Caucasian Restaurants in Moscow

Caucasian and Central Asian cuisine is to Russia what Chinese and other Asian cuisines are to the English-speaking world: cheap and tasty. That said, there are plenty of high-class Caucasian and Central Asian restaurants in Moscow as well. These are cuisines that should really be tried ø if youÕre never going to travel in these regions then MoscowÕs restaurants are probably as close as you will ever get to the real thing.

Uzbekistan.
One of the nicest restaurants in Moscow and, unlike the capitalÕs other upmarket restaurants, you arenÕt likely to find anything like this in your home country. Its uniqueness, beautiful and luscious interior, relatively cheap prices and impeccable service mean that this restaurant should be on the list of any visitor to the capital. Obviously the restaurant specializes in Uzbek cuisine, which comes courtesy of a chef from Tashkent. The lagman, pilaf and manty are especially recommended. But the menu also has Chinese, Arab and Azerbaijani cooking with a different chef looking after each cuisine. The Chinese food is some of the best in Moscow and you can request it spicy if you like it that way. An average main course here costs 700 rubles ($25) with an average bill around 1200 rubles ($43). But the portions are massive and you can order a half portion of any meal for half the price. Live music and belly dancers every night add to the atmosphere, as does the Thursday ritual of parading a slaughtered lamb through the restaurant ø an Uzbek tradition. Highly recommended.
Address: Neglinnaya Ulitsa, #29, metro Tsvetnoy Bulvar/Kuznetsky Most. Tel: 623-0585. Open 12:00-0:00.

Beloye Solntse Pustyni (White Desert Sun).
The name comes from the famous Soviet comedy about a customs officer stuck at the USSR eastern border and his clash with the Uzbek mentality. The film is very much loved by the older generation and this restaurant is built upon all the attributes of this comedy. The interior is very impressive, decorated with attention to every detail and taste. You really feel like this customs officer who got into the Eastern fairy tale. Right next door to Uzbekistan, the menu and prices are the same at both restaurants and there is a similar entertainment program here as well. Beloye Solntse Pustyni is cozier than Uzbekistan but itÕs difficult to choose between the two. If you have time visit both.
Address: Neglinnaya Ulitsa, #29, metro Tsvetnoy Bulvar/Kuznetsky Most. Tel: 209-6015. Open 12:00-0:00.

Genatsvale.
Genatsvale is an authentic Georgian place with Georgian cuisine. Two country-style cozy halls: large and small. The small one has a fire place. Genatsvale boasts attentive service and all the stylings you wouldnÕt usually expect from a restaurant this cheap: proper napkins, table cloths, fancy cutlery, etc. Main courses donÕt cost more than $8 so a dinner here will be easy on the wallet. A good place to take someone when youÕre paying and not look cheap ø you can just claim that you like the cozy atmosphere and tasty food. Although they might ask why you didnÕt decide to go to the restaurant next door, Genatsvale VIP, where the average bill comes to a still reasonable $30. The VIP restaurant also has a more elaborate decor and larger, more complex menu.
Address: Ostozhenka Ul., #12/1, metro Kropotkinskaya. Tel: 202-0445. Open 12:00-0:00.
VIP: Ostozhenka Ul., #14/2, metro Kropotkinskaya. Tel: 203-1242. Open 12:00-0:00.

 
Kavkazskaya Plennitsa.
The exquisite Caucasian cuisine at this restaurant is matched only by the superb atmosphere of the venue. Named after the classic 1970s film, the restaurant is adorned with still shots from the movie and peppered with small fountains, huts and animals symbolic of the mountainous Caucasian region. An average bill per person will cost about $50 while the $50 buffet allows you to sample a variety of the vast selection of dishes on offer. From midday until 4 p.m. there is a 30% discount on all orders. Kavkazskaya Plennitsa has a charming outdoor area in summer and a lively entertainment program.
Address: Prospekt Mira, #36, metro Prospekt Mira. Tel: 680-5111. Open 12:00-last guest.

 
Yolki-Palki-Po.
An offspring from the Russian Yolki-Palki chain of restaurants, Yalki-Palki-Po serves Mongolian food at the same cheap prices. The fixed menu will leave you wondering what exactly Mongolian cuisine is with options including sushi and Chinese noodles. Whatever the case, the main hook of the restaurant is the option of choosing your own ingredients and having them cooked in Mongolian style specially for you. The ÒTamerlane plateÓ for 230 rubles ($8) allows you to choose your own meat, vegetables, spices and herbs before having them fried on the big grill. Meanwhile, the regular menu has a good selection of dishes which are surprisingly tasty considering the average bill per person is no more than $10.
Address: Tverskaya Ulitsa, #18a View on Map, metro Pushkinskaya. Tel: 200-3920. Open 11:00-5:00.
Bolshaya Semenovskaya Ulitsa, #20, Bldg. 1, metro Elektrozavodskaya. Tel: 360-7277. Open 11:00-23:00.

 
Barashka.
classy Azerbaijani restaurant with a simple but comfortable interior without the kitsch associated with most Caucasian restaurants. An average bill per person is about $30 and the food is excellent.
Address: Petrovka Ulitsa, #20/1 View on Map, metro Kuznetsky Most. Tel: 200-4714. Open 11:00-0:00.

 
Chito Grito.
Cozy Azerbaijani restaurant decorated in the standard Caucasian restaurant style of wood beams, stone walls and vines. Decent-tasting food and not at all expensive. Average bill is about $15.
Address: Trubnikovsky Pereulok, #11 View on Map, metro Arbatskaya. Tel: 203-5650. Open 11:00-last customer.

 
Golden Bukhara.
Another lavishly decorated Uzbek and Caucasian restaurant. Has all the classic dishes from these cuisines on the menu for an average bill of about $40 per person. Worth a look.
Address: Leningradsky Prospekt, #48, metro Aeroport. Tel: 612-3844. Open 12:00-0:00.

 
Noyev Kovcheg.
A swank Armenian restaurant, tastefully decorated and with mid-range prices. An average bill per person is $30. Equally renowned for its delivery service ø call 921-5885 and look on the website for the menu.
Address: Maly Ivanovsky Pereulok, #9, metro Kitai-Gorod. Tel: 917-0717. Open 12:00-0:00.

 
Shesh-Besh.
A chain of cheap Caucasian eateries with a focus on Azerbaijani cuisine. An average bill will come to about $15 or there is a buffet option for 220 rubles ($8). The restaurants have a great atmosphere.
Address: Smolenskaya Ploshchad, #6 View on Map, metro Smolenskaya. Tel: 241-6542. Open 12:00-0:00.
Several other locations. For full list see: www.rmcom.ru/sheshbesh/coordinat.asp.

 
Kish-Mish Uzbek Restaurant.
Actually, a chain, has a few restaurants in Moscow, all quite moderately priced. The restaurants are decorated in traditional manner to look like an Uzbek country house. Tasty national food. Dinner for $10 is real, but impossible - when you start eating their meals you won't be able to stop.
Address: Noviy Arbat #28, Arbat View on Map, metro Arbatskaya (dark blue). Tel: 291-2010. Open: 11.00-0.00