Which Moscow restaurants should everyone visit? Legendary places according to Telegram channel administrators

Each city has its own places of worship, which are associated only with it. For example, “Pyshechnaya on Bolshaya Konyushennaya” in St. Petersburg, khinkal “White Nights” in Sochi and “Tsarskaya Rakovarnya” in Samara. But is there a place in Moscow that absolutely every local and tourist knows?

We can assume that there are many options. For example, some people associate the capital with “Coffeemania”. Having been operating for more than 20 years, the first-class city cafes have only strengthened their position and, it seems, they have no intention of giving them up. And 10 years ago, every Muscovite on the Garden Ring would say that he could not imagine a city without Denis Simachev Shop&Bar with its watermelon shots and salmon pizza.

We believe that Moscow is different for everyone. But if one day you suddenly ask to name places where Moscow is not Moscow, what will it be? We asked this question to the main experts in the capital’s establishments, the administrators of the coolest telegram channels about Moscow restaurants. We tell you what they answered.

“Coffee craze”

Singapore latte, meatballs and Greek salad – this set means that the holiday is about to begin. I have fond memories of this chain, as my indispensable pre-flight stop is “Coffeemania”. The brand has existed for more than 20 years, and during this time its restaurants have appeared in many districts of Moscow. Perhaps you will not find a more ideal place for lunch when you want a simple and understandable meal – all “Coffeemanias” have a stable quality of products and good service, and in some places you can eat at any time of the day or night. For breakfast I usually order salmon with fried potatoes and cottage cheese casserole, and for lunch or dinner I order a large beef cutlet or beef stroganoff with mashed potatoes.

Starlight

Do you still remember the famous milkshakes at Starlight? Apparently they are still being prepared. The first restaurant opened 29 years ago and still feeds people American fast food. Many years ago I was a fan not only of milkshakes, but also of some dishes at Starlight. As a child, my sister often took me there for lunch, and there I tried the most delicious cream of spinach soup. Of course, the tastes of many of the restaurant’s regulars have changed, but it was as if time had stopped; already worn-out sofas, the same interior and menu. I remembered and wanted to drink the milkshake again, adding the rest from the shaker.

Delicatessen

This is my personal hidden gem. First of all, it is not so easy to find. The guys even bought an advertising poster from Sadovoy, which says that you need to turn into the arch, and there is a sign on the door of the bar: “Thank you for finding.” My friendship with bartenders and my passion for cocktails began with Delika. The most emotional meetings took place here. I like that you can come there without knowing anyone and leave as best friends with everyone. At least with those who are on both sides of the bar.

My must-try is the cherry bourbon, aka the double and Bukowski cocktail in a glass with ice (everything is in this infusion, so don’t be afraid to “mess with it”).

Mind you, the bar has no music (sometimes live) and no drinks menu, but it does have lots of love and the funniest hand-made fires for drinks.

“Take and do”

Few people know this now, but “Take Do” was a small self-built pavilion opposite the Radisson Collection hotel on Kutuzovsky. It was a gangster hangout where all the big, well-fed men in security jackets sat and ate expensive, greasy, delicious sushi and rolls. If you do a little Googling, you can find news of shootings there from 20 years ago.

Once my father took me there, I was very impressed and bragged to all my friends. I was sure that after the demolition of this elite “tent” the restaurant disappeared, but the other day, passing by Kutuzovsky Prospekt 17, I discovered “Take Do”. I immediately remembered this criminal mood and wanted to check if it was still so tasty there.

“Cafe Pushkin”

A legendary restaurant located in a mansion. It has been operating since 1999, but the flow of tourists does not stop, and social networks are still full of posts from the pompous restaurant-library. The immortality of Andrei Dellos is a landmark created by him, without which it is difficult to imagine Tverskoy Boulevard. If you want a sudden vacation and feel like a tourist in the capital, go to the suite breakfasts in the “Pharmacy” hall.

“Moscow-Delhi”

The most unusual restaurant for the Patrick family, where the rust of a rich life will be washed off you. First of all, the Indian cuisine here is extremely authentic. Secondly, you will have to walk barefoot here. Yes, it is cramped, yes, it is uncomfortable. So, do you want to have a gastronomic experience? There is no menu in the usual sense, but there are different sets. Try whatever you come across. Everything is delicious. A place that takes you straight from Ermolaevsky to the heart of India.

Black Swan

In my opinion, the most beautiful bar in Moscow pleases those walking along the streets of Kitai-Gorod with its most epic facade decorations. But the real “game” begins when you get inside. It’s more like a museum full of antiques. Even if you don’t plan on drinking beer, and that’s what you’re supposed to drink here, you can try to find the secret door with the sign BAR to enter the secret Brazilian Botafogo. Of course, what you should try here is caipirinha, a traditional Brazilian cocktail made of cachaça, lemon, ice and sugar cane. And of course, another stop on the underground journey is the “Chamber of Secrets” bar. A spacious space with a Victorian spirit, as if you were in a Gothic cathedral with stained glass windows and a bell from 1892. Here you can comfortably sit at the tables in the early 19th-century temple rows of the Kilkena Cathedral and order a beer or a classic cocktail.

Calabasa

The Kalabasa project turns 15 in May 2024; are there many of them in Moscow? I remember and know them from the time when only the first corner of the first floor was open and they sold packaged sweets. I was 18 years old and I went specifically for Napoleon cheese and the best pasta in the city to please my loved ones. And for the last three years I have been the happiest PR director of the project. Loving work and having your own business is not happiness.

Margarita Bistro

If I don’t know what I want or where to have a meeting, I go to Margarita. I know all the staff and coming here feels like home: for breakfast, dinner or coffee and work. For a long time I thought the place was too ambitious for me and didn’t go there, but one day after eating carrot hummus, eggplant pieces and French fries, I fell in love. I think I turned half of my friends on to the salmon quinoa bowl on the breakfast menu.

Eva

I was born and raised in Bolshaya Gruzinskaya and I know the long and big history of the facility where EVA opened. I still remember the moment when we found out that a Greek restaurant was opening in this place, not far from Molon Lave (then we laughed that we would close again). And imagine my surprise when the project turned out to be incredibly great. In the winter, I sit at the bar and order my favorite vegetable pancake for breakfast, and in the evening I meet with my friends and eat the most delicious Greek salad in the city.

Ugolek

This place has been on my personal best list for five years. It is 100% mine. Ilya Tyutenkov is a genius for me and a pioneer to some extent. With “Ugolok” there was a complete coincidence in terms of cuisine and atmosphere. I like their breakfasts, lunches and dinners equally. Sunny in the mornings, romantic in the evenings. And my favorite slow tempo in the background.

Semifreddo

For me, Semifreddo is an indispensable association with Moscow. Always delicious, always luxurious. And stable on the right landing. Yes, there are more legendary restaurants, but in my opinion, the most beautiful and intimate dinners are here.

On Probka Tsvetnoy

Perhaps the most soulful place in the city. Aram Mnatsakanov creates a wonderful atmosphere of Italian hospitality, and you want to go there to eat delicious food in abundance and without fuss, which is rare in the city center. I also go to Probka when I want a family atmosphere, and I often invite my mother there.