Blini, borscht and babushkas – check out these spectacular spots.
The Russians have made their mark in Dubai. While we might sniff at the property prices going up, the culinary contributions have been changing the dining scene. The city loves luxurious ingredients like truffle and gold leaf, so it’s no surprise to find that Russian caviar isn’t just topping dishes but dining trends. So, if you’re after dishes ranging from borscht to blini, bring along your appetite. Here are the best Russian restaurants in Dubai.
Babushka
We dare you to say the name of this restaurant, without thinking of the Kate Bush song. In Russian, the word means grandmother, and is fitting for a concept that serves comfort food with a contemporary twist. Located in The Pavillion at The Beach JBR, it boasts a fun and funky décor and brings to life – words we never thought we’d write – Russian grandma chic. The décor includes florals, fringed lamps, old radios and patterned plates. The menu even incudes a section called Grandma’s Traditional Recipes. Dishes include Beef Stroganov, Cabbage Rolls, Chopped Beef Steak, Pozharski Chicken, Stewed Beef Tongue and Red Caviar.
GO: Visit http://babushka.ae for more information.
Birch
Birch has made its way from St Petersburg to Dubai. Located in The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Chef Arslan Berdiyev has created a menu that is not tied to a specific cuisine or geographic location. Dishes have international influences, and range from Lamb Pie to Seabass Fillet. The common thread is the theatrics and Insta-worthy presentation. Expect dry ice. A lot of dry ice.
GO: Visit http://birchrestaurants.com for more information.
Chaihona No 1
If you can’t afford a luxury yacht, you can enjoy views of them from Chaihona No 1 by Vasilchuki, which can already be found in Baku in Azerbaijan and Moscow in Russia. The Russian restaurant can be found on Dubai Marina Walk, and the menu includes dishes from former Soviet countries, including Georgian khinkali dumplings, Ukrainian chebureki pastries, and Uzbekistan’s Gijduvan Kofta. If you want to channel your rich Russian, order the Black Pelmeni, which is a salmon dumpling topped with red caviar.
GO: Visit www.vasilchuki.ae for more information.
Chalet Berezka
Put your hands together for Chalet Berezka. Located at Nakheel Mall West Rooftop, it feels like you’re at the Eurovision Song Contest when you enter the venue. Expect singing, dancing and a whole lot of Russian food. Chef Evgeny Belogorlov has worked in Russia, and the menu is rooted in authentic Russian flavours and includes global influences. Starters include Forshmak with rye bread and quail egg, and Vareniki stuffed with potatoes and mushrooms. Mains include Golubtsy with beef, and the ever-popular Pelmeni.
GO: Visit https://berezka.ae for more information.
District 8
At District 8 in Dubai Marina, you’re bound to hear Russian at the neighbouring table or through the speakers. The dining destination includes three venues under one roof. Luxuria is a Russian karaoke lounge where you can unleash your inner diva. Blume is a restaurant inspired by the Silk Road, and it serves Herb Roasted Lamb with rosemary, stone-oven-baked Truffle Pizza, and more. Rodina means motherland in Russian, and reimagines the country’s classics. Dishes range from Olivier Salad with Oscietra caviar to Truffle Moscow Pelmeni. Drinks range from the Dostoevsky with porcini gin to the Nutcracker with rum.
GO: Follow @districteightdubai on Instagram for more information.
DUO Gastrobar
DUO Gastrobar can be found in St. Petersburg and Dubai. Located in Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Hills Business Park, the restaurant was awarded a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand. The menu combines Asian and European influences. Dishes include Beef Tartare, Padron Peppers and Spaghetti with King Crab and Octopus. There’s even a vegan and kids’ menu – young ones can choose from dishes ranging from Beef Cheeks to Salmon Steak.
GO: Visit https://duodubai.ae for more information.
FLØR
FLØR in The Ritz-Carlton DIFC has been created by Chef Timofey Sulima. He started his career in Ukraine, and FLØR Moscow received a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand. The menu celebrates modern European flavours. Dishes include Filet Mignon Steak, Foie Gras Pate, Hokkaido Scallops and Onion Sauce. The venue feels like a luxurious living room with pops of colours and chandeliers.
GO: Visit https://flordubai.ae for more information.
KRASOTA
Dinner and a show go together like blini and caviar. KRASOTA is located in Address Downtown has taken the concept to new realms. Chef Vladimir Mukhin, from Sakhalin in Dubai and White Rabbit in Moscow, is behind the FACT award-winning venture. He explores the future of gastronomy and asks: what might food be like in the future? Guests dine at a circular table, which looks like it’s out of Star Trek. Each act of the gastro-performance includes a 3D multimedia performance projected on the walls and table. Dishes include Burgers with Wagyu and Foie Gras, Miso Soup, and Tuna and Sea Urchin with pearls of black and white caviar, obviously.
GO: Visit https://krasota.art for reservations and more information.
Maison Revka
Maison Revka Dubai feels like a cross between a Baroque painting and a Disney movie. The new Slavic restaurant boasts a glamorous grandeur and a dose of drama. Located in Delano Dubai at Bluewaters Island, the restaurant was founded by a Slavic family. The concept blends Slavic gastronomy with Parisian elegance. The experience screams luxury – dishes served on an actual silver platter, anyone? The menu is laced in luxury, from Mozzarella Sticks with Caviar to the Chicken Shashlik with leek and truffle jus. Nowhere is that more apparent than with the humble yet haute, Rosti Potato with Cream Cheese and Caviar. Warning: you may encounter influencers in the wild.
GO: Visit https://maisonrevka.com for more information.
Magadan
Get swept away by Magadan at Palm West Beach, Dubai. Created by the Novikov Group, the name refers to a town in Russia. The concept specialises in fresh seafood, and includes showstopping seafood platters with crabs, oysters and more. Dishes Magadan shrimps, Sakhalin scallops, and Magadan’s signature fish soup. The decor also draws inspiration from the sea with marine hues and nautical motifs.
GO: Follow @magadandubai on Instagram for reservations and more information.
Novikov Cafe
On 31 January 1990, McDonald’s opened its first-ever venue in Russia. The Moscow native, Arkady Novkiok, applied for a job and never heard back. Instead, he went on to launch one of the world’s most famous Russian restaurants, Novkiok. In 1991, the Novikov Group was established. Today, the concept be found around the world, from Doha to Dubai Mall. Dishes include Grilled Scottish Salmon with Green Beans, Oven-Baked Corn-Fed Baby Chicken, and Tagliatelle with Veal Ragu and Courgettes. The celebrity clientele includes Anthony Joshua, Justin Bieber and Novak Djokovic. Rumour has it, Vladmir Putin is a fan.
follow @novikovcafedubai on Instagram for reservations and more information.
Pechka
Comfort food is at the heart of Pechka. In Russian, the name translates to baking and refers to a 15th-century stove used in the country. Located in Trident Grand Mall, the menu combines Russian and Eastern European influences, which wouldn’t be out of place in a home. Porridges come with berries, millet or semolina. Breakfast includes Cottage Cheese with berries, Syrniki with jam, and Zapekanka with milk. Plus, there is a dedicated blini menu with sweet and savoury options.
GO: Follow @my_pechka on Instagram for more information.
Sakhalin
Forget about any preconceptions you have about Russian restaurants. Located on J1 Beach, Sakhalin Dubai offers fantastic fine dining, which feels like it has been freshly foraged. The concept was created by restaurateur Boris Zarkov, chef Alexey Kogay and chef Vladimir Mukhin. At its heart is seafood – so much so, there are live tanks with fish, which includes crawling crabs. The menu includes countless categories and is superb for sharing. Highlights include the Artichoke Carpaccio, Black Cod Miso and Greek Salad with Feta. Caviar additions are available, and range from Beluga to Sturgeon.
GO: Visit https://sakhalin.rest for more information.
Suvoroff
It’s not often that you hear about a Russian restaurant offering food that’s good for your health. Lunge forward, Suvoroff. The concept can be found in DAMAC Hills, JBR and Jumeirah 1. The team pride themselves on using fresh ingredients, which combine Russian and post-Soviet influences. Look out for the VIP rooms with games, karaoke and cigars, and live entertainment, from comedians to singers.
GO: Visit www.suvoroff.ae for more information.
