Rico

A piano instead of a bar counter, soft sofas with colorful cushions, paintings on the walls and fresh flowers in vases — from the first seconds, Rico Moscow feels more like someone's apartment than a typical restaurant. The space is small, there aren't many tables, and this intimacy sets the tone for the whole evening.

Our restaurant guide's team finds that in a hideaway spot like this, only flavor, product quality and a discerning eye truly carry the evening.

There's no menu here in the usual sense. Appetizers sit in a glass fridge, and the main ingredients are displayed right in front of guests on a counter: seafood, fish, sometimes oysters and one marbled ribeye. The guest chooses, and right there, in the open kitchen, Arusa Gukasyan cooks the chosen item. The owner greets guests, talks with them and stands at the stove all at once — the roles aren't divided here.

Among the appetizers, the vegetable salad with several varieties of tomato, house-made cheese and sauce is especially popular. The approach is built around fresh, top-grade seafood cooked to order, right at the moment it's requested. The wine list was put together by a sommelier and includes both white and red bottles to pair with fish and seafood dishes. There are no spirits on the menu, but guests are allowed to bring their own drinks.

Our secret guests gave the dinner 9 out of 10, for the rare combination of product quality, the owner's personal involvement, and an atmosphere that's hard to replicate at a larger venue.

In the evenings live music plays in the room, so dinner easily turns into an intimate celebration. The format especially suits small groups who value quiet, attention to detail, and the feeling of a private evening. Tables here go fast, so it's best to book ahead.