Affordable Dining Options in Moscow Restaurants

Eating in Moscow can be a delightful experience without breaking the bank. This vibrant city offers a rich culinary landscape, showcasing diverse flavors, from traditional Russian dishes to international cuisines. Whether you’re a traveler on a budget or a local looking for new spots, we have compiled a list of affordable yet quality eateries that you shouldn’t miss. Here’s your guide to 10 great restaurants to dine in Moscow (well and cheaply).

If you're excited about what culinary treasures await you, don't forget to check out our article on traditional dishes in Russia.

1. Khinkali Point: A Hidden Gem of Georgian Cuisine

When wandering through Moscow, you’ll come across many Georgian restaurants, and Khinkali Point is one of the finest. This place is perfect for sampling authentic Georgian dishes such as khinkali (dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese-filled bread). We tried their cheese khinkali, which was decent, but the pork and lamb versions were outstanding, richly spiced and slightly spicy. Their specialty, the cheese and spinach khachapuri, was also delicious. For starters, we enjoyed a cold cheese plate with mint sauce, all for around 1100 RUB, including drinks like a local beer and an herb lemonade that was surprisingly non-lemony!

2. Khachapuri: A Dairy Lover’s Delight

If you're looking for another top-notch Georgian restaurant, Khachapuri comes highly recommended, courtesy of my friend Isa. This spot has multiple locations across the city and offers a slightly higher price range than Khinkali Point, but the quality is worth it. We indulged in a cheese khachapuri with herbs, a hearty beef soup with grains, and salmon khinkali. The total bill was around 1100 RUB (approximately 15€), making it a delightful experience for your taste buds and your wallet.

3. Kroshka-Kartoshka: The Potatoes You Can’t Miss

A unique fast-food experience awaits at Kroshka-Kartoshka, where baked potatoes are the star of the menu. These small outlets dot the city, specializing in delicious stuffed potatoes. While they offer vegan options, we highly recommend trying the salmon-filled ones — they are simply mouthwatering! If you spot a sign saying “Крошка Картошка,” don’t hesitate to step in and treat yourself!

4. Varenichnaya № 1: A Taste of Russian and Ukrainian Dishes

For a more authentic Russian dining experience, Varenichnaya № 1 is a must-visit. This restaurant features traditional dishes from both Russia and Ukraine. Start with a bowl of borscht (beet soup) if you enjoy beets, followed by pelmeni (Russian dumplings) and a main course. We highly recommend the wild salmon pie — it's deliciously rich! The ambiance is charmingly retro, reminiscent of the Soviet era. A meal here typically costs around 7€ per person.

5. Café Pushkin: A Historical Culinary Experience

Café Pushkin is a legendary establishment in Moscow, famous for its rich history. In 1964, French singer Gilbert Bécaud mentioned it in his song “Nathalie,” prompting many to visit Moscow in search of this mythical café, which didn’t exist at the time! The café finally opened in 1999, and Bécaud was invited to perform. Despite its fame, it's reasonably priced, especially if you opt for the daily menu — two courses for around 12€, or 17€ with a glass of wine.

6. Kozlovica: A Czech Culinary Delight

Located conveniently near our hotel, Kozlovica quickly became one of our favorites. This Czech restaurant offers delicious and affordable options, with pints of beer (both light and dark) for around 150 RUB. We indulged in beer-braised beef cheeks, fried pig ear with potatoes, and turkey leg with mashed potatoes. Everything was delightful, and our total came to about 21€! Service was also commendable.

7. Gran Café Dr Zhivago: Dining With a View

For a more upscale experience without exorbitant prices, visit Gran Café Dr Zhivago, renowned for its stunning views of Red Square. To enjoy this historic café without splurging, try their blinis (Russian pancakes) for about 6€. Main dishes typically range from 8-12€. It's advisable to make a reservation, particularly during peak hours, as we discovered when we went in August and found a sign indicating "reservation required."

8. Teremok: Fast Food Russian Style

Think of Teremok as the Russian equivalent of Tim Hortons in Canada. This fast-food chain is popular among locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of blinis (Russian crepes) and other dishes. The prices are incredibly affordable, with options ranging from 4-6€ for crepes and drinks. We indulged in chocolate and banana crepes and sweetened condensed milk options during breakfast, and the savory ones looked equally inviting. They even provide menus in English upon request!

Buffet Style Restaurants: The Russian Culinary Experience

Buffets are a common dining style in Russia, offering a convenient way for tourists to sample various dishes. However, these are not traditional all-you-can-eat buffets; instead, you’ll pass through display cases and order the dishes you desire. While the quality may vary, these places generally provide satisfactory meals at good prices. We recommend alternating between regular restaurants and buffet-style dining. Here are a few buffet-style restaurants to consider in Moscow:

• Mu-Mu: A favorite among budget travelers, offering good food for about 6-8€ (appetizer, main, and drink included). The menu is available in English and Spanish, which is a rare find in Russia.
• Stolovaya 57: Located in the luxurious GUM shopping center on Red Square, this place serves uncomplicated yet tasty meals at reasonable prices. Try to visit during off-peak hours to avoid long lines.
• Marketplace: Our top pick from the buffet chains, Marketplace offers high-quality food options, from freshly made dishes to delicious desserts. The ambiance is also great for relaxing or working.
• Grabli: Known for its extensive menu that includes soups, main courses, and desserts. Meals typically cost between 6-10€, and they offer discounts in the evenings, making it a fantastic option for nighttime dining.

Extra: White Rabbit, A Global Culinary Star

If you’re willing to splurge, consider visiting White Rabbit, one of the world’s top restaurants. Reservations are essential due to its popularity. Although it might not be on the cheap side, its renowned dishes make it an exciting culinary adventure.

Find Your Way: Restaurants on the Map

To make your dining experience even easier, here’s a map showing the locations of all the recommended restaurants in Moscow:

We hope this guide proves helpful! Contrary to the belief that Moscow is an expensive city for tourists, it’s entirely possible to enjoy its culinary delights without overspending. Have you discovered any more restaurants in Moscow where you can eat well and cheaply?

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