Vegetarian and vegan food wave has hit Russia significantly later than many other countries of the world, however now that it did, either fully dedicated meat-free establishments are popping up rather frequently or meat-free dishes are popping up on menus of traditional restaurants to cater to the growing demand. Here is our pick of the 10 eateries in Moscow where vegans and vegetarians can find delicious meals in line with their lifestyle choice.
Fresh
This Canadian restaurant opened it’s Moscow branch in 2012 and became the first modern gastronomic restaurant of vegetarian cuisine in the city. Interior wise, it’s a reflection of its name, with clean minimalist lines, favouring industrial materials and rough edges over cuddly pictures of ethnic tribes. The menu offers you a wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options, like an assortment of healthy sandwiches (~$4.6-$5.8), wraps (~$7.5-$10), burgers (~$6.5-$9), fresh bowls (~$8.3-$10.8) etc. Together with the healthy food they offer uber-healthy juice mixes (one bottle or a whole detox set), containing chia seeds and seaweed along with freshly squeezed juices. You can view the menu in English on their site.
Address:
Hours:
11AM-11PM
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Babettacafe
This place is all about European and Italian cuisine while the interior creates an aura of a homey American canteen, that at the same time feels trendy and hip. The menu is not strictly vegetarian, but they do have solid vegetarian options among the others. The first choice would be the salad bar where you can assemble your own creation. Otherwise, you can choose from pasta (~$5.5), risotto (~$5.5-$6.5), pizza (~$5 small pizza and ~$9.4), vareniki (~$3.6), falafel with hummus (~$7.8) etc for your meat free meal. If you are after a quick refuel, make your own perfect smoothie from fresh fruits and veggies in the fresh-bar.
Address:
Hours:
Fri-Sat 9AM-6AM, Mon-Tue, Sun 9AM-12AM
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City Garden
This place is a mix between a cafe and an organic shop. The cafe uses the fresh produce from the shop to whip up some delicious dishes (including vegetarian and vegan options) that include syrniki (~$3), pasta (~$2.6), guac-o-hummus (~$2.5) etc.. There is a vegetarian and/or vegan option in every section of the menu, so you will not be left hungry whether it’s breakfast, dinner or snack. They also make smoothies from fresh fruit to quench your thirst, sell vegan ice-cream and pastries. If you still don’t find something you like, you can order a custom-made meal to suit any dietary restrictions or cravings.
Address:
9 places, addresses here.
Hours:
9AM-10PM (May vary according to the location)
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Laflafel
This bizarre marriage of the Israeli & Indian cuisines is located in the Lora Craft bar. It started out as a small market stall and Kosher food delivery service, and over a period of 4 years transformed into an independent eatery that serves Middle and Far Eastern dishes in a hip, minimalist interior. Here they serve flavorful kosher Israeli food, including some vegan options, like falafel and falafel-burgers, salads, hummus of all varieties, etc. The Indian side is not falling behind too – spicy dal, kachori etc.
The average cheque is ~$5-$8.
Address:
1/13/6, bldg. 2 Ulitsa Pokrovka
Hours:
2PM-12AM
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Jagannath
Originating from a small cafe, Jagannath grew into a network of five establishments sharing an eatery and a shop. At each of its five locations, you can try their meat-free dishes mostly inspired by Indian cuisine. At the same time, you can buy a broad variety of vegetarian foods, eco-produce and natural cosmetics for sale at the shop. All the ingredients used int he kitchen are organic and the shop is the first place to hit if you are looking for some exotic spices.
The average cheque is ~$8.
Address:
6 locations, listed here.
Hours:
Mon 10AM-11PM, Tue-Fri 8AM-12AM, Sat 10AM-12AM, Sun 10AM-11PM
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Ierusalim (Jerusalem)
This cozy and intimate restaurant is located on the top floor of the Synagogue. The interior is rather old-fashioned, but it is fully redeemed with the spacious terrace that is also one of the best kept secret locations to get a stunning Moscow view. The kitchen here serves quite a hand full of kosher dishes and some of the best hummus and falafel for those who are after plant-based protein only.
The average cheque is ~$17.
Address:
Hours:
Mon-Tue, Sun 11AM-12AM, Fri 11AM-2 hours before sunset. Saturday they’re closed obviously.
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Hitrie Ludi (Cunning People)
This crafty, cozy and quite a spacious cafe has an apartment vibe to it. The space is filled with worn out furniture, old books and the shabby bar is a cherry on top. The food is mostly European with an occasional appearance of a curry here and there on the menu. There is a separate vegetarian menu to choose your meals from.
The average cheque here is ~$16.
Address:
1/8, bldg. 10 4-y Syromyatnicheskiy Pereulok
Hours:
Mon-Tue, Sun 12PM-12AM, Fri-Sat 12PM-5AM
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Receptor
In this cozy cafe chain you’ll be treated to homemade bread, lemonades, ice-cream, and dishes made mostly from local produce. The menu has little to no meat and features mostly fish dishes and veggies. The desserts have no eggs in them and the options are quite vast – from everyday foods to Asian or Italian food. For those watching their weight, Receptor has a special fitness menu.
The average cheque is around ~$15.
Address:
10 Bolshoy Kozikhinskiy Pereulok
Hours:
12PM-12AM
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Avocado
The Avocado Cafe is a rather hip Moscow cafe serving vegetarian, vegan and raw food. The interior is light and minimalistic, just in line with the latest trends. The menu clearly indicated whether the dish is vegetarian, vegan or neither and you can choose from quite a wide range of foods like burgers, salads, snacks, soups, main dishes, desserts, etc.
The average cheque is about $8-$10.
Address:
12/2 Chistoprudnyy Bulvar
Hours:
10AM-11PM
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Ra Family
Last, but not least is the raw food cafe ‘Ra Family’. Hidden in the alley of a large block of apartments, Ra is filled with bright colors and fresh food. There are not pans and pots in the kitchen and the food is never heated beyond 40C. Despite such restrictions and limitations,t he menu is very creative and impressive listing a variety of salads, smoothies, fresh juices, and wellness shots.
The average cheque is around ~$18.
Address:
Hours:
11AM-11PM
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