Patriarch's Ponds is an affluent residential area, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the city. It dates back to at least the 17th century when Patriarch Ioakim, the eleventh Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia was settled here. The Patriarch Ponds area (locals simply call it “Patriki”) is the main gourmet center of Moscow, both for tourists and locals. From small coffee corners and secret pubs to posh restaurants and trendy bars – here surrounding the green oasis of Patriarch Ponds park you can find anything you want. The most interesting places are located on Malaya Bronnaya street and its side streets – and all this is just a 10-minute walk from Mayakovskaya metro station.

Best place in the city for work, food and drinks.

A brand new business district called Belaya Ploshad (White Square) built around an early 20-century old-believers' church. Old believers are a fundamentalist sect that's split from the official Orthodox Church in 17 century. Many prominent Russian tsarist-era businessmen were from the old-believers' background. During Soviet era, this church was desecrated, then, in the 1990s, returned to an old-belivers' community and renovated. A good example of Moscow contrasts - a fundamentalist church (with a Facebook page) and modern office blocks next door. Plus - on the other side of Belaya Ploshad there is Belorussky Station Square - a large intersection with an endless construction site, a railway station, full of dirt, primitive street trade, homeless, and... nice cafes.

Remy Kitchen Bakery is a restaurant and a bakery in one establishment. Head chef is Melbourne native Glen Ballis and in the menu he aims to reflect the cuisine of his homeland: it's a mix of Italian, French, Greek, Chinese and Japanese elements and all ingredients used are seasonal. Remyboasts a spacious open kitchen and the majority of the dishes are prepared on the Josper grill. The bakery offers a range of mouth-watering freshly baked pastries as well as a deli section, where guests can get something to take.

Strelka Bar is the social heart of Strelka Institute. The eclectic interior brings together art deco elements with Italian and Scandinavian design from the 1960s and ‘70s. Guests can choose from an extensive cocktail list and an international menu, that includes seasonal dishes and local ingredients. The summertime rooftop terrace overlooks the Moscow River, and kiosk in the courtyard offers street food menu. Every weekend bar hosts parties with a special music programme, from dj-sets to live performances. All profits from the bar support Strelka Institute.