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Sightseeing in Moscow

Quaint Home-Style Russian Cuisine in Moscow

If you are looking for a restaurant that is more than just about Russian food, but also about Russian culture, then I high recommend that you try one of these two home-style restaurants in the center. If you visit one of these two, you will not only experience Russian food, but you will experience Russian hospitality at it's best.

Cafe Margarita

Cafe Margarita is more of an institution in Moscow than just a restaurant. It open 20 years ago by Irina Raeva who was inspired by Bulgakov's beloved novel "Master and Margarita". It's located on the corner of Patriarchs Pond, which plays heavily in the novel. It's a cozy little restaurant with not more than 6 tables, so reserve well in advance. The windows look out onto the pond and during the winter you can watch the ice skaters pass by. While the food is pleasant, the main attraction is the trio of violinists. Coming straight from the nearby Moscow Conservatory, the music is lively and creates an atmosphere which is simply out of this world. You forget that you are in a restaurant and quickly come to feel that you are Irina's personal guest. Overall, Highly Recommended.

Price : 700 rubles including alcohol

Address : Malaya Bronnaya ul. 28

Metro : Mayakovskaya or Pushkinskaya

Phone : 699 6534

Stanislavskovo

A delightful, small, private restaurant in the center. Operated by a grandmother and her daughter, Emily, Stanislavskovo traces it's routes back to the late 1980's when the first, private, co-operative restaurants were allowed in the Soviet Union. And the best part about this find is that not much has changed since then. When you arrive you are greeted as if you are a personal guest of the family. In fact the restaurant is the parlor room of their private apartment. The owners are charming and speak fluent English. Emily also speaks fluent French, having studied at the Sorbonne. They prepare classic Russian cuisine. There is no menu - rather they serve you what they have prepared that evening - always fresh, always delicious. The entertainment consists of a pianist from the famous Conservatory down the street. If you catch Emily on the right night, she might wow you with her guitar and French Chansons. They only have room for about 20 guests and usually get booked well in advance. Moreover, they only accept reservations via telephone, no walk-ins from the street. They seem to give preference to foreigners who call, so better to call yourself and not have your Russian host call.