Russian restaurants today are so much more than just "Russian." Since the fall of the former Soviet Union, all kinds of cuisines, decors, and themes can be found in restaurants all over the new Russian republic. I saw Italian restaurants, Japanese, Irish, and American-styled restaurants advertised in cities like St. Petersburg and Moscow. Of course, the quality of food and service varies considerably, so it is always a wise idea to do some research before going.
Russian restaurants offering traditional Russian cuisine like borscht, pickled vegetables, and (of course) vodka are abundant everywhere, but once again, it is better to take the recommendation of a website or tour guide than to blindly sample restaurants. One good rule of thumb that usually applies to restaurants everywhere is that if the place is busy, it must be good. You will probably want to sample some places where the locals like to go in addition to visiting the popular tourist restaurants.
Some of the Russian restaurants that cater to tourists have menus that are translated into English, but many don't. This is why it is a good idea to do some research into Russian cuisine and language prior to your trip. Learn what the popular foods are, and what they consist of, and how they are pronounced in Russian--this may save you much trouble and embarrassment.
Discover Russian Restaurants
A rich cultural and culinary experience awaits you in the new Russia. Many fine old Russian restaurants serve traditional Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian, and Soviet cuisine as it has been served for centuries. Naturally, prices and service vary quite a bit, so it is a good idea to do a little research to avoid any big surprises. Vegetarians will be delighted to know that there are restaurants that serve strictly vegetarian dishes as well.
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