Odessa Mama

Odessa Mama offers a taste of every Russian’s idealized childhood cuisine. Drawing inspiration from the slightly raffish Ukrainian port that launched a thousand summer holiday memories, it presents a range of childhood favorites in an atmosphere that has had crowds flocking to the large dining hall near Chistiye Prudy. Meanwhile, a nod to Odessa’s Jewish heritage brings a couple of items that you won’t find in your staff canteen – the hummus, currently Moscow’s most fashionable dish, is worth a look. If you grew up in the USSR, this is like going back to your carefree childhood; if you didn’t it’s maybe a bit difficult to see what the fuss is about. The restaurant is run by the team behind the Khachupuri Georgian chain, which has a branch in the same building. Also at Ukrainsky bul. 7 (metro Kievskaya) and ul. Shabolovka 14/2 (metro Shabolovskaya).