Restaurants in Russia offer a hearty and warming culinary experience, reflecting a culture that values hospitality and endurance. From high-end dining in Moscow’s skyscrapers to cozy "stolovaya" (canteens) serving traditional comfort food, Russian dining is diverse and satisfying. Staples include Borsch (beetroot soup), Pelmeni (dumplings), and Blini (pancakes) served with sour cream or caviar. The culinary scene also heavily features Georgian and Central Asian influences, making Khachapuri and Shashlik as common as Beef Stroganoff. Meals often involve the tradition of "Zakuski" (appetizers) shared among friends, accompanied by tea from a Samovar or a shot of vodka. Guests are welcomed with genuine warmth, and meals are often long, social affairs. Every dish—whether a simple Pirozhok or an elaborate feast of Sturgeon—tells a story of the diverse climates and cultures within the country. For travelers, dining out in Russia is an immersion into a soulful and flavorful tradition that warms you from the inside out.
Travelers exploring Russia's restaurant scene will find a mix of Soviet nostalgia and modern gastronomy. The most wallet-friendly option is the Stolovaya (Canteen). These are cafeteria-style places serving traditional food (soup, salad, cutlet, garnish) for very low prices. They are authentic and popular with locals.
For savory pastries, look for a Pirogovaya, specializing in pies stuffed with meat, cabbage, or berries. The Restoran is a standard sit-down establishment, ranging from casual to ultra-luxury. Georgian Restaurants are extremely popular in Russia (like Italian food in the US), serving cheesy breads (Khachapuri) and dumplings (Khinkali).
The Chayhana serves Central Asian cuisine (Uzbek, Tajik), offering Plov (rice pilaf) and Shish-kebabs. In major cities, the Business Lunch (Biznes-lanch) is a cultural institution: on weekdays from 12-4 PM, restaurants offer a set menu for a fraction of the regular price.
Tipping is expected in sit-down restaurants in Russia, though not as aggressively as in the US. Waiters rely on tips. A tip of 10% is the standard for good service. If the service was exceptional, 15% is generous.
In a Stolovaya or fast-food place, you do not tip. In high-end restaurants, the service charge is rarely included.
Importantly, you usually cannot add the tip to the credit card bill. You should carry cash to leave on the table. However, many restaurants now use a system called "CloudTips" or similar, where you scan a QR code on the receipt to send a digital tip to the waiter using Apple Pay or a card (if your card works in Russia).
Finding great food in Russia is best done via apps. Yandex Maps is the gold standard; the reviews are active and honest. 2GIS is another excellent local map app with detailed directory info.
Avoid restaurants on the main tourist drags (like Arbat in Moscow) with "Tourist Menu" signs. Instead, look for places crowded with office workers during lunch.
Look for the Novikov or Ginza Project groups if you want reliable, high-quality (though pricier) dining experiences in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Finally, ask locals for the best Georgian place—everyone has a favorite.