Aist Restaurant
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Aist restaurant is located in the trendy Patriarch Ponds area in the center of Moscow. The restaurant is mainly focused on European cuisine but also has some signature Asian dishes. The restaurant is located in its own 3 story building.
It's worth noting that one of the best summer verandahs in the city is located at Aist.
What customers say about the restaurantPros
- Atmosphere. The restaurant successfully recreates an elegant 19th-century atmosphere, complete with antique decor and classical music, enhancing the dining experience.
- High-quality service. Many reviews commend the attentive and courteous staff, who provide excellent service and are knowledgeable about the menu.
- Delicious food. The menu offers a variety of traditional Russian dishes, with many reviews highlighting the exceptional quality and presentation of the food, particularly the desserts.
- Unique dining experience. Guests appreciate the themed decor and the historical context of the restaurant, which adds to the overall charm.
- Comfortable seating. The restaurant has spacious seating arrangements, allowing guests to enjoy their meals without feeling cramped.
- Specialty dishes. Signature dishes like the "Olivier" salad and the "Gzhel" dessert receive high praise for their taste and presentation.
Cons
- High prices. Several reviews mention that the prices are on the higher side, making it a less accessible option for some diners.
- Inconsistent service. While many reviews praise the service, some guests report instances of inattentive or unfriendly staff, particularly during busy times.
- Temperature issues. Some guests mention that the restaurant can be cold due to the preservation of books and antiques, affecting comfort levels.
- Difficulty in making reservations. A few reviews indicate challenges in reaching the restaurant for reservations, suggesting a need for improved communication.
- Occasional noise disturbances. Despite the spacious layout, some diners noted that noise from other tables could be distracting.
Overall Summary
The restaurant "Café Pushkin" is a celebrated establishment known for its exquisite atmosphere and high-quality Russian cuisine. Guests often highlight the elegant decor and attentive service, creating a memorable dining experience. While the food receives consistent praise for its taste and presentation, some diners express concerns about the high prices and occasional inconsistencies in service. Overall, it remains a highly recommended destination for those seeking a unique and atmospheric dining experience in Moscow.
More about the restaurant
The cuisine at Aist is managed by the chef Mirko Zago who began to learn culinary skills at the Piemonte restaurant. He worked at a number of restaurants in Switzerland, Spain and Italy, including Il Grill located at the Grand Hotel Royal e Golf (1* Michelin).
He won the culinary competition “Lord of Taste” aired on Channel One. In 2006, he organized the first banquet of Italian cuisine at the summer residence of Vladimir Putin. He was the host of the first two seasons of the culinary show “Master Chef” on the local STS TV channel.
Local menu has a large selection of fish, meat and poultry. Some of the items on the menu include beef with foie gras and lingonberries, squid fritto with yogurt and pickled onions, tataki salmon and hand-rolls. The menu has a whole section dedicated to crudo.
Aist restaurant has an extensive dessert menu and good quality coffee that they roast in a special Giesen roaster installed in the center of the main hall.
Inside, Aist features a lot of space with elegant furniture and large windows that offer excellent views of the adjacent pedestrian area.
Talking about summer, it’s worth mentioning that Aist has two summer verandas - one at the very entrance of the restaurant and the other on top of the building. Both of them feature cozy furniture and a beautiful view for a leisurely brunch on a sunny day or a romantic dinner on a warm summer evening.
