Fodor's Expert Review Pavilion

If you've ever wondered how Soviet officials dined, head to this retro eatery in an old mansion with views onto Patriarch's Ponds, immortalized in Mikhail Bulgakov's Soviet-era novel The Master and Margarita. Black-and-white photos cover the walls, and the servers are dressed in typical Soviet garb. The kitchen turns out updated versions of classic Russian dishes, including house-pickled vegetables, smoked fish, and crispy chicken Kiev. Sip homemade vodkas like hrenovukha, infused with horseradish, while enjoying live music in the evenings. The desserts are memorable and beautifully presented.