Cafe Pushkin, named after the most famous Russian poet, is considered by many to be the best restaurant in Moscow. It's located a few minutes' walk from Pushkinskaya Ploshad, the central underground train hub, and features 19th-century (pre-revolutionary) decor, with high ceilings and shelves of dusty books lining the walls. A sophisticated ground-floor cafe stays open around the clock, serving an early breakfast to politicians and businessmen, as well as refueling revelers still awake from the previous nights' round of parties. In the main restaurant (open daily from noon to midnight) white-smocked waiters serve large portions of traditional Russian dishes to Muscovites and a few foreigners. Menu choices include dishes like leg of guinea fowl with blond truffle sauce and roast marrow bones served with chili sauce and toasted honey bread, as well as everyday fare like stroganoff and borscht. Cafe Pushkin also offers children's menus, games, and a special hour of entertainments on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Cafe Pushkin
Tverskoy Blvd., 26
Moskva, Russia, 127051
011-7-495-229-55-90
cafe-pushkin.ru
Zhiguli is a retro-style restaurant and sports bar offering live music shows and serving traditional Russian dishes with Zhigulevskoe beer. As of 2010, opening hours are between noon and 2 p.m., Sunday to Thursday, and from noon to 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Sample Russian beers (on tap) like Lada, Krusovice, Staropramen, and Velkopopovetsky with traditional snacks like dried salted shrimp and smoked cheese or try main dishes such as pancakes with red caviar, steamed stuffed cabbage, and Prince Pozharsky (a vintage Russian dish), featuring veal and chicken cutlet cooked in an iron skillet with potatoes and mushroom sauce and served with pickled vegetables.
Zhiguli
11 Novyi Arbat
Building 1, Metro Station
Arbatskaya, Russia
011-7-495-291-4144
zhiguli.net
Positiv Park is a local restaurant and nightclub that serves traditional Russian dishes in a cozy setting, featuring "neo-classical decor' with a choice of dining tables or comfortable sofas. It's set in the Lianozo district, a few minutes' walk from Lianozovsky Park and the Poliklinika train station. Positiv Park entertainments include dancing, billiards, pool, and bowling. A VIP seating area is available on the second floor. The menu offers traditional dishes like cold meats with pickles and sour cream, borscht, and stroganoff, as well as European dishes like pizza baked in a wood-fired oven. A children's menu is also available.
Positiv Park
Uglich St.
Moscow, Russia, 127672
011-7-495-544-03-63
pozitiv-park.com
