Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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(
&
495/951-5838; metro: Tretyakovskaya), and 9a Korovy Val (
&
495/959-8919;
metro: Oktyabrskaya).
16 Bolshaya Sadovaya Ulitsa.
&
495/650-0246.
Main courses 250-350 rubles. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 24 hr.
Metro: Mayakovskaya.
INEXPENSIVE
Poslednaya Kaplya
RUSSIAN A democratic and lively place to recharge. Tucked
behind the bustling Pushkin Square, it's convenient but not on most tourists' radar, and
a bargain for this neighborhood. The name means “Last Drop”—and the drinks are
worth a sample, from the nourishing mulled wine to draft beers and vast selection of teas
from across China, black, green, red, and white. The food's worth it, too. The wide selec-
tion of appetizers can combine for a full meal, from Spanish omelets to skewered pork.
It offers a rare selection of vegetarian dishes including a passable risotto, as well as grilled
beef and fish. It fills up on weekend nights with young clubbers, and is a calmer, friend-
lier scene during the day.
4/3 Strastnoy Blvd.
&
495/967-7549.
http://lastdrop.ru. Main courses 400 rubles. Daily noon-6am.
Metro: Pushkinskaya.
Rostik's
RUSSIAN/AMERICAN This is basically a fried-chicken joint run by
the same Russian company that manages Il Patio (see above). Cheap, fast, and kid-
friendly, Rostik's offers standard chicken combos plus nuggets and chicken wraps. The
slightly more Russian options include lamb shish kebab and smoked salmon wrapped in
Armenian lavash bread. There's not much in terms of light dining. The urban setting
means the kids' play area is indoors. The Mayakovskaya branch is the most convenient,
but keep an eye out for other branches around town.
2/1 Pervaya Tverskaya-Yamskaya Ulitsa.
&
495/651-4950.
www.rostiks.ru. Meal packs 80-150 rubles. No
credit cards. Weekdays 9am-midnight; weekends 10am-midnight. Metro: Mayakovskaya.
Tchaikovsky Concert Hall
INTERNATIONAL The lobby of the concert hall has
turned into a slightly more elegant version of the food court, with a cluster of inexpensive
restaurants. It's a good place to fuel up and freshen up before a concert or at any time of
day.
Delifrance
has croissants and French patisserie and boulangerie treats;
Tandoor
has
good, predictable Indian fare; the coffee bar boasts multiple blends including decaf (a
rarity here); and there's even a
Pizza Hut.
4/31 Triumfalnaya Sq.
&
495/699-3957.
Snacks from 30 rubles; meals from 160 rubles. No credit cards.
Daily noon-8pm. Metro: Mayakovskaya.
Yolki-Palki Po . . .
CENTRAL ASIAN As soon as you shed your coat, you'll
be greeted by a row of fresh ingredients that you heap into a bowl according to your
mood and hand to the chef at the center of an enormous circular grill. He or she sizzles
up your selection within minutes, and you take it to your table. The Mongolian barbe-
cue-style concept is adapted with central Asian ingredients and Russian side dishes. The
Yolki Palki chain has several restaurants, but most offer only standard Russian fare. It's
worth hunting out its barbecue-style branches, including this glass-enclosed pavilion on
bustling Pushkin Square. Ingredients include sliced chicken, pork, beef, sole, eggs,
assorted vegetables, several sauces, and a large selection of fresh spices, including unique
offerings from central Asia and the Caucasus Mountains. Vegetarians will find plenty of
options here.
18a Tverskaya Ulitsa.
&
495/200-3920.
Main courses 230-330 rubles. No credit cards. Daily 11am-5am.
Metro: Pushkinskaya or Tverskaya.
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