Moscow’s dining scene is truly exceptional, where history, luxury, and daring culinary twists seamlessly converge. Chic Icon brings you a curated list of the city’s best: restaurants celebrated for impeccable dishes, lush interiors, and an atmosphere that leaves your jaw to the floor. From palatial dining rooms rich with heritage to bold, modern spots pushing the boundaries of flavor, Moscow’s food culture is as layered and vibrant as the city itself. Whether you’re in the mood for refined Russian classics, intricate French flavors, or Asian cuisine with finesse, these handpicked venues capture Moscow’s unique blend of elegance and innovation. Here’s Chic Icon’s guide to a dining experience you won’t soon forget with the best restaurants of Moscow.
Turandot: An Imperial Journey through Asian Flavors
Turandot offers a dining experience as magnificent as its decor. Designed in the elaborate Chinoiserie style of the 17th and 18th centuries, the restaurant feels like a journey through a lavish imperial palace, where every corner is meticulously crafted. A rotunda dominates the space, with a dome that conjures an ethereal sky adorned with white clouds. All paths lead to the grand chandelier, a masterpiece from Ural’s rock crystal, quartz, and amethysts, bringing a touch of Turandot opera opulence into the heart of Moscow.
Under the direction of renowned Chef Dmitry Eremeev—whose impressive background includes serving Russia’s Presidential Executive Office—Turandot’s kitchen delivers a sophisticated blend of Pan-Asian and European flavors. Signature dishes include Peking duck, with its crispy skin and tender meat, and Chilean sea bass, served with a miso glaze that adds a perfect umami touch.
Lobster dumplings and dim sum platters showcase intricate flavor combinations, celebrating the best of Asian cuisine. Each dish is both an homage to tradition and an expression of Eremeev’s dedication to global culinary trends. At Turandot, diners are invited to savor not just a meal but an immersion into a world of elegance and timeless culinary art.
Address: Tverskoy boulevard, 26
Phone: 8 (495) 739-00-11
Website, Instagram
Savva: A Michelin Star Experience
At Savva (one Michelin star in 2022), Chef Andrey Shmakov brings local ingredients to life with dishes that reflect the Russian culinary landscape in unexpected ways. Shmakov’s version of cold green tomato gazpacho, blended with avocado, delivers a refreshing start to the meal, while his lightly salted salmon with Aperol and beets offers a delicate harmony of flavors.
The veal tartare, paired with spicy goat cheese and crispy corn, showcases Savva’s commitment to bold pairings and fresh, farm-to-table ingredients. For those craving seafood, try the red snapper grilled in banana leaves or the spicy “pil-pil” shrimp cooked with garlic and chili, each dish crafted to highlight natural flavors with subtle enhancements. Savva’s dessert offerings are equally inventive, featuring creations like crispy hvorost with a rich crème anglaise and caramel flan infused with tonka bean cream—a perfect sweet finish that speaks to the chef’s skill in merging traditional flavors with contemporary flair.
Address: Teatral’nyy Proyezd, 2
Phone: 8 (499) 795-99-99
Website, Instagram
Probka: The Best of Italian Cuisine in Moscow
Probka, one of Moscow’s most celebrated Italian restaurants, is the creation of chef and restaurateur Aram Mnatsakanov, a multifaceted figure with a passion that extends far beyond the kitchen. While organizing tennis tournaments in St. Petersburg like the St. Petersburg Open and the Davis Cup, he mingled with international stars and influential figures, fueling his inspiration for high-end dining ventures.
At Probka, Mnatsakanov brings the soul of Italy to Moscow with a menu full of rustic, yet refined flavors. Signature dishes include the luxurious truffle tagliatelle, a favorite for its earthy aroma and rich flavor, and the delicate burrata served with seasonal tomatoes. For a standout entrée, the Fiorentina steak—a beautifully marbled, perfectly grilled cut—is a must-try for meat lovers.
Dessert is equally compelling, with a velvety tiramisu that perfectly balances creamy mascarpone and bold espresso, as well as a pistachio panna cotta that captures the nutty richness of Italy’s finest ingredients. Probka’s lively, welcoming ambiance reflects Mnatsakanov’s own warm and dynamic personality, making it a staple for those seeking authentic Italian food with a touch of Moscow flair.
Address: Tsvetnoy Blvd, 2
Phone: 8 (495) 995-90-45
Website, Instagram
Café Pushkin: A Glimpse into Elegant Russian Traditions
Café Pushkin, a beloved icon of Moscow’s dining scene, has been delighting patrons since its opening in 1999. Known for its incredible Russian noble cuisine and extraordinary interiors, it captures the essence of Russia’s aristocratic past while offering a contemporary dining experience. The restaurant is famously referenced in the French chansonnier Gilbert Bécaud’s song “Nathalie,” where it is immortalized as a place of elegant indulgence with the phrase “chocolat chez Café Pushkin…” This storied legacy only adds to its allure, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of Russian history and culture.
For over two decades, Chef Andrey Makhov has been the mastermind behind Café Pushkin’s success. Tasked with leading the kitchen before the restaurant even opened, Makhov spent countless hours researching the culinary traditions of the most famous Russian poet Pushkin’s time, reviving ancient recipes, and adapting them for modern tastes.
The result is a menu that blends classic Russian dishes with refined techniques and ingredients. Highlights include the borscht, a vibrant and comforting soup that reflects the heart of Russian cooking, and blini served with delicate caviar, a luxurious yet traditional dish. For a main course, the Veal Rissole “Pozharsky” offers tender meat wrapped in a crispy crust, a nod to the grandeur of Russian nobility. Every dish is an homage to Russia’s rich culinary heritage, prepared with a modern twist. Café Pushkin’s enchanting interior, particularly its vintage library on the second floor, provides the perfect setting for this remarkable dining experience, making it an unforgettable journey into Russia’s culinary past.
Address: Tverskoy Blvd, 26А
Phone: 8 (495) 739-00-33
Website, Instagram
Olluco: The Art of Haute Peruvian Cuisine
Olluco is more than just a restaurant—it’s an exploration of boundaries, both in geography and in culinary philosophy. Born from the vision of renowned Peruvian chef Virgilio Martínez, who is celebrated for his work at Mater in Peru, Olluco represents the next step in his global quest to showcase the immense biodiversity of South America through innovative dishes.
Each plate is a journey—a discovery of ingredients that might be familiar but presented in entirely new ways. Dishes like the vibrant ceviche, elevated with rare fruits and herbs, or the delicate, perfectly seared seafood, are a testament to the restaurant’s philosophy of bringing the best of both worlds together. Olluco is where the rich terroir of Peru meets the global palate, and every bite is a celebration of the culinary innovation that bridges continents.
Address: Dayev Pereulok, 19
Phone: 8 (495) 109-87-63
Website, Instagram
Maritozzo: Italian Flavors in Moscow’s Hippest District
Maritozzo, located in Moscow’s bustling Patriki district, is another creation from renowned restaurateur Aram Mnatsakanov, the mastermind behind the celebrated Probka. Like its sister restaurant, Maritozzo offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where diners can indulge in authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist. The menu is a tribute to classic Italian dishes, elevated by fresh local ingredients and Mnatsakanov’s signature touch.
Chic Icon recommends the burrata with truffle, a decadent pairing of creamy cheese and earthy luxury, and the signature maritozzo pastries—pillowy and perfectly sweet, encapsulating the essence of Italian dessert. Whether it’s for a casual lunch or a more indulgent evening out, Maritozzo delivers the same high standards and passion for quality that Mnatsakanov has made famous. In the heart of a lively neighborhood, this restaurant offers a true taste of Italy, making it an essential stop for food lovers in Moscow.
Address: Malaya Bronnaya St, 24 k1
Phone: 8 (499) 399-50-90
Website, Instagram
Le Chat Noir: A French Bistro with Charm and Sophistication
Here you’re not just eating; you’re stepping into another era. The interior feels like a brasserie plucked straight from the Belle Époque or Napoleon III period, with fluid wooden arches, cut glass window panels, and reflections that seem to stretch endlessly.
The menu is a delicious nod to classic French cuisine, expertly reimagined by the chef with local Russian ingredients. Venison pie, rich and savory, feels like something you could only enjoy after a long winter walk in the French countryside. The paté en croûte is a meticulous creation, combining earthy meats and a flaky, golden crust that demands attention. And then there’s the coq au vin—delicate, flavorful, a perfect balance of tender meat with vegetables and mushrooms.
Beyond the food, the cocktail menu is an experience in itself. Crafted in collaboration with St. Petersburg’s El Copitas Bar, it tells the story of French actress Sarah Bernhardt through fourteen distinct cocktails, each one embodying a chapter of her life.
Address: 26 Tverskoy Bulvar
Phone: +7 (495) 025-00-15
Website, Instagram
Sakhalin: Savor the Sea with Russian-Sourced Delicacies
Sakhalin restaurant, a gem in Moscow’s dining scene, was brought to life by restaurateur Boris Zarkov and the renowned chef Vladimir Mukhin, known for his work with the White Rabbit Family. Located 88 meters above the ground, it offers not just world-class seafood, but a panoramic view of Moscow that few can rival.
At the heart of Sakhalin is the raw bar, a visual and gastronomic centerpiece where fresh seafood—shells, crabs, shrimp, and fish from the Russian Far East—is served with precision. For seafood lovers, Sakhalin is the place to immerse yourself in the flavors of the sea, accompanied by one of Moscow’s most breathtaking views.
Address: Smolenskaya St., 8
Phone: 8 (495) 647-64-79
Website, Instagram
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