Introduction

This grand old place opened in 1954 and was Beijing's first foreign restaurant. To this day, the soaring ceilings and grand atmosphere is frequented by many locals and Russian expats enjoying  dinner out on the town. The menu includes Borscht and Chicken Kiev with the choice of having the food made with imported or local ingredients. It is a perfect place for enjoying an authentic Russian experience. The Moscow Restaurant added Russian flavor to the Chinese diet along with the attachment of Russian architecture to this city.

In 1954, the former Soviet Union built the Moscow Exhibition Center complex, including the Moscow Restaurant, in order to display the economic and cultural achievements of the Soviet Union. After the exhibition, the Moscow Restaurant opened its business to the public. Because of its unique architecture and cuisine, the Moscow Restaurant quickly earned a good reputation in Beijing. People affectionately call it "Laomo" which is roughly translated as "old Moscow".

In 2000, the Moscow Restaurant was renovated and redecorated but the splendid architecture of the old Russian building was preserved. It resembles a small, stunning palace with its high ceilings and ornate fixtures. The business area covers 1,300 square meters and can accommodate 600 people at a time. All patrons enjoy the Russian culture that is reflected here.

Attracted by the exotic food and elegant atmosphere, Beijingers in the 1950's and 1960's especially enjoyed having dinner here to be the envy of all their friends. Over the past 50 years the Moscow Restaurant has developed greatly but people can still taste the same traditional foods that they did 50 years ago.

Today, with its authentic Russian dishes, the Moscow Restaurant is still a favorite choice for many people who like Russian dining and culture. Customers with gray hair come here to recreate memories of their younger days of dining. 

Opening hours:  11:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00

Tips

This grand old place opened back in 1954 and that's seemingly when the last service industry session was held. It was Beijing's first foreign restaurant. Still, the soaring ceilings and grand atmosphere sees the place full of locals and Russian expats enjoying a pricey dinner out on the town. The menu includes borscht and chicken Kiev and you can choose if you want it made with imported or local ingredients. Perfect for an authentic Russian experience.

Around

1. Capital Museum

At a cost of 1.23 billion yuan (US$147 million), the new Capital Museum can accommodate 2,000 visitors daily. With a floor area of more than 60,000 square meters, Capital Museum is second only to the National Museum of China in terms of size. To see all the exhibitions in the new museum, it would take at least four or five hours. There are 5,622 items on display, almost 10 times the number of exhibits displayed at the old venue. With its magnificent architecture, abundant exhibitions, advanced technology and complete functions, the Capital Museum, large and modern, makes its contribution to the titles such as "famous historical and cultural city", "cultural center" and "international metropolis" of Beijing and ranks among the first class museums both at home and abroad.

To make visits more convenient for foreign visitors, English and Japanese services are available. Other languages will be added in the future.

2. Lama Temple

Lama Temple is one of the key historic sites under national protection. It lies in the southeast corner of north 2nd Ring Road. It is one of the largest lamaseries of Tibetan Buddhism that remain in Beijing. At first it was the residence of Emperor Yongzheng before he was crowned. In the years of Qianlong it was changed into a lamasery, and began to serve as the headquarters of the Qing government's administration of Tibetan Buddhism affairs.