Beneath the bar, Cyrillic letters spell out: “Every citizen has the right to rest.”
This place aims to recreate the atmosphere of the Russian dacha and serve up the simple joys of a holiday in the country. The retro décor – formica tables, stained-glass separators, jars of pickled vegetables, potted plants – is bathed in a pleasant red/orange light at night.
You won’t find any culinary nonsense. Instead, there’s hearty Russian fare – and all you need to drink to rid your mind and body of the stress of urban life, from straight vodka (€3 for a shot of the house potion) and vodka-based cocktails (white, black and red Russians) to fresh juices and organic wines.
Why not launch into your neo-Soviet vacation with our favourite – the Intelligenz starter plate: delicious herring tartar (minced with apples and onions), boiled egg with salmon roe, potatoes with salty pickles, onions, and black bread – a classic accompaniment to your double shot of vodka (€9 altogether).
For some post-meal indulgence, visit the spacious smoking room separated from the rest of the restaurant by a retro glass panel. It is well-stocked with magazines and goes down a treat with Berliners. Or lounge around outside… This is the Gorki Park of Friedrichshain (same owner, same food). Na Zdorovje!
