gourmet traveller slow cooked lamb

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Take your time with these slow-cooked lamb recipes

Lamb is the protein of choice when it comes to slow-cooking. As always, it’s the secondary cuts that will be your saviour, provided you have a bit of time of your side. Our lamb shoulder with Israeli couscous and labne results in fall-apart meat, so too Shane Delia’s recipe for 12-hour roast lamb shoulder with pistachio and green-olive tabbouleh. There’s also lamb in stews, in braises, in curries – the hard bit will be deciding which recipe to choose.

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Slow-cooked lamb with garlic, anchovies and rosemary

Serves 6-8 Starters and mains

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Ingredients

• 1 medium shoulder of lamb (around 2kg)
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 40g anchovy fillets in oil
• 2 fat garlic cloves
• 3 celery sticks, halved widthways
• 2 carrots, halved lengthways
• 200ml white or red wine vinegar
• 200ml water

For the gravy

• 100ml red wine
• 300-500ml hot water
• 20g plain or 00 flour

Allow the lamb to come to room temperature; this should take around 30 minutes and will ensure the lamb cooks evenly. Cut away any really tough skin from the top; waxy fat is good so you can leave that. Heat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7.

Pull the leaves off the rosemary and discard the stem. Put the anchovies, garlic and rosemary together on a board and chop together until you have a rough paste. Use a sharp knife to make around 20 incisions in the lamb and push a pinch of the paste into each small cut. Lay the celery and carrots into the centre of a roasting tray to form a trivet for the lamb to sit on; this will keep it out of the water and vinegar in the dish. Rub the lamb all over with salt and place it on top of the vegetables. Pour the vinegar and water into the tray. Wrap the tray tightly in 2 layers of foil and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Turn the oven down to 170C/325F/Gas 3 and roast for another 3 hours.

After this time, remove the foil (carefully as the steam rushes out) and pull the shoulder bone away slightly. The meat around it should give easily, be tender and about to fall off the bone. If it is not done to your liking replace the foil and put the lamb back into the oven (this can happen if the shoulder is large). Remove the lamb from the roasting tray and set aside on a plate to rest covered in foil and a cloth.

To make the gravy, strain the juices from the cooking pan into a medium saucepan through a fine sieve. Let the juices settle and scoop off the fat from the surface with a ladle and discard.

Add the red wine and hot water to the juices and stir through – how much water you will need to add depends on how much liquid you already have from the lamb juices and how much gravy you want to make.

Thicken the sauce by mixing the butter and flour together in a separate small saucepan over a gentle heat. Whisk a little of this mixture, the roux, into the gravy and cook over a medium heat until thickened. If it doesn’t get thick enough after a few minutes, add a little more roux.

Season to taste and pour into a warm gravy boat or jug. Put the lamb into a warm serving dish with the gravy on the side.

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Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with roast vegetables

By Andy Harris

• Serves serves 4

Ingredients Method

• 1.5 kg lamb shoulder
• 1 glass red wine
• 500 ml chicken stock
• 1 punnet mini-truss tomatoes

Roast vegetables

• 1 head garlic, halved
• 2 red onions, quartered
• 4 potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 4 zucchini, chopped
• 1 eggplant, roughly chopped
• Some fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 lemons, juice only

Serves 4 Season lamb shoulder with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large pan over high heat and cook lamb for 5 minutes, turning once, until browned. Transfer to a large roasting tin. Meanwhile, deglaze pan with red wine and stock then pour over lamb in roasting tin. Cook in a preheated oven at 220C for 20 minutes then reduce heat to 160C and cook for 3-4 hours until tender, basting occasionally and adding the truss tomatoes during the last 30 minutes of cooking. For roast vegetables, combine ingredients in a bowl with remaining olive oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place in another roasting tin and pour 1 cup water over. Roast in the oven for the last 2 hours while lamb shoulder is cooking. Serve lamb with truss tomatoes and roast vegetables on platters or plates.

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Slow roasted lamb shoulder

Ingredients

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

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RecipeTin Eats

Fast Prep, Big Flavours

My cookbook "Dinner" now available!

Slow roast leg of lamb.

This Slow Roast Leg of Lamb is going to take your next Sunday roast to a whole new level! It’s ULTRA EASY and very forgiving . It does take patience, but you’ll be rewarded with tender lamb leg that can be pulled off the bone , served with a wickedly delicious rosemary garlic infused gravy.

After more ideas? Browse all my roast lamb recipes !

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – lamb leg should either be roasted exactly such that it’s blushing pink inside – either whole or butterflied – or long and slow so it’s ultra tender.

Blushing pink = meat thermometer or holding-your-breath-cross-your-fingers for that moment when you carve, hoping for juicy lamb rather than grey and dry. If that’s what you’re after, use this classic Whole Roast Lamb Leg recipe or my Greek Butterflied Leg of Lamb for a quicker boneless version – and yes, you really need a meat thermometer.

The easier way to roast Lamb Leg

If you’re after a much easier, less stressful way to roast lamb leg, cook it long and slow. You won’t need a knife to carve this. Just pull the meat off the bone with tongs.

And it’s Amazing. With a capital A!

Choose the best roast lamb recipe for you!

Ahhh, lamb, how I love thee! Some people love learning how to do fancy cake decorations. I admire from afar – I highly doubt you’ll ever see a towering 3 tier cake on here.

But big hunks golden brown roasted hunks of meat? THAT you will find here! 🙂 And I’ve shared quite a few roast lamb recipes over the years, so here’s a quick run down on each just in case this slow roasted version isn’t what you’re after:

Roast Lamb Recipes

Slow roasted lamb leg –  THIS recipe, a leg of lamb slow cooked until the meat is fall apart tender!

Classic Roast Lamb Leg with Gravy   – the classic, perfectly blushing pink inside

Slow Cooker Roast Lamb  – fall apart goodness in the convenience of your slow cooker

Slow Roasted GREEK Leg of Lamb  – garlicky lemony lamb that is slow roasted until meltingly tender

Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder  – the juiciest, most succulent roast lamb you will ever have!

Slow Cooked Lamb Shawarma  –  flavour bomb! Your favourite Lamb Shawarma, slow roasted and piled over couscous or stuffed in pita bread

See all Roast Lamb recipes

How to make slow roast Leg of Lamb

The leg of lamb is roasted on a bed of onion, garlic and rosemary which serves three purposes:

to keep the lamb elevated out of the pan juices for even cooking;

flavour the flesh that’s in contact with it; and

flavours the pan juices which is used to make the gravy.

All the lamb needs is a sprinkle of salt and pepper, drizzle of olive oil. Add beef broth/stock and water into the pan (keeps everything all nice and moist + makes pan juices for gravy), cover then slow roast for 5 hours until tender and fall apart.

For an incredible hands-off version of this slow roast leg of lamb, try the Slow Cooker Roast Lamb !

How to make gravy for Roast Lamb

Just set the pan on the stove, mix in flour, then the pan juices and water Cook until it becomes a gravy consistency, then strain. I doubt you’ll need extra salt but add a good grind of pepper if you’re so inclined.

A great gravy comes down to the flavour in the pan juices and this one knocks it out of the park!

Sides to serve with roast lamb

Complete your meal! Here are a few suggestions for sides that go really well with roast lamb:

I promised this was easy, and I meant it. It’s forgiving because if the meat’s not tender enough, you can just stick it back in the oven until it is – and you can cook for even an hour beyond necessary and it’s still going to be juicy.

If the gravy gets too thick , no dramas, just add a splash of water. If the gravy is lumpy, no worries, because in this recipe, it’s strained.

In short – it’s pretty hard to stuff up. If you’re a roast lamb first-timer, just give yourself a couple of extra hours because this lamb reheats great in the microwave or oven, as does the gravy.

Sunday night roast is never going to be the same again! – Nagi x

Just before you go!

Saturday 11 April 2020 – That you are here, looking at this roast lamb recipe for Easter 2020 fills my heart with happiness because it says that you are in some way able to hold onto Easter traditions, despite being stuck at home and unable to celebrate with extended family.

But for many healthcare workers around the world, including my hometown of Sydney, they will be working too hard to celebrate Easter. These brave men and women who are literally risking their lives to save ours.

I feel morally obliged to do something, so I am running a program where you can  buy a meal from a local business for our overworked Frontliners. Too exhausted to cook, many are turning to fast food and those who try to cook are faced with empty supermarket shelves.

If you would like to Shout A Meal for a Sydney Frontliner to express your thanks, please click here for my fundraiser and here is more information about my program “Shout A Meal”.

Thank you for reading, and Happy Easter! – Nagi x

Slow Roast Leg of Lamb WATCH HOW TO MAKE IT

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Ingredients

• ▢ 2.25 kg / 4.5 lb leg of lamb , bone in (or shoulder) (Note 1)
• ▢ Salt and pepper
• ▢ 1.5 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 1 whole garlic head , unpeeled, cut in half horizontally
• ▢ 1 onion , quartered (unpeeled is fine)
• ▢ 2 rosemary sprigs (2 = whisper of rosemary flavour, 4 sprigs = stronger flavour)
• ▢ 3 cups beef stock/broth , low sodium (or homemade )
• ▢ 2 cups water
• ▢ 4 tbsp flour (white)
• ▢ 1 cup water
• ▢ Salt and pepper , to taste

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 170°C/335°F (standard) or 150°C (fan).
• Place garlic, onion and rosemary in a metal roasting pan.
• Season lamb: Place lamb leg right side up in the pan. (Note 2) Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper and rub it in.
• Turn lamb over and place it so it mostly sits on the garlic and onion. Sprinkle with more salt and pepper, rub it in. (Video helpful here)
• Add liquids and cover: Drizzle lamb with olive oil. Pour broth and water around the lamb – it won't cover it, that's ok, the lamb sinks into it. Cover with foil (don't use a lid, you want a bit of liquid to steam out).
• Slow roast: Place in the oven and roast for 4.5 hours. (See Notes for roasting time table)
• Check meat: Remove from the oven, remove foil. Turn lamb over. Check it to ensure the meat is tender enough to pry a bit off easily with a fork. If not, return, covered, to oven.
• Brown lamb: Return uncovered lamb to oven for a further 45 minutes or until well browned.
• Rest: Remove lamb, spoon over pan juices generously. Transfer to serving platter, cover loosely with foil while you make the gravy (stays warm for 1 – 1.5 hours).
• Skim fat: Use a large spoon to skim off and discard some of the fat from the surface of the liquid.
• Add flour: Place pan on the stove on medium high. When the liquid bubbles, add flour. Use a whisk to mix it in – this may take a few minutes as the liquid reduces.
• Add water: Once it looks like sludge (see video), whisk in 1/2 – 1 cup of water until it becomes a gravy consistency to your taste. Adjust salt and pepper to taste – I rarely add extra salt.
• Strain gravy into a bowl, pressing juices out of the onion etc. Pour gravy into jug.
• The meat is tender so you will only need tongs to tear the meat off. Serve with gravy!

Recipe Notes:

Nutrition Information:

Originally published Mary 2017. Updated for housekeeping matters April 2020 – no change to recipe!

More Roast Lamb Recipes

I love a good roast lamb – so I’ve shared a few over the years! Here are some of my favourites – or browse the whole recipe collection .

Best of Sunday Supper Roasts

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1,013 Comments

March 31, 2024 at 11:00 pm

This lamb was amazing!! A bit embarrassed to admit I’ve never made gravy before – this was so easy & was enjoyed by all Thank you Nagi another one of your recipes to add to the collection x

March 25, 2024 at 3:01 am

Just ordered a full leg of Salt-Marsh Lamb for Easter. I’ll be doing this recipe.

March 19, 2024 at 2:54 am

Can I use this recipe for a boneless leg of lamb??

March 17, 2024 at 5:56 am

March 7, 2024 at 5:20 am

I cannot use onions, my husband is allergic, should I double up the garlic?

March 5, 2024 at 7:10 pm

How do I add this to my saved recipes? I’m completely lost.

February 15, 2024 at 5:44 am

Do we need make cuts on the leg before roasting it?

January 29, 2024 at 5:17 am

The lamb came out super delicious. This is my family favourite now. I was wondering if I can add baby potatoes to the roast pan at the same time with lamb?

January 23, 2024 at 12:12 am

January 22, 2024 at 5:15 am

Absolutely delicious! I use this recipe regularly now and have adjusted the times to suit my taste buds. For a 2.2kg lamb I cook for total of 4.5 hours including 30 mins without foil. For 1.6kg I cook for 3 hours 45 mins including 45 mins without foil. I rub lamb with large squeeze of garlic puree and 3/4 tsp mustard then season with lamb seasoning finished with black pepper and some salt. Perfect! Thank you 😊

January 19, 2024 at 3:20 am

January 16, 2024 at 10:54 am

Hi! I haven’t cooked this recipe yet, but I will the next time we get a lamb. The lamb roasts we get are much smaller cuts than the norm, and I haven’t found recipes or charts that match. For instance, our last shoulder was 1.5 pounds and our last leg was just under 3 pounds. So, averaging about half the size of most recipes, but the cooking time was much less than half the recommended times for a larger roast. With a good leave in thermometer and some “OMG!!! It’s done already!” panic, both came out nicely in the “gorgeous pink” range, but both times I was actually shooting for the tender, slow roasted result. I’m thinking about trying the 212F temperature for a shorter time, maybe more like 3 hours. Do you have a recommendation that might guide me toward success? BTW, I found you while looking for answers to this dilemma, but now I’m totally in love with your site. Can’t wait to sample your wonderful low cal recipes – they look decadent!

February 19, 2024 at 8:50 pm

Rule of cooking lamb or mutton roasts is long and slow. Every oven is different. I do mine at about 165 c and check it every half hour. Usually takes 3-6 hours depending on the size of your roast. Rotisseried on the barbie is a whole new level which is my favourite

January 15, 2024 at 1:21 pm

I grew up in a strong catholic family that was extremely involved with church events. Every year the “right of Christian initiation adult” class would prepare a Seder supper for Passover. My parents would bring home containers of lamb and I would devour it. Once I moved out and went to college they would actually save some for me for when I visited.

This roast recipe brought back all the great memories of that. Fantastic flavor, easy to prepare and worth the wait of the slow roast. I did it exactly as directed. Took me about 6 hours as I had a larger leg.

Perfect for this cold winter weather we’re currently having.

I will be putting leftovers in vacuum bags with some gravy to Freeze and enjoy later on.

I will definitely be making it again. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.

January 14, 2024 at 10:15 am

Good simple method. I threw in some potatoes and carrots in for the last 45 minutes.

January 10, 2024 at 12:32 pm

March 28, 2024 at 10:56 am

-Adding it in a good salad is great.

-Make a sauce with cucumbers & put both on toasted bread. 😋

March 14, 2024 at 5:59 am

February 17, 2024 at 6:52 pm

We use left over lamb roast on home made pizza with tzaiki sauce and cream chrese

January 8, 2024 at 9:01 am

January 6, 2024 at 4:09 pm

December 31, 2023 at 10:36 am

This recipe looks great! Wondering how to adjust cooking time and/or temp if using a boneless leg cut?

December 31, 2023 at 12:38 am

Hi! Made this recipe a couple of times by the book. Only difference was that I used vegetable stock since I did not have beef. It was good but not as tender as expected… why might that be???

December 27, 2023 at 6:44 am

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I f there’s one upside to cold weekends inside, it’s the extra time you can commit to slow-cooker recipes. Braised chickpeas, simmering soups, eight-hour lamb: there’s never been a better time to cook things on the low and slow side.

From slow-cooker chicken thighs to pot roasts and pasta, a slow-cooked meal is the ultimate crowd-pleaser comfort food. Weeknight dinner has never been easier than with slow-cooker dishes. Set and forget your pot on a lazy weekend, and reap the rewards of hearty meals that the whole family will enjoy for the days to come.

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The post Slow-cooking recipes for when time is on your side appeared first on Gourmet Traveller .

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Ratings and reviews

Location and contact.

We chose Savva restaurant for the special occasion and overall it suits for it: staff helped us to take cozy and secluded table, waiters were polite. There is main menu and also the Chef’s set, which we chose for the evening. It was French set... with variations on the French cuisine. This set allowed us to forget about hunger - very satisfying :) The set has interesting serving of every dish, excellent and sometimes unusual ingredients paring. I wanna also highlight the cocktails card. There is big variety of cocktails for every preference, every one is tasty. Savva has excellent location in the city centre, that’s why it is convenient to go by taxi/car/underground or by feet here. More

We were walking around center of Moscow and wanted some good meal. Our friend recommended this place. All what we ordered was of great taste and quality. The service was exceptional: they told us about every dish. For some reason they mixed the main course... for my wife and we did not take it. They have cooked the correct choice later. They have provided complimentary deserts and tea for us - it was nice “satisfaction” for mistake. We enjoyed the atmosphere and service. More

We had dinner with my wife and one of my boys, while We attended at the World Soccer Cup 2018 and undoubtedly, We had a five-star dining experience in a nice decorated early 20th century interior. The restaurant is located in the Metropol Hotel and... We choose to be seated at the terrace with an open up view to the Bolshoi Theater and the Kremlin, while we watch on TV the Portugal-Spain match. The service was very attentive with a good knowledge of the different dishes of the menu. Professional and attentive. The menu showcases the contemporary Russian cuisine with an influence of Scandinavian and French cuisine. You will find the mandatory caviar, a significant presence of fish and a dish of duck or veal. We shared two tasty appetizers salmon ceviche and pelmeni with duck. Then we ordered salmon, green risotto and smoked salmon a la minute. All of them came with a careful delicate presentation. The wine and drinks selection is very extensive with a range of differently-priced beverages. We tried an interesting russian white wine made of sibirkovi grape. More

Was there yesterday and really don't understand how they managed to get the star. Probably I just did not have enough luck) No blames about the quality of the food - it was ok and usual for this kind of places (small portions), the only... thing we didn't like was wild boar cutlet – was so soft like mashed potatoes and it was not what I expected. Deer meat was nice. Burrata was disappointing. I liked the deserts – the taste is nothing special however it is compensated by the way they are served. The service was really disappointing: 1) There is a deposit system when you make a booking, it is RUR 3K per person (which is nothing considering the prices in the restaurant) but still makes you feel undervalued 2) Although I made the booking in advance I only got very uncomfortable table (small table facing the bar in the middle of the waiters traffic). I complained and managed to change it however got the comment that it was not the worse one. I saw other people coming getting better tables so it felt somehow discriminating 3) The service was very slow: although there are a lot of waiters you still wait a lot until you get there attention. This is probably the most disappointing part as you normally expect high quality of service from such places and you just don’t get is at all. The water was served like wine – it was kept in separate table (not accessible form my seat) so it was expected that they refill you glass which however didn’t happen at all and after 20 min of trying to call the attention of anybody I had to go to take the bottle and do it myself (I don’t mind doing it but why you keep the bottle away from the table if you don’t assist in refilling the glasses?) 4) Finally they didn’t deduct my deposit when making the bill so I had to discuss this as well. After 15 min of checking they assumed their fault. It’s worthless mentioning that I didn’t get any compliment for this. Btw there were not chef’s compliment – nothing like this. Overall I don’t recommend the place – the location is nice but the service was rather disappointing and the food was just ok. More

As a hotel guest at the Metropol I ate at this restaurant twice in one week. Overall the standard of the food is good. However on my second visit service was appalling. Our waitress could not give us any informaon about what was on the... menu. She claimed this was due to her lack of English. However she was sulky and looked totally disinterested. Halfway through our meal she abandoned us, and at some point a waiter attended to our table. I really did not expect such poor service at a restaurant that claims to have a signature menu. More

We came to have an early dinner before our concert at Bolshoi tonight, our appetizers were excellent, langostín carpaccio with caviar and egg yolk, salmon ceviche followed by duck pâté and crab with cucumber roll!!! It’s superb, I’ve never tasted a pâté this yummy and... fresh. My main course being seafood pasta and hubby’s lamb varietals (fats, liver,), out of this world. We will definitely be back before we head towards St Petersburg !! More

The food was disappointing. The appetizer was good but the main- both my friend and I ordered steak- was very very disappointing for such a high rated place. The meat was tough. We ate less than half and given the price it wasn’t ok.

Savva is the only dining establishment in the Metropol Hotel but it is well worth visiting. It is not expensive by Moscow standards and is an attractive room with good service, Russo-Rench cuisine and a good wine list that is a bit expensive except for... the Russian white wine that was surprisingly good. More

Dear foodlovers, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your neat and precise review about the SAVVA. It is always a great pleasure for us to realize that our efforts have been highly appreciated by our wonderful guests. We are all looking forward... More

I am not going to beat around the bush . In a nutshell it was perfect ! The food was amazing . Service was amazing ! It was a wonderful Russian food experience. You have to test it when you are in town

First of everything, when we visited this restaurants we where the only table sit and feel a bit strange in this empty situation.. The restaurant it's also the restaurant of Metropol Hotel and I bet that most of the guests who eat here are from... Hotel rooms. The place is elegant and formal, not cheap, I find the food not at the level of the prices and atmosphere. The starter was made with a goat cheese completely unbalanced and strong taste which made bad my firsts 30 minutes in the place, I ate some ravioli with bisque sauce which remind me some old classic French style , nothing special , and I had a fish with some fish eggs which was so and so.. the bread was good and dessert not bad, but not enought. I can reccomend this place maybe if you are in the hotel and don't want to spend any energy to find around some intresting place to eat, or maybe if you are there for business or you are old. Not for gourmet. More

Can't beat the location, at the Metropol hotel. I went with a group of 8 and we all took the tasting menu. Starting from the caviar, everything is delicious, including the infused vodkas. Pricy but worth it.

I expected that food would be great and it was so. But I did not quite expect a great service. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Our waitress was not only lovely but she could actually genially smile, a rare quality of locals. Most importantly, she... knew all about dishes on a menu, she knew ingredients, she could describe taste of the dishes, she knew cooking techniques and differences in preparations. I was really surprised. We wanted to try some Russian wine available in restaurant by a glass but were hesitant. Our waitress offered us a tasting of one red (from Krasnodar) and one white (from Crimea). Although we did not like these Russian wines and ordered Italian, but still we really appreciated this free offer. May be one day in future Russian wine will improve. We also were given a reasonable advise on a waiting time. We had some limited time for our dinner, and she advised us against a set tasting menu that would take longer. As for hot appetizers we had “vareniki” (large ravioli) with mushrooms and “pelmeni” (other type of large ravioli) with tender duck meat and foie gras. Excellent! For entrée we shared a “kulebiaka” (fish pie for 2 people) in a shape of a fish and stuffed with fillets of salmon and of halibut. Excellent! Pie was brought in on a side table where it was cut in two portions and served to each of us with a white sauce and a spoonful of red caviar. Fish was cooked perfectly; and the pie crust remained crispy and fluffy all around the stuffing. For dessert we opted for some Estonian dish, as we understood. It was some semi-mousse/semi-kasha/semi-cream with berries. Unusual but successful experiment. As for a cultural experience it would be more interesting for us to see Russians or other locals in the restaurant. But all were foreigners. If some Russians were there, they were entertaining their foreign partners. Mostly man, mostly business man; I believe we were only 2 women in the restaurant. We were in Savva on a cold rainy night and were seated inside. However, restaurant has an outdoor veranda with a view of Bolshoi theatre. It could be that on a nicer weather night this restaurant gets more mixed and more relaxed crowd. But the price might a prohibiting factor for non-business locals. More

The atmosphere, service and food are top-notch. We're not "bread-lovers", and bread offered at a fine-dining restaurant is normally taken for granted, but the bread here is simply delicious! SAVVA offers not only well-crafted cuisines, but also "mix and match" for the "purists" among meat-lovers,... i.e. you can choose your own combination of meat, sauce and side dishes. We recommend the beef rib and salmon - in each case, the meat is fresh and the cut well selected. We had lunch at this restaurant on 18 Oct and 19 Oct. The waitress who took our orders was swift and attentive. She also recommended an after-meal drink for us, which we loved (it was vodka with honey). We did not have the chance to learn her name, but she's the one with short blonde hair (in a sleek bob-style). We'd give her a "Best Service Award" if we can! More

Dear Jean L, With just three words you described the SAVVA in the way like any restaurant in the world would like to be described by its guests! But not many restaurants are so privileged to host the most magnificent guests like we are. You... More

My friends and I were on a trip of lifetime in Russia. For our last night we went to the Bolshoi Ballet and stopped afterwards at The Hotel Metropol for dinner. My meal began with Sturgeon Caviar, followed by black truffle mushroom cream soup, with... a macaroon filled with fois gras. Perfection!! Next followed a pie stuffed with wild game, accompanied by plenty of brown bread. The pie was absolutely delicious and the bread just melted in my mouth. Hats off the Chef! Then our waiter, Fedor, who was very friendly and attentive, made our experience so very enjoyable. He ensured all our needs were met, with a smile! The entire experience was 5 + stars!! More

I was looking for a special place for my only night in Moscow and I chose this restaurant after reading the reviews on tripadvisor. I was alone and I ended up sitting in a big table because the only small table available was close to... a busy area ... but I have to say that from that table I could have a complete view of the interior of the ground floor, that is amazing! Friendly staff and good service, they could speak English. I tried a coctkail (unfortunately I cannot remember the name, but it was with eldflower spirit and Brancamenta) and it was super good. The menu proposed different combination of dishes, but people can choose to mix them. I had the crab salad, very delicate (maybe I would have put less sauce), and the salmon halibut and cod pie that I found very tasty. And to drink a glass of rose wine and San Pellegrino water. For dessert, I tried 2 sorbets suggested by the waiter, buchtorn and raspberry and they were very good. I loved to have dinner in this place, that I think it is special. I think the price is adequate for the food and the location. More

SAVVA, Moscow - Boulevard Ring - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

• Service: 4.5

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Moscow Restaurants: Best Cafe & Restaurants in Moscow on Any Budget

Home / Russia Travel Tips & Essential Advice / Moscow Restaurants: Best Cafe & Restaurants in Moscow on Any Budget

Moscow’s restaurant scene is booming with Russian dishes that are to die for. A city in the midst of a foodie revolution where almost anything goes, there is perhaps no dining scene in Europe as dynamic, exciting and adventurous as Moscow’s. 

At long last, Moscow is being recognised as an international culinary destination. New eateries are popping up at an astounding rate, and first-time visitors can expect to feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to places to eat in Moscow.

This guide to eating out in Moscow covers some of the top restaurants in Moscow for any budget, from the top end of town to some of the city’s tastiest cheap eats. There are plenty of excellent options here whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner in Moscow. We’ve focused mainly on Moscow restaurants serving Russian food but thrown in some best-in-class representations of other cuisines for some added variety. In this list, you’ll find some of the most famous restaurants in Moscow, a few lesser-known gems and a few totally unique institutions which have become Moscow tourist attractions in their own right. Moscow’s food prices vary wildly. It’s easy to spend big in this town, but it’s also easy to find extremely affordable eats if you know where to look. One thing is for sure though – no matter what your tastes or budget, in Moscow, you’ll never go hungry for long.

Table of Contents

Fine Dining Restaurants in Moscow

Café pushkin.

A Moscow institute is known for its impeccable fine dining Russian and French cuisine, the palatial Café Pushkin opened in 1999 and immediately attracted a loyal following among high society folk. Elaborately decorated to recreate the feel of a 19th-century aristocrat’s manor, Pushkin has become equally popular with tourists keen to soak up the stately atmosphere of pre-Revolution Russia. The menu features sophisticated interpretations of definitive Russian cuisine, with a nod to classical French techniques. The kitchen’s insistence on high-quality ingredients lifts well-known favourites to another level of complexity and refinement. The signature beef stroganoff consistently receives rave reviews, while the roasted rack of lamb is the ultimate in rich, meaty indulgence. Of course, a restaurant of this standing serves several varieties of caviar a selection of top-shelf vodkas fit for an emperor.

Despite its rather formal appearance, the Café Pushkin experience is utterly charming. The waiters dress like 19th-century servants and diners are treated like royalty, but not without a sense of fun and theatrics. Bookings well advance are recommended.

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Price Range: 3-course dinner at approx. 3,500-4,000 RUB plus drinks (US $60-80) Hours: Open 24 hours for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks Address: 26A Tverskoy Boulevard Nearest Metro Station: Tverskaya Contact Details: cafe-pushkin.ru, +7 495 739-00-33 Facebook

White Rabbit

Consistently ranking in Restaurant Magazine’s prestigious annual World 50 Best Restaurants list, White Rabbit is the first restaurant in Russia to receive such international acclaim. Its success (it secured 15 th place on the list in 2018) is a sure sign of Moscow’s ascendance as a global gastronomy destination.

White Rabbit’s whimsical and immersive interiors are designed to evoke a sense of fantasy and wonder, with rabbits everywhere and antique rococo furniture straight out of a Wonderland tea party. On the 16 th floor of the Smolenskiy Passazh shopping centre, White Rabbit’s glass dome captures mesmerising 360-degree views, showcasing the awe-inspiring scale of the Russian capital.

Chef Vladimir Mukhin has dreamt up an inventive European menu employing seasonal ingredients from across Russia. Standout dishes from this luxury Moscow restaurant include rabbit and cabbage rolls with potato crisps and truffle, roast suckling pig and Black Sea oysters.

Price Range: ‘Russian Evolution’ tasting menu – 10,000 RUB per person Hours: Mon-Wed and Sun 12pm – 12am; Thur-Sat 12pm – 2am Address: 3 Smolenskaya Square, Smolensky Passazh Shopping Centre, 16th floor Nearest Metro Station: Smolenskaya Contact Details: whiterabbitmoscow.ru ,   +7 495 782-62-62

One of the best and most luxurious restaurants in Moscow.  The Estate is designed in style of baroque, classicism and renaissance. The refine painting, jewel porcelain vases, moulding, genuine Gobelene tapestries, ancient clocks and fireplaces. Two workshops of wood engravers, painters, sculptors had been manufacturing the interior’s details for six years. All here including carved lumps of modern authors’ work is of museum importance.

The menu includes dishes from Japan, European, Chinese cuisines, and fusion cuisine, as well. Alan Yao, the only chief cook who is awarded with two stars of Mishlen, is responsible here for Asian food. The music corresponds to the institution: instrumental music (harp, violin, violoncello) sounds here every evening.

Price Range: Average check with no drinks RUB 4,000 (US $70) Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 pm – 12 am Address: 26/5 Tverskoi Bulvar Nearest Metro Station: Tverskaya, Chekhovskaya Contact Details: turandot-palace.ru ,+7 (495) 739-0011

This Siberian restaurant is dark and traditional. The tables are lit by small lamps with tassels, while chandeliers contribute more to mood than illumination. Mournful music plays softly, the sound absorbed by the heavy tablecloths and all the soft furnishings. The menu is a treat for the adventurous. You might start with pate of polar partridge, then go for the sweet grilled meat of Altay yak with tomato and mustard sauce; or the gamey richness of minced meat of Sayan bear with cream-cowberry sauce and buckwheat.

Price Range: Average check RUB 4,500 (US $80) Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 pm – 12 am Address: 25 Gogolevsky Boulevard Nearest Metro Station: Arbatskaya, Kropotninskaya Contact Details: chemodan-msk.ru Ph +7 (495) 695-38-19

Grand Café Dr. Zhivago

This ornate brasserie across from the Kremlin is Russian kitsch, with oversized statues, bright red chairs, white walls and colorful ceilings. It feels anachronistic, yet it’s the creation of a modern restaurateur, Alexander Rappoport.

There’s a lightness of touch in the dishes on a long menu celebrating Russian favorites from dumplings and pickled cabbage through to goose stew with cowberry. It’s especially good for breakfast, which includes more than 20 egg dishes and about a dozen types of porridge.

Price Range: Average check RUB 2,000-2,500 (US $40) Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 pm – 12 am Address: 15/1 Mokhovaya Street Nearest Metro Station: Teatralnaya Contact Details: drzhivago.ru

Erwin RekaMoreOkean

Another project of Aleksandr Rappoport, a restaurant with a phenomenal variety of fish and seafood at the most reasonable prices. Ninety percent of the fish in the restaurant is caught in Russia (from 25 rivers and seas). The restaurant features a caviar and oyster bar. Slices of frozen nelma (Siberian white salmon) and sterlet, thaw in the mouth with a natural, revealing taste of fish. Here, you can try the legendary Sagudai (raw fish slices) of muksun is the traditional Russian version of the ceviche. The restaurant also offers a large variety of crabs and shrimps: king crab, snow crab, frog crab, blue king crab, spiky crab, hairy crab, Argentinian shrimp from the warm waters of the Atlantic ocean; Dock shrimp from the cold waters of the northern seas and others.

A branch of this restaurant – “Erwin Reka”, is located directly on the board of the luxury yacht of the “Radisson Royal, Moscow” flotilla which daily cruises the Moscow River. The restaurant is open from noon to 1:00 am, and twice a day, at a scheduled time, travels along the Moscow river. The yacht-icebreaker leaves from the “Hotel Ukraine” pier regardless of the season and the weather: twice a day on weekdays (3.30pm and 8.00pm) and three times a day on weekends (12.00pm, 3.30pm, 8.00pm). Guests can enjoy not only the first-class fish and seafood dishes during a river cruise, but also relish picturesque views of the capital main sights: the famous high-rise hotel “Ukraine”, the House of Government of the Russian Federation, the Novodevichy Monastery, the Moscow State University complex, the Luzhniki Stadium, Gorky Park, the Central House of Artists, the giant Monument to Peter the Great, the legendary House on the embankment, the gold-domed Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Moscow Kremlin and the gingerbread-like St. Basil’s Cathedral, the skyscraper on the Kotelnicheskaya embankment and the Zaryadye Park.

Price Range: Main dishes from RUB 960 to 5800 ($20-100), sets – from RUB 5100 to 21000 ($90-$350) Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 pm – 12 am Address: 2/1 Kutuzovsky Prospekt, Bldg. 2 Nearest Metro Station: Contact Details: rekamoreokean.ru , +7-495-785-02-22

Wine & Crab

This fun restaurant is on the main pedestrianized shopping street linking Red Square and Lubyanka. You can see the crabs as you enter. There are about 10 varieties, including Kamchatka king crab and Horsehair crab.

Price Range: Monday Party set, RUB 6,150 ($95) for 1.5 kilos of crab and 1.5 liters or Prosecco. Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 pm – 12 am Address: 19-21 Nikolskaya Street Nearest Metro Station: Lubyanka, Teatralnaya, Ploschad Revolutsii Contact Details: winecrab.ru, +7 495 621-73-29

If you want to dine with the oligarchs and the politicians, Beluga is a great place. It’s on the second floor of the Hotel National, which opened in 1903 and the restaurant’s large windows have views of the Kremlin. (Grand Cafe Dr. Zhivago is downstairs.) This is one of Moscow’s most famous luxury restaurants and just the place to invite your favorite big shot. Take your pick from two dozen varieties of caviar, washed down with a variety of vodkas as big as your pockets. It would be a shame to miss the Champagne, too.

Price Range: Average check RUB 3,500 (US $55) Hours: Monday to Sunday 12 pm – 12 am Address: 15/1 Mokhovaya Street Nearest Metro Station: Teatralnaya, Ploschad Revolutsii Contact Details: belugamoscow.ru , +7 (495) 901-03-36

Mid-Range Restaurants in Moscow

Sapiens est kitchen & bar.

The founding concept of this new gastronomic venue is companionship, which you can go there for at any time. In the morning Sapiens prepares fabulous breakfasts, in the afternoon a-la carte lunches, and in the evening guests can enjoy signature cocktails and musical rhythms from top DJs. The menu includes modern European dishes and the best examples of Pan-Asian cuisine.

Price Range: Average check RUB 1,200-1,700 (US $18-$25) Hours: Mon-Thur, Sun 12pm–12am; Fri-Sat 12pm–6am Address: Pushechnaya St, 4, building 1 Nearest Metro Station: Kuzneysky Most, Lubyanka Contact Details: sapiens-est.ru , +7 925 229-94-45

Lavka-Lavka Farm to Table

Located within walking distance from the Bolshoi Theatre, Farm Restaurant Lavka-Lavka is the place of a new Russian cuisine. All the ingredients are delivered from local farmers and the dishes are cooked in a simple yet sophisticated way. The menu is an interesting twist on traditional Russian food: you can try such unique specialties as meat tartar and deer heart. 

The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated, the staff is really nice and there is also a nice feature: a menu lists the name of the farmer who supplied the ingredients for the dishes. Each guest has a chance not only to try delicious meals with an original recipe but also to reconnect with the great tradition of Russian cuisine.

Price Range: Average check USD $30-$40 Hours: Mon 6pm–12am; Tue-Sun 12pm–12am Address: Petrovka St, 21, building 2 Nearest Metro Station: Chekhovskaya, Tverskaya, Trubnaya Contact Details: lavkalavka.rest , +7 495 621 20 36

The exquisite interior of 1956, picturesque views, author’s kitchen – the team of the restaurant Ottepel is inviting you to appreciate design of the reconstructed historical pavilion and enjoy ingenious dishes.

Staff wear Mondrian-inspired aprons and the menu is innovative — the restaurant specializes in upgrading well-known, simple Soviet dishes into high-end cuisine. Traditional Russian cabbage soup “shchi” (420 rubles) counts calamari among its ingredients while the ubiquitous cold soup “okroshka” (360 rubles) features salty pastrami. Another trending item is the  “koryushka” served with potatoes (380 rubles). The smelt fish originates from the Baltic sea and is immensely popular in St. Petersburg. If you seek a filling meal, try chicken in Georgian “satsivi” sauce with fried polenta and cheese (610 rubles).

It’s an innovative throwback to the Soviet era, and perfectly at home in the ramblingly grandiose exhibition park of VDNH.

Price Range: Average check USD $30-$40 Hours: 12pm–10pm Address: Mira St, 119, building 311 Nearest Metro Station: VDNH, Botanichesky Sad Contact Details: ottepel-restoran.ru , +7 495 748-61-02

Homey dining room for traditional Russian delicacies, decorated with standard lamps, bookcases and old photos on the wall. Its traditional Russian living room decoration and some Russian old school music playing in the background really gives you this “lovely Russian babushka” vibe which is part of the fun.

Portions are quite big and the price is reasonable. The menu itself is really interesting for tourists. Try out these traditional soviet Russian dishes: homemade cakes, borscht, Bird’s milk dessert. This is the right place to enjoy the delicious authentic meal, attentive service, and excellent ambiance! A great bonus for cat lovers: A resident cat Benjamin will stroll around now and then.

Price Range: Average check USD $25-$30 Hours: 10am–10:30pm Address: Spiridonievsky st 10A, level 1 Nearest Metro Station: Pushkinskaya, Tverskaya Contact Details: marivanna.ru/msk , +7 495 650-65-00

The word  uhvat  refers to a long-handled wooden utensil used to slide food in and out of a pechka, a wood-fired oven found in many Russian houses until the late 19th century. Uhvat is one of the restaurants leading the resurgence in traditional Slavic cooking, with slow-cooked dishes such as pumpkin  kashas  (a type of porridge) with honey and linden dressing (£3.50), baked roe with pickled bramble (£14)  schchi  soups with fermented cabbage and  chichelindas , an old recipe for pate, here made with ox tail (£5). Don’t leave without tasting  toplyonoe moloko , a thick creamy dessert made by baking milk for several hours. The pechka oven features in many Russian fairytales – the Baba Yaga witch shoves children into ovens – and takes the centre stage at Uhvat. Daily rituals, such as using goose feathers to dust out the ashes, enhance the magical atmosphere.

Price Range: Average check USD $30-$40 Hours: 12pm–12am Address: Rodchelskaya St 15, building 41 Nearest Metro Station: Krasnopresnenskaya Contact Details: uhvat.restaurant , +7 977 125-51-77

Art Rukav ( Rukav means sleeve) is a big platform where the free spirit of art and creativity reigns. There are art workshops, a gallery and a restaurant under the same roof. Rukav was named after the surname of the Russian sculptor Alexander Rukavishnikov.

Immersion in the world of art begins from the very first entrance through the massive decorated door. In the cloakroom you get checks in the form of drops, bright red ladders harmonize with dark sofas… There is even a pipe-shaped slide! The place is really unique and is dramatically different from the usual places to eat. During lunches you will surely be attracted by the details in decorating: to the stylized ware, for example, or an unusual sculpture next to your chair.

Price Range: Average check USD $30-$40 Hours: 12pm–12am Address: 59 Zemlyanoy Val, Building 2 Nearest Metro Station: Taganskaya, Chkalovskaya Contact Details: art-rukav.ru , +7 (499) 271 88 74

Megobari Wine Bar & Restaurant

Megobari comes from Georgian and means as much as friend . This place brings the authentic Georgian dinning experience directly to Moscow and offers an eclectic variety of Georgian dishes including hand-made baked goods, meat stews, kebabs platters, as well as a wide variety of wines from the mountains of Georgia.

Price Range: average check USD $20-$35 Hours: Mon-Thur, Sun 12pm-11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am Address: Maroseika 15 Nearest Metro Station: Kitay-Gorod Contact Details: megobari.wine , +7 (905) 700-40-07

Quick bites and budget restaurants in Moscow

Lepim i varim.

Lepim i Varim is legendary for boasting some of the most incredible pelmeni in town. These beautiful, hand-sculpted parcels of deliciousness consist of an outer pocket of unleavened dough, wrapped around a filling of ground meat, boiled and served piping hot. Lepim i Varim make everything from scratch and you can watch the pelmeni masters at work in the open kitchen while you queue up at the counter.

Traditional Siberian pelmeni are stuffed with mildly spiced pork and beef. In addition to the classics, Lepim’s have invented several original pelmeni creations. There’s an extravagant Kamchatka king crab, an Italian inspired chicken, parmesan and basil, and several vegetarian options including mashed potato and fried onion.

Price Range: Classic pelmeni 270 RUB (standard serve), 350 RUB (large serve), US $6-$10 Hours: Monday to Sunday 11am – 12am Address: Stoleshnikov Ln, 9, Buidling 1 Nearest Metro Station: Teatralnaya or Okhotny Ryad Contact Details: lepimivarim.ru, +7 499 399-31-23

Stolovaya No. 57

You might not expect to find an economy-priced cafeteria inside the stately walls of GUM, an enormous shopping centre on the Red Square specialising in luxury brands. But it seems no Muscovite (wealthy fashionistas and penny-pinching students alike) can resist cheap, simple and delicious Russian comfort fare, dished out in a quaint, Soviet-style “stolovaya” (a self-service, canteen-style eatery).

Stolovaya No. 57 serves the Russian equivalent of a home-cooked meal in a standard Russian family. Salads are super-popular here, including the mayonnaise-heavy Oliver salad and shuba (“Herring in a Fur Coat”) a layered salad of pickled herring, eggs, beets, carrots and potatoes in a creamy dressing. Also on the menu are beef stroganoff, chicken kiev and chebureki (a deep-fried, meat-filled pastry turnover).

Price Range: Mains 150 – 400 RUB, US $3-$10 Hours: Sunday to Saturday 10am – 10pm Address: Krasnaya Sq., 3 | Inside GUM, level 3  Nearest Metro Station: Teatralnaya or Okhotny Ryad Contact Details: gum.ru/cafe/stolovaya-57 , +7 495 620-31-29

The newly opened vegan restaurant run by gastro-enthusiasts who have collected a minimalistic menu from a variety of cuisines, self-described as “smart casual.” You can see everything being cooked right in front of you in the open kitchen.

Price Range: Mains 450-600 RUB Hours: Sunday to Saturday 10am – 10pm Address: 15/1 Tsvetnoy Blvd | “Tsvetnoy” Shopping Centre, 5th floor Nearest Metro Station: Tsvetnoy Bulvar, Trubnaya Contact Details: 5plus2cafe.ru , +7 995 301-64-48

Grechka Lab

The 1914 building — home of Moscow merchant Ivan Mikhailovich Korovin, and thereafter a bakery — was converted into a bright and airy café, contemporary bakery and brunch spot in the nation’s cosmopolitan capital. Flowers placed around the windows are a nod to wheat fields (‘ grechka ’ translates to buckwheat), whilst considered seating and textured walls evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Enjoy healthy soups, mains and salads, and try tasty éclairs,  “syrniki”  and cheesecakes.

Price Range: Average check 450-600 RUB, US $6-$8 Hours: Sunday to Saturday 8am – 11pm Address: Pushechnaya St 7/5c2 Nearest Metro Station: Kuznetsky Most, Lubyanka, Teatralnaya Contact Details: grechkalab.ru, +7 495 921-02-01

If you’re looking for a place that offers quick, cost-effective and flavoursome meals and snacks near Tretyakov Gallery, check out Vai Me!, a Georgian cafe chain with a fast-casual dining style. It has a self-service format with buzzers to let you know when your food is ready, so you don’t need to wait for your food at the checkout.

Despite the low prices, there are a variety of amazingly authentic Georgian dishes on offer. Muscovites love Georgian cuisine, and here they serve Moscow favourites like  khinkali  (Georgian dumplings), k hachapuri  (cheese-filled bread) and  satsivi  (chicken in walnut sauce).

Price Range: Average check RUB 350-600, US $5-$8 Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00am – 11:00pm Address: 8 Pyatniskiy St, Section 1 Nearest Metro Station: Novokuznetskaya Contact Details: vaimecafe.com , +7 499 646 02 20

This Canadian restaurant and juice bar is on a mission to prove that vegetarian dining can be filling, exciting and varied and does not necessarily need to involve stereotypical joss sticks, Indian tapestries and variations on the lentil. Interior-wise it’s as fresh as they come, all clean minimalist lines, favouring industrial materials and rough edges over cuddly pictures of ethnic tribes. On the food front, Fresh gets full marks for providing an experience that both vegetarians and meat-eaters can salivate over – huge wraps bursting with scrumptious goodies and noodles bowls brimming with both delicate and fiery Asian flavours are just some of the long list of hits.

Price Range: Average check RUB 1,500, US $20 Hours: Monday to Sunday 10:00am – 11:00pm Address: Bolshaya Dmitrovka 11, building 1A Nearest Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad, Teatralnaya, Pushkinskaya Contact Details: freshrestaurant.ru , +7 965 278-90-89, +7 495 641-89-81

Marketplace

Part fresh produce market, part restaurant, Marketplace’s chic, minimalist design, open kitchen and well-priced, vegetarian-friendly international menu keep the atmosphere buzzingly energetic.

You can be sure the ingredients are fresh and everything is cooked in front of you while you wait. Once your meal arrives, retreat to the bright, stylish dining room or kick back with a beer in a courtyard full of potted plants and colourful metal chairs. There are sandwiches and shashlik for a substantial snack or salads for the health-conscious (minus the typical heavy Russian dressing). Also on offer are Asian wok stir-fries and a variety of pasta. For a sweet snack, pastries are baked on-site, ready to pair with a cappuccino or milkshake.

Price Range: Sandwiches approx. 220 RUB, mains approx. 300-500 RUB Hours: Sun-Thur 8am – 11pm, Fri-Sat 8am – 1am Address: 13 Myasnitskaya ST Nearest Metro Station: Chiste Prudy or Lubyanka Contact Details: market-place.me , +7 929 577-73-77

Shuk Food Mall

You find yourself in a lively, happy crowd, tucking into huge portions of fantastic Israeli food, and nothing can convince that you’re not actually in the middle of a Tel Aviv shuk. Tucked into a cozy side street in central Moscow, this place is fantastic. The atmosphere is simply delightful – and so is the food.

Price Range: Average check 700 RUB Hours: Every day 8am – 11pm Address: 7 Veskovskiy Ln Nearest Metro Station: Novoslobodskaya, Mendeleevskaya Contact Details: +7 495 966-25-01

DEPO Food Mall

Depo (which means ‘ depot ’ in Russian) food mall opened in Moscow in February 2019 on the premises of a former tram depot. Built between 1874 and 1910 in the industrial neo-Gothic style, the red-brick Miussky tram depot is considered an important architectural monument.

Depo houses a small farmer’s market, with fruit, vegetables, cheese and meat, as well as the largest food court in Moscow (and, allegedly, in the whole of Europe) with more than 70 stalls, where one can sample food from all over the world – from China to Thailand and from Mexico to Morocco. The food mall also regularly hosts live concerts, DJ sets, workshops and public lectures.

Apart from the main building, which contains the market and the food mall, there are several proper restaurants on the premises of the former depot, including Kraby Kutaby (Crabs and Qutabs) by one of Moscow’s leading restaurateurs, Alexander Rappaport.

Price Range: vide range Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 10am – 11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-2am Address: 20 Lesnaya, Building 3 Nearest Metro Station: Novoslobodskaya, Mendeleevskaya, Belorusskaya Contact Details: depomoscow.ru , +7 495 788-88-10, +7 495 788-88-33

If these sound like music to your ears (or more fittingly, tickles your tastebuds) then check out some of our guided Russia tours for a one-stop ticket to discovering even more about the Moscow food scene. Check out the video below to see some delicious food you could find in Moscow:

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What to eat in Moscow? Where to eat in Moscow? 33 Traditional Foods You Have To Try in Moscow

Olivier Salad

MAIN INGREDIENTS

Olivier salad is a Russian salad with variable ingredients, but it is typically made with chopped vegetables, meat, and mayonnaise. The key ingredients include diced potatoes, vegetables, eggs, chicken, or ham. This salad is one of the most important appetizers at the New Year's salad buffets in Russia, as well as in some of the other countries of the former USSR. The original was invented in the 1860s by Lucien Olivier, a chef in the popular Moscow restaurant called L'Hermitage . Olivier guarded the recipe until he died, but it is believed that the recipe was stolen by an employee who watched the chef at work, so the salad is still made today. Another theory says that the recipe for the new Olivier salad was developed by one of the restaurant's customers who wanted to keep the salad alive after the chef passed away. Olivier salad as we know it today is nothing like the original version, because it was called game bird mayonnaise , made with gourmet ingredients such as black caviar, capers, hen, and crayfish tails. Over time, the salad evolved and most of the gourmet ingredients have been replaced with more common ones such as peas, chicken, ham, and pickles. Today, the variations are endless, but most Russian chefs agree on one thing: adding carrots to the Olivier is a heresy. Interestingly, Olivier salad is also sometimes called Russian salad, while the meatless version is called French salad or francuska salata , probably due to the French name of its creator. The Spanish version is known as ensaladilla rusa. It is so popular in Spain that it's an important part of the Spanish gastronomy as well as being a staple in schools and summer camps all over the country. Ensaladilla rusa is also one of Spain's most popular tapas &ndash; in some cases, it's even served free of charge if you order a beer. There's also the Piedmontese insalata russa, typically consumed as an appetizer, and with many variations, so the salad might also include ingredients such as pickled cauliflower, anchovies, and tuna. Interestingly, in the Italian municipality of Carr&ugrave;, tuna is an obligatory element of the salad.

Olivier salad is a Russian salad with variable ingredients, but it is typically made with chopped vegetables, meat, and mayonnaise. The key ingredients include diced potatoes, vegetables, eggs, chicken, or ham. This salad is one of the most important appetizers at the New Year's salad buffets in Russia, as well as in some of the other countries of the former USSR.

MOST ICONIC Olivier Salad

Mari Vanna Moscow

Grand Cafe Dr. Zhivago

Café Pushkin

Pelmeni is one of Russia's national dishes, a small dumpling with a delicately thin dough, filled with anything from ground meat or fish to mushrooms. The fillings can be mild or very spicy, depending on the amount of seasonings such as various fresh herbs, black pepper, and onions. Pelmeni dumplings are served in almost every Russian restaurant, as well as in numerous Russian homes where each family has their own recipe for the dish.

Pelmeni is one of Russia's national dishes, a small dumpling with a delicately thin dough, filled with anything from ground meat or fish to mushrooms. The fillings can be mild or very spicy, depending on the amount of seasonings such as various fresh herbs, black pepper, and onions.

VARIATIONS OF Pelmeni

MOST ICONIC Pelmeni

Lepim i Varim

Varenichnaya №1

Beef Stroganoff

When it first appeared in the mid-19th-century Russia, beef Stroganoff was a dish made out of lightly floured beef cubes that have been saut&eacute;ed and cooked in a simple sauce made from stock and mustard with only a small amount of sour cream. The origin of the dish is unclear, but it is most likely linked to a French chef&mdash;or a French-trained chef&mdash;working for the Stroganoff family. Although Russian in origin, the dish is strongly influenced by the French style of cooking&mdash;this is most obviously seen in the way the beef is cut, in either cubes or strips. The first known recipe appeared in Elena Molokhovets&rsquo;s A Gift to Young Housewives, published in 1871. Since then, the dish has had major alterations. The beef is still cut in strips, but the sauce is much richer; with sliced mushrooms and onions that are cooked with beef stock and thickened a bit with sour cream that is only stirred in at the end. The dish is traditionally served with potato straws, but is often served with either rice pilav, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.

When it first appeared in the mid-19th-century Russia, beef Stroganoff was a dish made out of lightly floured beef cubes that have been sautéed and cooked in a simple sauce made from stock and mustard with only a small amount of sour cream.

The origin of the dish is unclear, but it is most likely linked to a French chef—or a French-trained chef—working for the Stroganoff family. Although Russian in origin, the dish is strongly influenced by the French style of cooking—this is most obviously seen in the way the beef is cut, in either cubes or strips.

MOST ICONIC Beef Stroganoff

Yolki-Palki

Russian Pub

These traditional Russian pancakes are prepared with flour, eggs, milk, yeast, and a pinch of salt. What distinguishes them from other pancakes is the addition of yeast, since similar equivalents mostly do not add any leavening agents. The batter is poured over a hot pan, shaped into a circle, and fried for a couple of minutes on both sides. The tradition of preparing this traditional Russian dish originates from ancient times: it was a ceremonial dish, served during the pagan holiday called Maslenitsa &ndash; a week-long festivity praising the end of winter and the celebration of spring. With their shape and color, blini symbolized the long-awaited Sun. However, blini are not consumed exclusively during Maslenitsa, as they have become one of the most popular dishes in Russia, and are also commonly eaten around the world. Blini are extremely versatile and can be served with sweet or savory fillings. Some of the Russian favorites include various jams, condensed milk, while the most famous savory version is topped with fish roe or caviar.

These traditional Russian pancakes are prepared with flour, eggs, milk, yeast, and a pinch of salt. What distinguishes them from other pancakes is the addition of yeast, since similar equivalents mostly do not add any leavening agents. The batter is poured over a hot pan, shaped into a circle, and fried for a couple of minutes on both sides.

MOST ICONIC Blini

Buloshnaya Cafe

Ukha is a rustic Russian soup consisting of a broth filled with herbs, seasonings, root vegetables, and fish such as salmon, cod, perch, and trout. A bit of vodka is often added into the pot while the soup is simmering. Although it originated as a simple broth, it evolved into an elaborate dish during the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was served in Russian courts. Apparently, the soup is so good that it was even a favorite of Ivan the Terrible.

Ukha is a rustic Russian soup consisting of a broth filled with herbs, seasonings, root vegetables, and fish such as salmon, cod, perch, and trout. A bit of vodka is often added into the pot while the soup is simmering. Although it originated as a simple broth, it evolved into an elaborate dish during the 16th and 17th centuries, when it was served in Russian courts.

MOST ICONIC Ukha

Gusyatnikoff

Savory pastry.

Pirozhki is one of the most popular Russian dishes, often sold as street food, although it can also be made at home. The pocket-sized, oval-shaped pirozhki are yeast dough buns stuffed with a variety of ingredients such as fresh fruits, jams, and cottage cheese for the sweet varieties, or meat, eggs, vegetables, fish, and rice for the savory versions. They can be either baked or fried. The name pirozhki can be literally translated to little pies . Pirozhki are commonly consumed as a snack, and today, they are prepared in numerous versions throughout the world.

Pirozhki is one of the most popular Russian dishes, often sold as street food, although it can also be made at home. The pocket-sized, oval-shaped pirozhki are yeast dough buns stuffed with a variety of ingredients such as fresh fruits, jams, and cottage cheese for the sweet varieties, or meat, eggs, vegetables, fish, and rice for the savory versions.

MOST ICONIC Pirozhki

Solyanka is a traditional Russian soup made with meat, fish, or mushrooms, and vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, olives, and cabbage. The soup is usually served with lemon wedges on the side, but it is also flavored with lemon juice during the cooking process. If meat is used, it is typically beef, pork, or chicken. Solyanka is also well-known as a hangover cure and it is traditionally served with sour cream.

Solyanka is a traditional Russian soup made with meat, fish, or mushrooms, and vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, olives, and cabbage. The soup is usually served with lemon wedges on the side, but it is also flavored with lemon juice during the cooking process.

MOST ICONIC Solyanka

Stolovaya No 57

The fundamental dish of Russian cuisine is known as kasha , a porridge that has represented an essential Russian meal for centuries. Russian kasha refers to various dishes which are created with cereals, most commonly rice, wheat, or millet, and pseudocereals like buckwheat and quinoa. The dish is usually boiled in water and milk, and ranges from sweet to savory in flavor. It can be modified by numerous additions such as fresh or dried fruit, preserves, cheese, butter, vegetables, nuts, or honey. In the past, the porridge was traditionally prepared in cast iron pots and slowly baked in the oven during the night. This authentic Russian dish holds a strong symbolic meaning&ndash;it is the first solid meal served to children, and is typically served during funerals, thus symbolizing the circle of life. Varieties of the dish, prepared with different cereals, are often found in other Slavic countries such as Ukraine, Poland, and Belarus.

The fundamental dish of Russian cuisine is known as kasha , a porridge that has represented an essential Russian meal for centuries. Russian kasha refers to various dishes which are created with cereals, most commonly rice, wheat, or millet, and pseudocereals like buckwheat and quinoa.

MOST ICONIC Kasha

Medovik is a popular Russian layered honey cake consisting of honey-infused, almost biscuit-like sponges that are coated with thin layers of cream. Although there are numerous variations of the cake, the custard is usually prepared with whipped cream or various combinations of condensed milk and butter. It is believed that the cake first appeared in the 1820s and was initially created for the wife of Alexander I of Russia. The addition of condensed milk probably originates from the Soviet era, while modern variations may include berries or even chocolate. Medovik is traditionally decorated with ground walnuts and is commonly served on various special occasions.

Medovik is a popular Russian layered honey cake consisting of honey-infused, almost biscuit-like sponges that are coated with thin layers of cream. Although there are numerous variations of the cake, the custard is usually prepared with whipped cream or various combinations of condensed milk and butter.

MOST ICONIC Medovik

Carne grill+wine

Herring under a fur coat (shuba).

Shuba or herring under a fur coat is a unique Russian salad consisting of three distinctive layers: salted herring, potatoes, and beets. The salad often has more than three layers, mostly consisting of apples, onions, or hard-boiled eggs. Most people believe that it was invented by a tavern owner named Anastas Bogomilov at the beginning of the 20th century. The red color of the beets symbolizes the red flag, and potatoes symbolize the staple food of peasants and workers. Today, the salad is a well-known staple at Russian New Year celebrations.

Shuba or herring under a fur coat is a unique Russian salad consisting of three distinctive layers: salted herring, potatoes, and beets. The salad often has more than three layers, mostly consisting of apples, onions, or hard-boiled eggs.

MOST ICONIC Shuba

Guriev kasha

Ptichye moloko

Pozharsky cutlet (Pozharskaya kotleta)

Mushroom Julienne

Mimoza Salad

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

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Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

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Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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