How many varieties of crab do you know? We’ll wager two, maybe three if you’re a true foodie. Either way, you’re in for a culinary adventure at Wine & Crab, the latest buzz restaurant offering an ode to the regal crustacean.
The new terrace eatery holds court on Tretyakovsky Proezd, an exclusive pedestrianized alleyway framed by a stunning medieval-inspired archway. Its cobbles, fragrant decorative plants and domineering architecture provide the ideal amphitheater for the kitchen’s crab creations.
The Berezutsky brothers are no strangers to the elite gastronomic scene. Ivan won the Chef of the Year prize at St. Petersburg’s Where to Eat awards for his innovative use of squid ink to recreate Malevich’s Black Square, while Sergei took home the San Pellegrino Cooking Cup in 2014. Hot on the heels of the pairs debut restaurant “Twins,” Wine & Crab places the emphasis on provenance, with much of the seafood on the menu imported from Russia’s far East to ensure the highest quality.
But back to the crab, of which there are seven varieties. Snow, Kamchatkan King, Murmansk King, Helmet, Spanner, Blue King and Hanasaki crab meat can be ordered as a side or main (from 250 rubles per 100 grams). Less confident when it comes to shellfish? Start with the Kamchatka crab salad packed with citrus, fresh leaves and creamy avocado or the playful crab churros (340 rubles). The King crab phalanx with mushrooms and kimchi sauce (760 rubles) may sound and look intimidating — you’re presented with a platter bearing nothing but two prehistoric, 60 cm legs — but the meat is light, sweet and perfectly tender.
Other dishes nod to traditional Russian recipes — spicy adjika crab (1200 rubles) and kasha with King crab and melon (560 rubles). The Pacific scallops with cabbage puree and warm spinach melt in your mouth and for anyone who didn’t realize they were booking to eat at a seafood restaurant there’s a ubiquitous — but no doubt delicious — rib-eye steak on offer.
As for the wine, suffice to say the choice is so monumental that Wine & Crabs opted for a tablet over a drinks list. If you’re overwhelmed — which is highly likely — expert sommelier Sergei Antonov will hold your hand through the process.
+ 7 (495) 621 7329
19-21 Nikolskaya Ulitsa
Metro Lubyanka, Kuznetsky Most
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
