French Restaurants in Moscow

French restaurants in Moscow are generally code for incredibly expensive. There are cheaper options around town but it is often debatable whether they can really be classed as FrenchÉ

Boulevard.
A very elite restaurant which seems to pride itself on exclusivity. Housed in a building that dates from 1806, inside the stylishly modern interior matches the modern ÔauthoredÕ French cuisine. The upstairs area has good natural light and is quite spacious. Downstairs is a smaller but trendier VIP hall with plush seating and fashion TV showing on large screens at either end. The menu is short but is packed with tasty options that will still make it difficult to choose. The dishes run the gamut of European influences with French as the focal point. The desserts are mouth-watering. Apparently Boulevard is popular with Òoligarchs and artists, fashionable politicians and beautiful womenÓ. Prices may shock with an average main course around $40 and an average bill per person about $80 ø drinks and starters are expensive. ItÕs a good idea to reserve a table and dress up if you want to eat here.
Address: Petrovka Ulitsa, #30/7 View on Map, metro Chekhovskaya. Tel: 209-6887. Open 11:30-last guest.

Cafe des Artistes.
Running since the late 19th Century, this French restaurant holds onto the vestiges of a traditional dining experience. Its white linen table cloths, touch of art nouveau and finely crafted fittings give an air of sophistication that is offset by an otherwise casual atmosphere. These days the Cafe des Artistes is run by Swiss restaurateur Dolf Michel, who ensures the eatery lives up to its name both in its design and its menu. The varied selections on the menu arenÕt cheap but are served with a flair and flavor to match their prices. Daytime meals are great value at 15 exchange units for a starter, main course and dessert from an ever-changing business lunch menu. The average bill the rest of the time is around $60-$70.
Address: Kamergersky Pereulok, #5/6 View on Map, metro Okhotny Ryad. Tel. 692-4042. Open 11:00-1:00.

Paname.
This French-style brasserie is a great place to come for a fix of French food without blowing a packet. Photographs of Paris adorn the walls of this warm and cozy establishment which gives the feeling that you could well be in the ÒCity of LightÓ. Paname serves up simple, straightforward and delicious home-made meals. Between 1pm and 4pm weekdays the restaurant offers a business lunch for just 150 rubles ($5) which includes three courses. The rest of the time an average bill is about $40. There are two halls ø one has a television and is more casual while the other provides a more traditional dining experience. The second hall, where business lunches are served, is non-smoking ø uzhas! There is also a bar with a huge selection of wines and spirits. Excellent staff who understand good service. Even their overconfident pomp comes off as more cute than irritating.
Address: Stoleshnikov Pereulok, #7, Bldg. 2 View on Map, metro Teatralnaya. Tel: 629-2412. Open 12:00-0:00.

Parizhsk.
A trendy and affordable two-storey restaurant that serves quality food and hosts DJs or live bands from 9pm. There is also a large screen for sports broadcasts and movies. Open 24 hours, the breakfasts for just a few dollars are the cheapest options of the day. That said, theyÕre nothing special but it is a relaxing place to spend a morning. Old French songs play in the background and the decor aims for the little French cafe style with non-matching chairs and a somewhat disorganized feel. Parizhsk has a number of happy hours with deals such as 2-for-1 cocktails and 3-for-2 beers and vodka. The regular meals are also very cheap at no more than $8 (not including garnish) and are tasty and filling enough for the price. An average bill per person for dinner is about $20.
Address: Zubovsky Bulvar, #13, Bldg. 2, metro Park Kultury. Tel: 247-0912. Open 24 hours.

Zhan-Zhak.
A charming French cafe not far from Arbat. Without a doubt breakfast is the best time to come here with good meals for only $5 or so. There are picture windows looking out onto Nikitsky Bulvar but the view is usually obscured by SUVs parked outside and the street isnÕt all that special anyway. The interior is much more attractive, adorned with French pictures and artifacts. And the background music is delightful ø the old French songs provide the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing breakfast. The rest of the day the food is still quite cheap although the menu options are limited. A main course costs an average of $13. Zhan-Zhak also prides itself as a wine bar. The wine list is much bigger than the food menu and wine bottles are the cafe's major decoration. Good waiters and service. One of few such restaurants that provide a bottle of water with your meal.
Address: Nikitsky Bulvar, #12 View on Map, metro Arbatskaya. Tel: 290-3886. Open 24 hours.

Carre Blanc.
Perhaps MoscowÕs preeminent French restaurant, Carre Blanc is situated in a 19th Century mansion. The renovated interior benefits from an elegant decor which is enhanced during the day by plenty of natural light. In separate rooms of the mansion are a bar, a private banquet hall, the main restaurant and a tapas bar with separate menus and prices. The inventive menu from head chef David Hemmerle is continually updated with seasonal dishes. Expect to pay at least $70 per person.
Address: 19/2 Seleznyovskaya Ulitsa, #19/2, metro Novoslobodskaya. Tel: 258-4403. Open 12.00-0.00.

Casual.
Previously known as Snob$ the restaurant underwent a makeover in 2005. Prices arenÕt reflective of the new name with an average bill still around $50-$60. Has a beautiful roof-top dining area in summer with stunning views.
Address: 1st Obydensky Pereulok, #3 View on Map, metro Kropotkinskaya. Tel: 775-2310. Open 12:00-0:00.

Le Gato.
A chain of French cafes that serve cheap meals. The breakfasts and lunches are particularly good value. The dinners are still cheap but not worth more than they cost. Nice interiors and a relaxing atmosphere. The Tverskaya location has live music every night. Average bill for dinner is $25-$30.
Address: Tverskaya Ulitsa, #23 View on Map, metro Pushkinskaya. Tel: 937-5678. Open 24 hours.
Sadovaya-Samotechnaya Ulitsa, #24/27, metro Tsvetnoy Bulvar. Tel: 725-6476. Open 8:00-1:00.
Paveletskaya Ploshchad, #2, Bldg. 1, metro Paveletskaya. Tel: 937-0532. Open 8:00-1:00.

Maison Cafe.
A nice upper mid-range restaurant with river views from Savvinskaya Naberezhnaya. Has a French chef and a trendy design. In summer a lot of the restaurant is open to the fresh air. Good, inventive cuisine. Average bill is about $50 per person.
Address: Savvinskaya Naberezhnaya, #12, Bldg. 8, metro Kievskaya. Tel: 246-3420. Open 11:00-6:00. (Note that it is next to building #21 ø the numbering on this street is all messed up).

Parisienne.
Another high-class French restaurant housed in a 19th Century mansion. Has live music each night. The French chef has prepared an original but very refined menu. Expect to be hit up for a good $80 per person.
Address: Leningradsky Prospekt, #31, metro Dinamo. Tel: 613-0784. Open 13:00-2:00.