Built on seven hills and spread over two thousand square kilometers, Moscow is quite a sight from above. You don’t have to stand on a crowded observation deck to enjoy the spectacular panoramas. Here are Moscow’s best restaurants to wine and dine with a view.
Turandot
Restaurant, Chinese, Japanese, European, Asian, Dim Sum, $$$
Luxurious interiors, a terrace with a view and exquisite food are all the things that earned Turandot a reputation as the best restaurant in the city. This palace of a restaurant is known for the best dim sum in Moscow, fantastic peking duck, honey-glazed sea bass and signature sour cherry borscht.
O2 Lounge is an opulently decorated and terrifyingly expensive restaurant, located on the roof of the Ritz Carlton hotel, that you’ll probably recognise from celebrity Instagrams. Apart from picturesque views and selfie-snapping VIPs, the restaurant boasts Moscow’s best Peruvian cuisine and state-of-the-art cocktails.
Housed on the 12th and 13th floors of the historic Pekin Hotel, Timeout Rooftop Bar is a winning combination of breathtaking views and extraordinary cocktails. Created by the mixologist and bar’s co-founder Alexander Khan, the cocktail menu offers a creative selection of drinks for every mealtime.
A dashing lounge restaurant with an extensive cocktail menu, panoramic views and karaoke nights. Also known for its grill menu and original desserts, Kalina Bar is great for both romantic dinners and friends’ night out. Be sure to visit the low-lit bar after the sunset, when it feels like a sky-sailing ship.
This is an upscale restaurant with spectacular panoramic views: from the Moscow State University to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Housed in the iconic building of the Russian Academy of Science, Sky Lounge features stylish interiors, delicious cocktails and impeccable service.
Translating as “happiness”, this is indeed one very happy restaurant: from its rooftop location, to the romantic terrace swing, to live music on weekends – everything here is designed to make sure you’ll have a great time. The food here is also on point – apart from a wide selection of grilled fish, meat and seafood, the restaurant is loved for its late breakfasts, signature cocktails and a beautiful view on Pushkinskaya square.
With its lovely Mediterranean terrace, Balkon is perfect if you’re looking for a respite in Moscow’s centre. Once the elevator stops at the 7th floor of the futuristic Lotte Plaza, you find yourself in a welcoming spacious hall that comprises seven kitchen islands, where you can choose a meal to your taste: from Asian dishes to home-style Italian food and tempting desserts.
Located on the roof of the 14-storey Central City Tower, Karlson masterfully combines spectacular panoramas of Moscow with upmarket Italian cuisine. Views on the Kremlin, Moskva-river and the city’s historic center serve as a stunning background to the restaurant’s cosy interiors, open flame kitchen, original desserts and tempting selection of cocktails .
