names.

Cuisine: Beer
Average bill: 2
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Prospect Vernadskogo 6
Metro: Universitet
Phone: (495) 938-2218
WWW: www.pivnaya01.ru

Praga

This cafe follows practically all the unwritten rules of fashionable eclectic Moscow restaurants – an expensive interior in chocolate tones, sophisticated designer accessories and a bar made of onyx. Floor to ceiling windows provide excellent lighting and a pleasant view. And the menu is compiled to please everyone, with sushi, pasta and home-made cutlets.

Cuisine: International
Average bill: 4
Open hours: By order
Address: Arbat Ul. 2/1
Metro: Arbatskaya
Phone: (495) 690-6171
WWW: www.ast-group.ru/praga

Pushkin Confectioners

This is not really a coffee shop, but if you want to gladden your soul with good coffee and dreamy desserts then this is the place. The cakeshop attached the legendary cafe Pushkin is truly enchanting: the interior is unusually romantic and the dessert cabinets will really drive you mad; you want to taste everything!

Cuisine: Coffeeshop
Average bill: 2
Open hours: 11.00-24.00
Address: Tverskoi Bulvar 26/5
Metro: Tverskaya, Pushkinskaya, Chekhovskaya
Phone: (495) 604-4280

River Palace

This 2-decked river boat with a restaurant on board was specially built for gastronomic river cruises in 2008. It is by far the most luxurious boat on the river! The floor of the main hall is made of beige marble and the ceiling is hung with 12 gilded light fittings. The menu is by a chef who worked with Alan Ducasse. He treats guests to sardine carpaccio, bouillion with sea urchins, and American ‘Russet’ shark with basil. The boat is tied up at the wharf at Ploshchad Evropy and leaves for trips on the Moscow River every even-numbered hour.

Cuisine: Fish
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 14.00-23.00
Address: Berezhkovskaya nab., Ploshchad Evropy 1
Metro: Kievskaya
Phone: (495) 222-05-32
WWW: www.concord-catering.ru

Sestry Grim

It is not easy to find this establishment: you have to go under the arch and round the pavilion of club Gogol, but it is worth the try. You find yourself in a hospitable ‘apartment’ where the interior is unbelievably sweet and sentimental. The food is both domestic and fantastic. At weekends there is dancing.

Cuisine: European
Average bill: 2
Open hours: Mon-Thurs, Sun 12.00-24.00, Fri-Sat 12.00-2.00
Address: Stoleshnikov Pereulok 11
Metro: Chekhovskaya, Teatralnaya
Phone: (495) 628-89-75
WWW: www.sgrimm.ru

Shinok

A Shinok is a roadside tavern: this Moscow establishment does not suit this definition. Despite the simple peasant interior, this is an expensive place. In a special pen styled as a cowshed, behind glass, ruminate a real live cow, goat and hare. At weekends from 13.00 to 18.00 there is all-you-can-eat brunch. .

Cuisine: Ukrainian
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 24-h.
Address: Ulitsa 1905 Goda 2
Metro: Ulitsa 1905 Goda
Phone: (495) 651-8101, (495) 255-0888/0204
WWW: www.shinok.ru  

Solyanka

Establishment with brightly-coloured interior, located on the street with the same name, a restaurant during the day and a club at night. Just like solyanka soup the menu combines various cuisines and culinary traditions. Sunday to Wednesday is relatively quiet but Thursday to Saturday has queues to get in and strict face control.

Cuisine: International
Average bill: 2
Open hours: 11.00-06.00
Address: Solyanka Ul. 11
Metro: Kitai-Gorod
Phone: (495) 221-7557
WWW: www.s-11.ru

Syem Pyatnits

In this restaurant you find yourself in the atmosphere of a well-to-do house. The surroundings are as domestic as can be: beds with pyramids of pillows, books, gramophones, Singer sewing machines; old photographs on the walls and a mirror in a massive frame. Good cooking with a wide choice of dishes, long wine list and sophisticated desserts.

Cuisine: Russian
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Vorontsovskaya ul. 6
Metro: Taganskaya
Phone: (495) 912-1218
WWW: www.7friday.ru

Tajj Mahal

Exuberant and lavish restaurant of Indian and eastern cooking. Hand-made furniture, Pakistani rugs, open work light fittings, fountains – the interior is very elaborate! Indian food reigns on the menu but there are also sections for Arabic, Uzbek and Japanese dishes.

Cuisine: Indian
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Kutuzovsky 48 (shopping centre Vremena Goda)
Metro: Park Pobedy
Phone: (495) 363-17-40/39
WWW: www.tajjmahal.ru

The Apartment

Urban restaurant in Manhattan style in a former silk manufacturer’s building on the bank of the river Moscow. Ultra-stylish but cosy design. French, Italian and Spanish cuisines with a twist of Asian. Attractive bar on the first floor specialises in wine and cigars.

Cuisine: International
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Savvinskaya Nab. 21
Metro: Kievskaya
Phone: (495) 518-6060
WWW: www.the-apartment.ru

Tinkoff

Large 2-storey restaurant with industrial design. A lift goes between the two floors. Their own microbrewery sits behind a glass barrier, you can observe the process. There is a new collection of house beers every season. The huge menu has something for every occasion and there is even a sushi bar with a menu compiled by a chef from Japan. At weekends there are concerts, including world-famous groups.

Cuisine: Beer
Average bill: 3
Open hours: 8.30.00-2.00
Address: Protochny per. 11
Metro: Smolenskaya
Phone: (495) 777-3300
WWW: www.tinkoff.ru

Turandot

A restaurant palace and no less! Construction took over 6 years. Every detail was planned and there are works of art everywhere: comparisons to the Hermitage would not be out of place. No other restaurant in Moscow can compete with Turandot for interior beauty and perfection. The menu has excellent Asian and European dishes.

Cuisine: Chinese
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Tverskoi Bulvar 26/5
Metro: Tverskaya, Pushkinskaya, Chekhovskaya
Phone: (495) 739-0011
WWW: www.turandotpalace.ru

Vanille

One of the first luxury-restaurants in Moscow with a fusion style, and after 9 years has not lost its relevance and status. Fantastic view of the Christ the Savior cathedral, a mix of Mediterranean and asian dishes from Frenchman Camel Beramar, and an atmosphere of sophistication – this is the essence of Vanille.

Cuisine: International
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 08.00-24.00, Fri-Sat 10.00-24.00
Address: Ostozenka Ul. 1
Metro: Kropotkinskaya
Phone: (495) 637-10-82
WWW: www.eatout.ru

Villa Rosa

The expensive restaurant with Italian menu that deserves good attention, in a restored 19th century manor. There is a pleasant view from the second floor of the imposing candelabras and pink/white tables below. In summer you can eat in the fresh air on a patio.

Cuisine: Italian
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Pyatnitskaya Ul. 52/1
Metro: Novokuznetskaya, Dobryninskaya
Phone: 951-4080

Volga-Volga

This restaurant has been conducting its story since 1939, situated in a building of the Northern river port in a park on the banks of the river Moscow. The solemn interior is an example of Stalinist empire style. In warm weather the rotonda is open, grown over with vines, there is a fountain in the centre and tables are situated around it. They serve dishes from European and Russian cuisine. There are aquariums with sturgeons swimming that can be caught and cooked for you. It is worth a visit to feel the unique ‘Soviet aristocratic’ atmosphere.

Cuisine: European
Average bill: 3
Open hours: 12.00-24.00
Address: Leningradskoye shosse 51
Metro: Rechnoi Vokzal
Phone: (495) 627-5262
WWW: www.volga-volga.info

Yar

Legendary restaurant founded in 1862 that was restored at the end of the 20th century to its pre-revolutionary interior. Each of the several halls dazzles with its finery; here you are a guest of the same establishment that hosted Pushkin, Chekhov, Rasputin, Shalyapin, presidents and kings. The menu offers Russian and European specialities. From 9 in the evenings there is a top-notch show.

Cuisine: Russian
Average bill: 4
Open hours: 18.00-24.00
Address: Leningradsky prospect 32/2
Metro: Belorusskaya, Dinamo
Phone: (495) 960-2004
WWW: www.sovietsky.ru