Kvartira 44 — Restaurant in Yakimanka District

We had dined the previous evening at "Oblomov" which is nearby (ish), and had a meal that could best be described as "fine" - fine meaning okay, nothing to complain about, food and service above criticism, but nothing great - and expensive. The waiters wore smart uniforms, fussed around a bit, there was a noisy party at a nearby table, and the prices were stiff. We couldn't complain, but we weren't impressed.

So, I was going to compare Kvartira to Oblomov very favourably. For a start, the food is excellent, tasty, well served. We were faffing with our starters (and taking too long about it) and the waiter came and told us that the main courses were ready now; something I had never previously experienced, but obvious when you think about it. The food was cooked and ready to be served, so they would serve it when it was at its best and not leave to cool and re-heat. It was a nice touch.

I had intended to add jokes, metaphors, clever imagery, stuff like that, to this review, but I won't. Just go. It's good. It's friendly. You will get a very good meal at a very reasonable price in a pleasant room with a friendly, cosy atmosphere. Somebody will play the piano, and do it well. Someone will carry a bicycle through the restaurant - demonstrating that locals use it. They speak English, but it's not just a tourist place. The waiter will offer useful suggestions.

Frankly, I can't praise it enough. We loved it. It's a find.

Just go; you won't be...

There is three Kvartira 44 in Moscow and we actually really disliked this one. The waiters were incompetent (broke our first order, then brought us something else without apologizing or checking with us). We specifically asked for a quiet table and they gave us one right above the band, there was no way we could talk. When we asked to be re-seated they shrugged us away except there were vacant table which we found ourselves. Just one blunder in top of another and it didn't seem like bad luck for us but more like incompetency. We ordered some snacks and...

This cafe (or rather two of the in Zamoskvorechje) remains my absolutely favorite place in Moscow for 3 years and running. It's super cozy and comfy. The staff remembers all the regulars and go out of their way to accommodate their requests - including putting up additional tables and running to the other cafe to get a particular bottle of wine. The food is always great and the wine selection marvelous for such s place. I would recommend coming in summer, when they have the terraces. And do come in the evening, when there is...