Stolovaya №57 Moscow

When you come to Moscow, you definitely want to try true Russian cuisine. Of course, you can do it in most restaurants, but I want to tell you about a more authentic variant. And it's cheaper, too!

Moscow GUM (Glavnyi Universalnyi Magazin; it may literally be translated as "the main universal store") is situated in the center of the city and it faces Red Square. In English this huge shopping mall is usually called "State Department Store".

There are a variety of places where you can have a meal. But the most unusual is Soviet Style Restaurant #57. Actually, it is not a restaurant; it is a so called "stolovaya". It is notable for its self-service and traditional Russian food. Moreover, the interior design reflects an atmosphere similar to that in Soviet times. Even tableware and tablecloths are made the Soviet way.

All the dishes are prepared according to the traditions of Russia's cuisine. They pretend to cook according to "The Book of Healthy and Tasty Food" – the main Soviet source of high-quality recipes.

No doubt, this place attracts tourists, but Russians like to eat here, too. The good thing is not having to wait – everything is ready, you just pick what you like. And the second reason is, of course, tasty food! There are plenty of different dishes. Some of them are classic (like Russian salad, borsch, pelmeni, stewed fruits), and some of them are less popular. Even so, there is always something new and appetizing.