Nothing says summer is coming like an al fresco meal on a sun-drenched patio. Whether it's rooftop views across the city or tranquil terrace dining you're after, here are the Moscow restaurants where eating out means just that.
Wing or Leg
Patio in the park
Wing or Leg takes the concept of British pub grub, strips it down to its bare essentials and then reconstructs it with a twist. Chef Dmitry Zotov's elegant food has a touch of haute cuisine about it while remaining innately innovative and modern. The popular chain has restaurants on Patriarch's Ponds and Prospekt Mira, but the gastropub's third location in the heart of Gorky Park boasts one of the city's best terraces. Sofas, wicker chairs, plump cushions and hanging plants create the ambiance of a grandmother's porch. The terrace faces the park's volleyball courts, so you will never be short of entertainment if conversation stalls during your meal. While the menu suggests everthing will be chicken, there's plenty on offer for all palates.
+7 (916) 268 5118
park-gorkogo.com/places/180
9 Ulitsa Krymsky Val, Metro Oktyabrskaya
Karlson
A bird's-eye view
Like the eponymous and much-loved Swedish children's book character, Karlson restaurant can be found on the roof. The Ginza project eatery is located on the top floor of the Central City Tower business center, boasting breathtaking views of the river, Kremlin and other central Moscow landmarks. The kitchen serves high-end Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, which is delivered to your table by waiters sporting blue denim jumpsuits. Try one of their perfectly tender steaks or opt for a fresh seafood dish like the Murmansk cod with pesto and caramelized carrots. As you might expect from the setting, prices are toward the upper end of the scale, but there's no better spot from which to view the Moscow river from the comfort of your dining table.
+7 (495) 280 0428
ginza.ru/msk/restaurant/karlson
20 Ovchinnikovskaya Naberezhnaya, Central City Tower business center, Metro Novokuznetskaya
Tramplin Restaurant
Innovative al fresco dining
Tramplin Restaurant is the ultimate find for any hunter of views. Situated 178 meters above the Moscow River next to the winter ski slope at Vorobyovy Gory (Sparrow Hills), this restaurant offers a complete panoramic view of the city below. The terrace is partially covered and heated — so even chillier nights and summer rains can't stop diners from enjoying the spectacular view. Funky furniture, an experimental menu, an extensive bar list and a wonderful playlist make this place the perfect al fresco spot to while away a summer afternoon or evening with friends. Try the pea soup with smoked spring roll followed by the chocolate and orange dessert with lime marshmallows. You'll deserve it after the steep walk up to the restaurant from the embankment below.
+7 (910) 480 2211
tramplin-rest.com
28 Ulitsa Kosygina, Metro Vorobyovy Gory
Strelka Bar
A summertime institution
Summer in Moscow wouldn't be the same without the Strelka Bar roof terrace. Located right on the bank of the Moscow River directly facing the Christ the Savior Cathedral, this lively spot is ideal for spending long summer evenings while basking in the beauty of the bustling embankment. The cocktail list is one of the best in the city and the menu boasts a great selection of international dishes and an excellent all-day breakfast. If you like sharing, you can order smaller items like the shrimp skewers, smoked haddock nuggets with wild garlic sauce and zingy hummus from the tapas menu. During the summer, the courtyard morphs into an outdoor cinema, screening international films in their original languages.
+7 (495) 771 7416
strelka.com
14 Bersenevskaya Naberezhnaya, Bldg. 5, Metro Polyanka, Kropotkinskaya
