Vegan Restaurant in Moscow: Fresh Restaurant

Interior view of the bar at Fresh Restaurant in Moscow

Healthy is the new sexy. Because what is sexier than eating delicious food that makes you feel fantastic and look great?

Vegan food can be delicious, satisfying, and healthy. And trust me, there is more than just salads on this menu. Fresh Restaurant, since 1999, is located in the center of Moscow, Russia and serves outstanding, fresh vegetarian fare.

My husband and I stumbled across this place on our walk to a supermarket. We had looked up Fresh and had been wanting to go there, so after finding it we couldn't pass up trying something from the menu. After all, we had just roller bladed in Gorky Park and then walked to the Red Square, so we were pretty hungry. 

                                      View from the street of Fresh Restaurant in Moscow                                    

Main dining room in Fresh Restaurant in Moscow
source: retaildesignblog.net

The façade is inviting with its brightly colored sign, and the inside is promising too. One small, fresh cut flower in a round glass vase adorns each square wooden table. There are also lime green pot holders on the back wall emerging with small plants. The whole concept of "Fresh" is consistent from the decoration to the food to the service. Not all vegan restaurants are created equal, and this one is going down as one of our all-time favorites.

To start we ordered a custom juice of Beet, Carrot, and Spinach and a "Breathless Smoothie" made from mango, banana, and strawberry. Both were really tasty and came out fast. 

Breathless Smoothie and Carrot, Beet, and Spinach Juice at Fresh Restaurant in Moscow

Next we tried the Fresh Spring Rolls which are made from rice paper stuffed with chickpea sprouts lettuce, carrots, cucumber, mint, organic tofu, and black sesame seeds, and are served with a gluten-free chili peanut dipping sauce. There was just a touch of shredded coconut on the inside which was pleasantly surprising and went nicely with the dipping sauce. The rolls were a generous portion, but very light as they are mostly greens inside. 

Fresh Spring Roll Appetizer at Fresh Restaurant in Moscow

We also tried the quesadilla which was a grilled tortilla filled with peppers, zucchini, black beans, and carrots, and served with guacamole and pico de gallo on the side. It has the option to add cheese, and some of their dishes contain cheese but mostly everything can be made vegan and customized. This also was an appetizer, but is most definitely enough for a meal.

If you prefer to build your own plate, you can create your own salad or bowl. They give you a big list of ingredients to choose from, and you can build your plate how you want it. If you're gluten-free, it's no problem and you can still enjoy their burgers. Just ask for no bun and they will serve you extra salad instead. The same goes for all of their wraps. They have some tasty hot dishes that let you choose a base of brown rice, buckwheat, or soba noodles, and then you can select one of their creations on the menu, or build your own and choose from different ingredients like: zucchini noodles, organic tofu, hummus, falafel, and even cannabis seeds! Woah!

Quesadilla Appetizer at Fresh Restaurant in Moscow

We loved the vibe in this restaurant. The service was fantastic and everyone was extremely accommodating for a vegan, gluten-free diet. All of the diners were speaking Russian and I could tell they were regulars since they already knew what to order. Nonetheless, it was an interesting mix of people. There were friends eating together, families, and couples, and the sound of upbeat house music plays moderately in the background. And there was one guy that was sitting two tables over looked like a professional basketball player, he was probably 7 feet tall! 

Most things are made to order, including the desserts. We ordered a raw chocolate raspberry brownie that was divine. She told us it would take about 15 minutes, but it came out in 7 minutes. It was like a breath of fresh air, slightly chilled,  but melts in your mouth. There is a thin bottom layer with micro pieces of walnuts mixed in with the creamy chocolate. It was more of a sophisticated mousse torte than a brownie, and it was rich and silky, and just the right amount of decadence! 

                                              

And when you're done, you can tell one of your friends or family why "Sexy is the New Healthy" with their signature postcards that they'll mail for free! Just fill it out, write the address, and drop it off at the front before you leave. Such a cool way to promote. See you soon, Fresh!

Carolina at Fresh Restaurant in Moscow

★★★★

Fresh Restaurant, Bolshaya Dmitrovka 11, Moscow, Russia, 10019
+7 965 278 90 89

Pусский: http://www.freshrestaurant.ru/
English:  http://www.freshrestaurants.ca/

ATMOSPHERE A bright, minimalistic dining room with plenty of greenery designed by Sundukovy Sisters. The wood plank walls are a mint green color and the restaurant is very clean and modern.

SERVICE Excellent. Servers are attentive to special requests and very helpful in helping you choose.

SOUND LEVEL Moderate but upbeat (a little house music never hurt anyone)

RECOMMENDED Fresh juices, Young Coconut (served with a straw), Raw Chocolate Raspberry Brownie, Green Goddess Bowl, Fresh Spring Rolls

DRINKS They serve a variety of fresh juices, fruit smoothies, dessert smoothies, coffee, tea, and organic wines and beers

PRICES Appetizers, soups, and starters 150 p. - 490 p. ($5-$14); main courses, 450 p. - 600 p. ($12-$17), desserts 60 p. - 300 p. ($2-9)

OPEN Everyday 11:00am-11:00pm

RESERVATIONS Not necessary.

FORMS OF PAYMENT: All major credit cards and cash.