Tsiniki — Restaurant in Presnensky District

Let's start with a story that was a reality for me. Let's remember the first "Cynics" in Moscow. This now almost legendary place, which in the 1990s was the center of attraction for creative bohemians. It was located on Sretenka Street and became a symbol of the informal culture of that time. The name of the cafe refers to Anatoly Mariengof's novel The Cynics, which described the atmosphere of 1920s Moscow with its freedom and decadence. If we look even further, cynics are kinics, i.e. the forerunner of this term is Diogenes of Laertes himself. By the way about his life and creativity is well described in the book The Ancient History of Mankind in the light of the newest discoveries. Now this book can hardly be found on sale. I got acquainted with it in the early 2000s. In those days, musicians, poets, artists and other representatives of the underground gathered here. The cafe was a place where ideas were born, art was discussed, and an atmosphere of creative chaos reigned. The concept of "Cynics" was based on the spirit of freedom and defiance, a kind of an island of anti-System. There was no pathos here, but instead a chamber setting, live music, poetry readings and spontaneous discussions. It was a place where people came not so much to eat, but to feel part of a special cultural space. In 2009 the cafe closed due to financial problems, although later attempts were made to revive it in a new format. Even after its closure, the cafe remained in the memory of Muscovites as one of the symbols of the 1990s era - a time when art came out of the underground and mixed with real life. And just recently, a new chain of vegan cafes with the name "Cynics" has appeared in Moscow. However, this is a completely different project, not related to the legendary art cafes of the 1990s. The new "Cynics" position themselves as modern vegan establishments with an emphasis on healthy eating and an eco-friendly approach. The menu features plant-based cuisine: burgers, salads, main courses and desserts without animal products. The concept emphasizes conscious consumption and an ethical lifestyle. They don't claim to continue the tradition of the underground cafe, but simply use a recognizable name. For fans of plant-based eating, as well as for all of us who like to eat out, this is a cool addition to the Moscow gastronomic map. The most interesting thing about the new Cynics is the audience. They are interesting people, peculiarly dressed, atypical. It immediately brings to mind those very Cynics from the 90s. An interesting metamorphosis... Or transformation Undoubtedly endowed with special talents, with obvious self-respect, free-spirited enough to sometimes feel like vegans. The staff are also in tune with the cafe's guests. And you may not be vegan, you'll find some very tasty and plentiful dishes here, by any measure. Of course, as is my custom, I looked at the dishes, evaluated the service and the ambiance carefully enough to find those nuances that distort the overall...

Amazing cozy place with chill music. You can easily sit and work or chat here for hours. Heard that there’s good speciality coffee but haven’t tried it yet. But I definitely could say that here I’ve had the best vegan syrniki in my life! Spring rolls was fresh, delicious sauce and portion size was big. Was a bit disappointed by cocoa, it was too thick, more like hot chocolate. Just not my kind of stuff. Stuff is quite friendly. But once mixed up our order... And toilet are not super clean. But anyway i will give them five for perfect...

Tasty coffe ☕.. cozy place and good service there ! My favourite place to meet up with...