Japanese Elixir: The Top 5 Sake Joints in Moscow

You probably heard what vodka is a national drink in Russia. Well, it might be a robust tradition for some to finish dinner with vodka shots, but the newest Moscovites obsession with Japanese cuisine makes them swap their favorite beverage for sake while having sushi. Sake is relatively as strong as vodka, it does much to improve flavor and reduces the smell of raw ingredients traditionally used in Japanese cuisine. So here are few top places in Moscow to warm oneself up with this Japanese elixir.

Seiji Restaurant

This is one of the best Japanese places in Moscow. The restaurant is superbly decorated in traditional Japanese style with twinges of modern design. The menu runs the gamut from sake to delicious miso soup and everything in between.

Seiji, Komsomolsky Prospekt 5/2, +7 (495) 246 7624

Sumosan Restaurant

Offering a tranquil Japanese atmosphere, Sumosan serves some of the best in Japanese cuisine and sushi in Moscow. Good place if you fancy idea of simple yet memorable dishes.

Sumosan, Evropy pl., 2, +7 495 9418020

Benihana Restaurant

Benihana is more theater than restaurant, and the seating reflects this. Once you ordered, the show began and the chef will began to cook on the teppan while you are enjoying sake.

The reason to go to Benihana is more for entertainment environment value than for food. It is definitely worth a visit.

Benihana, Pushkinskaya pl., 5, +7 495 650248, www.benihana.ru

Indabar

The restaurant is specializing in pan-Asian cuisine, the chef is creating a special menu around the drinks. So if you are having sake, you will be offered something that will be good with it.

Indabar, 24 Noviy Arbat street, +7 495 642 72 49

Nobu Restaurant

The Moscow branch of the exclusive Japanese restaurant chain, is good not only for the sake of sake. From spring rolls to sushi and sashimi with a full range of Japanese specialties in between, the offerings at Nobu are always top notch.

Nobu, Bolshaya Dmitrovka street, 20, +7 495 645 3191, www.noburestaurants.ru