Where to Dine in Style This Season
A culinary map for those who settle only for the best: 10 restaurants definitely worth visiting this summer.
Let your gastronomic journey through Moscow begin here. Together with Alexander Sysoev, founder of the international restaurant guide GreatList, we’ve selected 10 restaurants that deserve a place on your summer itinerary in the capital.
Butler
Butler boasts one of the most beautiful terraces by Patriarch Ponds, a fashionable neighbourhood in Moscow. It reminds a garden in an Italian palazzo, with flowers, pergolas, and crystal chandeliers dangling from the sky. Add to that a refined take on Italian classics by Verona-born Giuseppe Davi, and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect summer evening. Start with the red Sicilian prawn tartare with stracciatella, then follow with fresh house-made pasta, like spaghetti with bottarga.
Address: Tryokhprudny Lane, 15
Gvidon
Gvidon is in the “golden triangle” of Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street, next to one of Russia’s top hotels, Stella di Mosca, and the famed chef’s table Ikra. The terrace perfectly captures the vibe of Moscow’s main street for foodies. Come for both the stylish interiors and the mix of Russian and French cuisine. If it’s too warm for their always-excellent French onion soup, opt for a Niçoise salad with tuna, or courgette fritters topped with caviar, herbs, and Chantilly cream. Book a table with a view of the chandelier and the mermaids (yes, really).
Address: Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street, 5
Sakhalin
At this seafood restaurant on the 22nd floor of the Azimut Hotel, the stone bar is lined with gleaming fins and glistening fish daily. Go straight for the tartares, the signature house salad, and the black cod with feijoa. The sea-inspired cocktails are equally worth a try. Go for “Medusa Gimlet” or “Pink Calamari.” And, of course, the view: if you manage to get a spot on the terrace, you’ll dine overlooking the capital’s seven most famous skyscrapers, the Moscow River, the Arbat, and Moscow City towers.
Address: Smolenskaya Street, 8
Severyane
Severyane is the perfect place to cool off from the summer heat. The dim lighting inside offers a welcome retreat, or you can sit on the terrace and people-watch on Bolshaya Nikitskaya — the city’s top restaurant street. It’s not unusual to see the same faces walking up and down three or four times a day. All the dishes here are cooked over an open flame or in the oven, and their house pastrami is famous all around Moscow. They also have fantastic breakfasts, served until 4 p.m., which is quite a nice bonus.
Address: Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street, 12
Semifreddo
This restaurant offers some of the best parking in town, as well as outstanding Sicilian cuisine from chef Nino Graziano. He draws on a wealth of family recipes but always has an ace up his sleeve. If it’s your first visit, try the “Traditional Sicilian Set Menu from the Chef.” Though tucked away in a quiet courtyard, the clientele includes Forbes-listed names and faces you may have seen on TV.
Address: Timura Frunze Street, 11с55
Cafe Pushkin
This iconic Moscow restaurant is not to be missed, no matter the season. Step into the world of 19th-century Russian nobility and sample historic recipes with a gourmet twist. Chef Andrey Makhov prepares classic dishes like veal Pozharsky cutlets, Olivier salad with Provençal sauce, and an airy, meringue-based Pavlova dessert. In summer, head up to the lush rooftop terrace for the full experience.
Address: Tverskoy Boulevard, 26А
Buro TSUM
The spacious terrace is a perfect place for lunch in between shopping sprees at TSUM or a stroll through the city center. The menu features plenty of options for those who try to avoid lactose, gluten, and animal protein. If you’re here for breakfast, go for the fried eggs with avocado and potato gratin. It’s one of our favorites. For lunch, the roast beef salad with seasonal vegetables and herbs is a solid choice, followed by the house-made pasta with black truffle.
Address: Petrovka Street, 2
Uzbekistan
This rich-in-history restaurant has been around for over 50 years, making it a Moscow landmark in its own right. But if you’re after the best plov (pilaf) in town or perfectly grilled shashlik, then it’s more than worth the visit. The terrace feels like a vibrant Eastern courtyard — richly decorated and so inviting — you won’t want to leave.
Address: Neglinnaya Street, 29с5
Mama Tuta
A Georgian restaurant without the usual clichés: no overplayed playlists or kitschy interiors. The food, however, stays true to tradition. The chicken in walnut bazhe sauce might be the best in town, and the mini khinkali with beef in a pepper sauce won’t disappoint either. There are no flashy trends here — just consistently excellent food. Grab a seat on the terrace and watch a stream of stars making content for their social media.
Address: Malaya Bronnaya Street, 24с1
Regent
Tucked inside a state-run hotel, Regent attracts those who value privacy, like civil servants here for official meetings. The atmosphere is refined and suited to quiet conversation. The menu highlights steaks and grilled meats, and the house-made pasta comes with a complimentary black truffle. There are two terraces, so if the weather’s nice, take your pick and enjoy some fresh air with your meal.
Address: Plotnikov Lane, 12
