Luxury Grocery Shopping in Moscow - Eliseevskiy

Eliseevskiy is no normal grocery store. Decorated with a Baroque-style interior, it offers a variety of baked goods, meats, and produce. Hard-to-find items may be purchased here, though at a price. (One traveler reported that small package of mangosteens cost about $80.) The Eliseevskiy website gives a poorly translated explanation of its history, which began in the early 20th century - the store maintained its popularity and location even through the Soviet years.

If you're in the market for a tasty snack, or even if you're cooking a meal, you don't need to go to Eliseevskiy unless you need obscure ingredients. Russian supermarkets carry fresh-baked bread, fruit, beverages, cheeses, and other foods of good quality. While prices may be rising in Moscow, it's possible to dine deliciously on a reasonable budget.