Bento Box, a short stumble from Krizis Zhanra on Pokrovka Ul., is an affordable new Japanese restaurant from the people who brought us Mi Piace. And despite entering a dining market soaked in sake, it has still has something new to offer. Read full story
After months of rumors and anticipation, Kai in the Swissotel Krasnye Holmy is finally open. But does it live up to all the hype? element’s Polina Pushkina thinks the excellent service, superlative food and gorgeous decor were more than worth the wait. Read full story
Where do Moscow’s glamorous rich go when they want peace and quiet but don’t want to drive down Rublyovskoye shosse? Ayano Hodouchi finds the answer nestled comfortably amongst the trees in Dyetsky Park at new Italian restaurant L’Albero. Read full story
There’s something not quite right in using the word “democratic” to describe something Chinese, but new Mama Tao on Pyatnitskaya is exactly that. Prices are even low enough to forgive any human rights abuses being carried out in the kitchen. Read full story
Despite the occasional tiff, such as in the Napoleonic Wars, Russian and French cultures have always enjoyed a harmonious co-existence. This is never more apparent than in the excellent cuisine at new Franco-Russian restaurant 1812 God. Read full story
Despite being named after a machine that ties people to their work desk 24 hours a day, BlackBerry Cafe on Akademika Sakharava Pr. is all about serving up a good time. Prices are low and the quality is high; all you need to do is find it. Read full story
The Renaissance Moscow Hotel’s La Stazione, part of its transportation-themed dining area, effortlessly combines a consistent concept, swift service, delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere. All this provokes the question: “Why isn’t it always this easy?” Read full story
New Tibet Himalaya in the Sheremetyevsky mall makes up for its inconsistent quality with its cheap and original cuisine and authentic decor. But even after a slightly shaky start, element’s food fanatic Oli Redman believes its still got great potential. Read full story
A revolutionary new movement is sweeping restaurants across the city. You may remember it from home, it’s called fine dining at reasonable prices. Emma Jenkinson finds classics in a stylish setting at new Bulvar 10/7 on Rozhdestvensky Bul. Read full story
Who says you have to have cabbage soup for a week to afford to eat out in Moscow? Newcomer Mili, just 10 seconds away from the Kitai-Gorod, goes against the tide by offering hearty food in huge portions, all at wallet-friendly prices. Read full story
The next phase in Kirill Gusyev’s mission to usurp Arkady Novikov as the capital’s restaurant big cheese is new Family Floor on Bol. Kozikhinsky Per. And like any family, it’s not completely perfect, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t love it. Read full story
Janus in the new Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya seems to be as confused as the mythical god from which it takes its name. Not that there’s anything wrong with it, but Andy Potts can’t escape the feeling that there’s something vital missing. Read full story
In Manon on Ulitsa 1905 Goda, restaurant kingpin Andrei Dellos has departed from the concept formula of his other restaurants and opted for something different. Happily, the result is an exciting combination of eclecticism and innovation. Read full story
Michael’s on Tverskoi Bulvar perfectly combines a well thought-out menu, understated decor and intimate surroundings, making it suitable for any occasion, be it a girl’s night out, an important business meeting or a romantic rendezvous. Read full story
If the cold weather closing in and the realities of Russian life are getting you down, you’re going to need an excellent meal to lift your spirits. Luckily, recently-opened Remi on Bol. Patriarshy Per. is on hand to provide you with just what you need. Read full story
With Aozora (Japanese for “blue skies”), the management of Indian restaurant Darbar attempts to infuse a breath of fresh air into Moscow’s overcrowded Japanese culinary scene. After a promising start, only time will tell if they can succeed. Read full story
Attack of the Clones! Newly-opened fish house Barabulka on Bolshaya Gruzinskaya is almost an exact copy of Filimonova i Yankel, or at least it really tries to be. element fish fanatic Polina Pushkina wonders why it’s so afraid of just being itself. Read full story
Beefbar on Prechistenskaya Naberezhnaya is so perfect in every way that element’s Ayano Hodouchi almost ran out of superlatives to describe it. So if you’re looking for the ideal restaurant to suit any occasion, then consider your search over. Read full story
Tired of all the glitz and noise of the third Rome? Jaded city dweller Ayano Hodouchi finds herself unexpectedly seduced by the reasonably-priced food and minimalist simplicity on offer at the second Prostiye Veshchi on Bolshaya Nikitskaya. Read full story
The evil management at Cafe Kafe on Malaya Bronnaya were the first owners ever to deny element the right to take a photo of the inside of a restaurant. The question is: how can such mean and miserable people rule over such a culinary dream world? Read full story
