Must-see restaurants in Western European Russia

  • CoVok Sovetskoe Cafe

    Western European Russia

    This nostalgic cafe recalls the days of the USSR, not with kitsch propaganda posters, but with cosy nooks, antiques, black-and-white TVs flickering on the…

  • Garmoshka

    Western European Russia

    Housed in a historic building, and done up like a wealthy merchant's home, Garmoshka is the fanciest night out in town. The atmospheric tone is…

  • Pozharka Tavern

    Western European Russia

    Although no longer in its riverside location, Pozharka still draws the crowds for its carnivore-pleasing menu that stars grilled meat and various treats…

  • Pyotr Petrovich

    Western European Russia

    Sitting pretty in an exquisitely restored mansion near the entrance to Central Park, this merry brasserie should not be missed by anyone with taste buds…

  • Rusakov

    Western European Russia

    Sitting on the riverside, plush upmarket Rusakov does classic Russian cuisine with a side of up-close kremlin and Trinity Cathedral views. Sink into comfy…

  • Mamonts

    Western European Russia

    Mamonts is an elegantly hip spot where Tver's cool kids come to dine and sip cocktails before hitting the adjoining dance floor to DJs spinning tunes. The…

  • Tirol

    Western European Russia

    You won't want to leave this charming, snug little den, done up like a babushka's house with old-style wallpaper, stuffed animals, figurine lamps and…

  • Kremlin Tavern

    Western European Russia

    The perfect lunch or dinner break after exploring the kremlin, this tavern is a comfy spot to feast on traditional Georgian cuisine – especially the…

  • Lisya Nora

    Western European Russia

    This woodsy little den comes across all hunters' lodge, with onion-bunch decor and stuffed talking points hanging on the walls. It's a popular hang out,…

  • Manilov

    Western European Russia

    Step into a 19th-century-style parlour at this sweet restaurant with its entrance on Studenchesky per. Dig into traditional favourites such as borsch,…

  • Kakhovka

    Western European Russia

    With its exposed light bulbs, bright industrial decor and warehouse feel, Kakhovka could fit in comfortably somewhere in Brooklyn. Chargrilled meats…

  • Grafin

    Western European Russia

    Grafin bills itself as a steakhouse, and while it does a mean mignon (R1300), there's plenty more than beef on the menu. Classics such as pork, lamb and…

  • Hansa

    Western European Russia

    This medieval-themed basement restaurant stays on the right side of kitsch with huge wooden chairs, exposed brick, lamp lighting and wrought-iron light…

  • DJA + Go

    Western European Russia

    This chic wine bar and restaurant is located in a crumbling historic building. Big windows, high ceilings and an open kitchen set the mood for eyeballing…

  • Kinza

    Western European Russia

    In the basement of a residential building is this bright, sophisticated spot with exposed brick, Persian rugs and warm lighting. The menu features Middle…

  • Trapeznie Palat

    Western European Russia

    Part of the Dvor Podznoeva complex, this top-of-the-line restaurant occupies a re-created colourful interior of a 17th-century merchant's home. It serves…

  • La Provincia

    Western European Russia

    Hidden away in a quiet courtyard with an outdoor terrace, La Provincia is a cosy restaurant with comfy armchairs and lace-covered lamps. The menu offers…

  • Restaurant 903

    Western European Russia

    This popular hang-out draws the crowds for all the right reasons: a lovely summer terrace with brilliant river views, a warm and woodsy interior and a…

  • Saint Jacques

    Western European Russia

    Saint Jacques adds some ooh la la to the Smolensk dining scene. The St Petersburg chef doffs his beret ever so slightly to France with upmarket…

  • Lira Cafe

    Western European Russia

    Lira is set in a lovely riverside park right by the Pushkin Museum, with white garden furniture scattered around in front. Light meals and snacks are on…

  • Blinnaya

    Western European Russia

    Just steps from the kremlin walls and fortress entrance is this sweet little cafe boasting ‘Izborskian’ bliny. There's also light meals such as pelmeni…

  • Jem Cafe

    Western European Russia

    The Jem is a snuggly dark-wood cafe near the city centre with a summer terrace and lamp-lit interior. There's nothing unexpected on the menu (bliny, pasta…

  • Temnitsa

    Western European Russia

    Set in the old castle walls, this charming restaurant has plenty of character, with stained-glass windows, a tiny fireplace, exposed-brick walls and…

  • Samovar

    Western European Russia

    Perfect for a lunch break along ul Lenina, Samovar is an appealing self-serve restaurant specialising in traditional savoury and sweet pies. Sit up front…

  • Old Tower Cafe

    Western European Russia

    Housed in an old brick water tower, this charming modern cafe offers simple, classic meals, such as pelmeni (Russian-style ravioli typically stuffed with…

  • 3 Etazh

    Western European Russia

    Excellent thin-crust pizzas, topped waffles and filling sandwiches are just the start of the great things about this whimsical cafe. Vegetarians will find…

  • Cafe Preshpekt

    Western European Russia

    Tolstoy tripping can be hungry work: stop in at this simple cafe across from the estate entrance, where house specialities are prepared according to…

  • Russkiy Dvor

    Western European Russia

    This place looks like a cross between St Basil’s Cathedral and McDonald’s inside. It's fast food, but the quality is surprisingly high, which may explain…

  • Restaurant Onix

    Western European Russia

    Attached to the Onix Hotel is this modern restaurant with tiled floors and an outdoor terrace serving traditional Russian cuisine.

  • Frigate

    Western European Russia

    This waterfront restaurant – complete with portholes – specialises in creative fish dishes, as well as some meat and vegetarian options, and views of…

  • Cafe Chocolate

    Western European Russia

    Head upstairs, away from the street bustle, to this pleasant cafe with a European feel. Grab a slice of artfully designed cake and a coffee or cocktail…

  • Cafe-Bar Bashnya

    Western European Russia

    With a menu catering to all tastes and a central-square location, Bashnya is a good choice for lunch and coffee while sightseeing in Staraya Russa. Choose…

  • Domino

    Western European Russia

    Kitsch! Glorious kitsch! Even if peasant-on-acid decor isn't your thing, you'll still enjoy the fast-food offerings from this chain. The front and side…

  • Tomato

    Western European Russia

    Yes it's a chain but, given the limited choice in Yelets, this branch, with an outdoor terrace overlooking pl Lenina, is not a bad option for generic but…

  • Frau Marta

    Western European Russia

    A belt-loosening range of sausage dishes, sauerkraut and potato-everything is served by costumed waitresses to a soundtrack of jaunty German tunes. Wash…

  • Dvor Podznoeva

    Western European Russia

    There's something for everyone at this imaginatively designed complex: underground bakery cafe, beer house, well-stocked wine-and-cheese cellar, and the…

  • Labirint

    Western European Russia

    This appealing, upmarket cafe-lounge serves up excellent salads, pastas and meat dishes such as shashlyk and pork fillets, plus some vegetarian options,…

  • Stary Gorod

    Western European Russia

    The faux Greek statues, low lighting and heavy drapes are a little gaudy but this is the fanciest choice in town. There are plenty of Russian meals to…

  • Apelsin

    Western European Russia

    This bright little creperie dishes up all manner of bliny and other light meals. Set breakfasts from R99.

  • Kafe Sadko

    Western European Russia

    Small portions of standard canteen Russian fare are served at this basic cafe facing the central square.

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