Restaurant 1812
The estate of a Mescherskaya princess was partially ruined during the famous Moscow fire in 1812. It remained in a poor condition until general Orlov built a new luxurious mansion in its place. The best people of that time visited this lovely and hospitable house. The historian Karamzin, the poet Zhukovsky, the "Uncle Remus" of Russia Krylov were among the famous visitors, as well as Alexander Pushkin's uncle, Vasily Pushkin. The lavish dishes and beverages which used to be served here were famous in Moscow as Prince Orlov was not only a famous general and lover of Catherine the Great; he was a most generous host.

Today the traditions of Orlov's hospitable house are continued by the restaurant 1812. The lavish classical restaurant with a marvelous covered gallery and front copied after the Arch of Triumphal appears as from the 19th century. This Franco-Russian restaurant combined two cultures that despite occasional differences have always enjoyed a harmonious co-existence. It occupies a harmonious space next to the Chekhov Museum. It boasts Corinthian columns and stucco moldings which depict mythological stories, fretwork furniture with velvet upholstery, hammered balustrades, flags of the Russian army and officers' sabers, prints and original clothes of that epoch, silver tableware, and exquisite Wedgwood chinaware. All combine to create the noble and solemn interior of the restaurant. The interior is not only brilliantly designed, but shines with magnificence and refined luxury. It is a virtual palace. The tables resemble theatre boxes, complete with gilded mirrors.

The restaurant menu makes an inimitable impression. It was created by the winner of many culinary awards and boasts the best chef of Moscow award winner in 2006. Valery Arseyev and the top chef Alexander Sachkov have made this a must place to eat for all foreign visitors to the city. The restaurant offers visitors the opportunity to get acquainted with original Russian cuisine. A visit to this magnificent edifice offers a dining experience that must be experienced. A visit will leave an impression that Russian Culture is alive and well. Furthermore you will have an opportunity to experience the old ways of the Tsarist times by a first class experience that must be seen to be believed.