Moscow, Abramovich-Style

Our Local Expert Says:

If money is no object, by all means, live it up at the Ritz, which evokes Tsarist grandeur. So close to the Kremlin, you can see President Putin’s bald patch.

Description:

Opened at the start of summer 2007, the long-anticipated Ritz Carlton is now the city's most popular hotel. Visitors don't bat an eye at paying high prices. Also on offer, but not cheap, is the Tsar's Breakfast (champagne, Kobe beef, truffles, etc.). The Ritz is located at the beginning of Tverskaya, Moscow's most famous central artery, on the site of the old Soviet Intourist hotel.

Description:

For a relaxed and intimate dining experience, choose the rooftop O2 Lounge of the famous The Ritz-Carlton Moscow . With its polished black tiles, bright red cocoon chairs, stark white furnishing and to top it all, a dramatic glass dome the lounge is one of the top places to be seen at. The menu includes sushi, created with expertise by Chef Seiji Kusano, known for his famous gourmet roll prepared with Beluga caviar and blue fin tuna, garnished with gold leaf. Remember to ask the vodka sommelier's comments before choosing from the largest collection of the finest of vodkas from across the world. The music is trendy and at dinner time features hits from around the globe.

Description:

Turandot named after the legend of 'The Icy Princess', is a restaurant which is quite a legend in its own way. Modeled after a Baroque palace, it took six and a half years and about $50 million to complete. This place naturally intrigues most and glitterati and some named personalities are amongst the famed clientele. The restaurant claims that their desire is to astonish and thats exactly what the interiors do. Spring Rolls with Smoked Duck and Peanuts is a must try. The wine list is not only extensive, but also impressive.

Description:

The biggest high-end club opening of 2007, Rai is Cirque du Soleil meets Studio 54. Entrance to this opulent nightclub, which is housed on the premises of famous Soviet-era Red October chocolate factory, is nearly impossible unless you are on the list. "Rai" is Russian for "heaven," although its design better evokes hell with gargoyles and statues of writhing nudes.

Description:

The only access to the bar is through the Gum departmental store right near the historic red square, the Bosco Bar is a cousin of the Bosco Cafe. Use of bright red colors is striking as soon as you enter the bar. Glass walls allow awesome views of the Red Square. A regular haunt of the rich and famous of Moscow. Essentially Italian in feel, this place serves sumptuous fare from that region as well as great cocktails. A great combination to have after a shopping spree at the Gum or just a visit to the square.

Description:

Frequented by the city's rich and famous, The Most Cafe and Club is a stylish extravagant night spot. There are two types of a French menu, the chef's special selection and the classical. The first incorporates seasonal ingredients with creative variations, while the second menu keeps the best traditions of French cuisine. The grandeur of this place is overwhelming.

Description:

One of Moscow's plushest night-zones, housed in a beautiful 19th-century mansion. If you get past the picky face control, you'll find yourself in an expensive swarm of expat businessmen, Russian models, and assorted New Russian hangers-on. The three separate dance floors and chill-out room boast creative design along with excellent sound and lighting. Rumour has it that up to $5,000 is spent per week in preparing the extravagant weekend stage shows. Themed parties play on the establishment's kinky ambience. That said, weekdays can be totally dead.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is no ordinary cocktail bar. After paying the entry fee, you'll enter an oddly proportioned room with beautiful women standing on the right and men in suits at the bar. Sorry, they aren't really interested in your personality: Night Flight prostitutes are some of the most expensive in town.

Description:

Swedish management and chefs provide Scandinavian DJs, cuisine and prices every night of the year at this sleek nightspot. The decor is exquisite: brick walls with good oil paintings and horizontal windows that give a broad view over Tverskaia street. Foreign travelers looking for Russian company often come here. The menu is heavy on meat: Reindeer with morels, cherry jus and herbed potatoes, and Oscietre Caviar as a starter. Most dishes are available as starters, main courses, or in a tasting menu.

Our Local Expert Says:

If money is no object, by all means, live it up at the Ritz, which evokes Tsarist grandeur. So close to the Kremlin, you can see President Putin’s bald patch.

Description:

Opened at the start of summer 2007, the long-anticipated Ritz Carlton is now the city's most popular hotel. Visitors don't bat an eye at paying high prices. Also on offer, but not cheap, is the Tsar's Breakfast (champagne, Kobe beef, truffles, etc.). The Ritz is located at the beginning of Tverskaya, Moscow's most famous central artery, on the site of the old Soviet Intourist hotel.

Description:

If you want to get a glimpse of the latest fashion trends in Moscow this is the place to be. Vogue Cafe is located in the heart of the city. It has kept up to its name and still attracts locals and tourists alike despite competition from neighboring restaurants. The restaurant serves a variety of cuisine ranging from Asian to Italian to the local Russian Cuisine. The seating is comfortable and so is the atmosphere. Service is excellent. Some of the specials include vegetarian borsch, pancakes with black caviar, duck leg confit, buckweat and ceps mushrooms.The fruit and berries tartar is also worth a try. The music played here is good. So if you want to catch up with locals and make some friends then dining at Vogue Cafe is a good idea.

Description:

This is a wine bar located within a shop with the same name. A decent selection of wines from it's own store, obviously, is wide enough to confuse you while you take your pick. That's o.k., because there are the experts to help you choose something exotic. There's a set menu of assorted drinks or individual drinks that you can choose from. Also some French cheeses and Spanish boutique hams are on offer.

Description:

More than 50 years old, Uzbekistan is one of its kind in Moscow. Gennady Vysov, the master chef makes sure that you do not leave without a feel of the authentic tastes of whatever you order. Be prepared to shell out some bucks for some authentic 'Lagman' made of Uzbek noodles, mutton all spiced up and served steaming hot or the spicy soups. Chinese and Arabic cuisine are also on the menu. Besides there are French and Chili wines and fresh fruit juices or cocktails for the non-alcoholics. Jams and traditional sweets are prepared in their own kitchen. Mondays are fun days with cock fights here. Evenings are lively with belly dancers and live music.

Description:

Denis Simachev Bar & Shop opened at the beginning of 2007 on Moscow's haute couture row. Despite its stuffy neighbors (Burberry and Gucci boutiques), this bar is aimed at the young and fashionable, and stays crowded all night long on weekends. Simachev, one of Russia's most innovative fashion designers, collected a range of one-of-a-kind objects from flea markets to decorate his bar.

Our Local Expert Says:

If money is no object, by all means, live it up at the Ritz, which evokes Tsarist grandeur. So close to the Kremlin, you can see President Putin’s bald patch.

Description:

Opened at the start of summer 2007, the long-anticipated Ritz Carlton is now the city's most popular hotel. Visitors don't bat an eye at paying high prices. Also on offer, but not cheap, is the Tsar's Breakfast (champagne, Kobe beef, truffles, etc.). The Ritz is located at the beginning of Tverskaya, Moscow's most famous central artery, on the site of the old Soviet Intourist hotel.