I'll have to agree with Robert (his post is quoted in past issues) on all his points -- Moscow restaurants are a drag. Way too often.
And Alina mentioned that "Restaurant owners should be reading this." Absolutely, Alina, people in the Moscow restaurant industry do read these posts. :) But yeah, mostly expats, and not the people who need a good kick in the butt. :( Going to a restaurant should be a pleasure. It should be an experience where for a couple of hours you can relax, and enjoy the process of paying money to people who make you feel like a guest in their establishment. So, personally, I generally favor "local" joints. Not quite "holes-in-the-wall," but more earthy, normal places, where one can build a relationship with the waiters, and be treated extremely nicely. As in, getting a beer within a minute. (For Moscow, that's like record time.) I generally do avoid "Name" restaurants, because they do tend to suck. Way badly. I don't mind spending hard-earned money -- I love it! -- but I hate getting ripped off. A couple of mentioned places, such as Darbar and Pushkin are yes, worth it -- IMHO -- but they are exceptions. But -- erk -- one thing is, I now speak exclusively Russian with the wait staff, wherever I go. I used to speak English to them. So that's a factor to consider, if you're speaking English to a waitron. Ten years ago, you'd automatically get the best seat in the house, and a free glass of champagne. But hey, bummer, things have changed. The reality is, Eastern culture, sociologically, tends to avoid actively-taxing situations, so being an English-speaking customer NOW lowers you on their "priority list," because the staff wants to avoid the challenge of dealing with you. It's sad, but true. (Speaking as a bearer of both cultures.) My advice, for people who like a good restaurant experience: 1) Be careful with "Name" places. Don't fall for glossy ads in magazines, for the "feel." Just because a restaurant can hire talented graphic designers and content-writers doesn't mean its chefs are any good. 2) Avoid middle-class chains these days, unless someone tells you verbally otherwise. Yes, "Kofe Hauz" bites the big one. Many middle-class chains are obviously cutting corners, and reducing themselves to the "rip-off" level. 3) You can tell a lot about a place, if they've raised their prices "because of the crisis." If more than 20%, they're putting you on. Well, maybe not "putting you on," but certainly not showing care for your continued patronage. 4) Learn "Restaurant Russian." It involves a few dozen words, and it works wonders with the staff. I am a qualified witness. 5) Mainly... Follow the advice of your friends. Ask actively. Heeding advice posted on the expat list is OK too, since, if you have a crappy time at a recommended place, you can always flame the sender. :) Diplomatically, of course :) :) All the best, -Alexander
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