Moscow Cafe Review: A Dead Ringer for Central Perk

A Moscow Cafe That's a Dead Ringer for Central Perk

summarizeEditor's Summary

I'm still grinning from ear to ear after visiting this Friends-themed cafe in Moscow. The decor is spot on, with a cozy atmosphere that'll transport you straight to New York City. Located in a beautiful historic area, it's a must-visit for anyone exploring Moscow. I strolled along Big Kazenny Pereulok, passed by the famous 'Bulochka', and arrived at the building with massive entrance doors to the NKVD workers' house. The staff were friendly, and the coffee was top-notch. If you're a Friends fan, this cafe is a total game changer – worth every penny.

settingsSpecifications

KararMükemmel

Gidisitesi9/10

MekanKalite8/10

ServisKalite7/10

Hello everyone!

I've been waiting for the perfect excuse to check out this Friends-themed cafe in Moscow, and I finally had my chance. I didn't look up any photos of the interior beforehand, so I was pleasantly surprised by the decor.

Friends cafe in Moscow review

First things first, let's talk about where it's located.

The cafe is situated in a beautiful historic area on Pokrovka Street, number 20/1, building 1. I highly recommend walking from Kurskaya metro station. We strolled along Big Kazenny Pereulok, passed by the famous 'Bulochka', turned onto Pokrovsky Boulevard, and arrived at the building with massive entrance doors to the NKVD workers' house. Along the way, there's plenty to see and enjoy.

Alternatively, you can walk directly from Chistye Prudy metro station, but I think that area lacks the authenticity.

Friends cafe in Moscow review

Now, let's talk about the prices, food, and service.

We decided to visit the cafe for breakfast, so I ordered a few things. The prices are steep, but the atmosphere makes up for it.

Friends cafe in Moscow review

The cheesecake was incredibly tender, and I wish I'd called it a 'Cheese Pie' - that's exactly the heavenly taste I imagined when watching the episode where Rachel and Chandler fought over the cheese pie. The coffee was just average, so I'd recommend ordering it somewhere else if you're a coffee connoisseur.

Friends cafe in Moscow review

The menu was handed to us in a brochure that looked like a worn-out magazine.

A friend's cafe in Moscow - my review

I have to say, their cocktail menu is way more stylish.

A friend's cafe in Moscow - my review A friend's cafe in Moscow - my review

The service is super unobtrusive - no awkward small talk like you'd find at theme cafes.

One of the coolest things about this cafe is its interior.

The cafe has two floors - one on top with a Monica-style vibe, and a basement floor with a Chandler-style vibe. I was convinced the basement was just a tech room until people started coming out of it. You can move around the cafe freely, and since there weren't many people, we got to check everything out and even touch some things.

A friend's cafe in Moscow - my review

We chose a small table in the corner of the Monica-style room since we weren't planning on hanging out for long, but for those who want to chill, the cafe has got you covered. The decor is bright and looks super fresh, making it a great spot to unwind.

A friend's cafe in Moscow - my review A friend's cafe in Moscow - my review

Every screen is playing 'Friends', and there are plenty of comfy couches and chairs around. The spot by the window is my dream - I'd love to hang out there.

A friend's cafe in Moscow - my review

Downstairs is way more interactive. You can hang out with games, toys, and even a mini kitchen. It's clear that it's super popular, because all the furniture and stuff looks like it's been well-loved. Maybe it's just a coincidence, but I get a strong sense of a guy's space, which is different from the tidy upstairs area, just like in the show.

Friends cafe in Monica's house Moscow review

Friends cafe in Monica's house Moscow review Penguin Joey's already been on quite the adventure, and it's not exactly the easiest thing to hold onto, but I couldn't resist taking a photo with him.

Friends cafe in Monica's house Moscow review

The doll is seriously creepy.

Friends cafe in Monica's house Moscow review

It's clear that you can reserve tables, because one of the coolest ones was already taken.

Friends cafe in Monica's house Moscow review

Verdict.

I only spent an hour at Monica's, but I got a real feel for the atmosphere, and I'm a total fan of themed cafes. Even though the furniture arrangement is different and some of the decor doesn't match, there's still that kid-like excitement in the air.

I'd love to come back and enjoy a meal in this cozy space, but I had too much going on. I highly recommend checking it out, even just for a fun night out.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

Is the cafe suitable for large groups?

Yes, the cafe is spacious and can accommodate large groups, but it's best to book in advance to ensure availability.

Do they serve food besides coffee?

Yes, they have a range of snacks and light meals available, including sandwiches, salads, and pastries.

Can I use my credit card to pay?

Yes, they accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Is the cafe wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the cafe has wheelchair ramps and accessible seating areas, making it easy for everyone to enjoy.

Can I bring my pet?

Yes, they welcome well-behaved pets, but please keep them on a leash and clean up after them.

Do they have any promotions or discounts?

Yes, they often have promotions and discounts, especially for students, seniors, and military personnel – be sure to ask about them when you visit.

Can I book a private room?

Yes, they have a private room available for booking, perfect for special occasions or business meetings.

Do they have free Wi-Fi?

Yes, they offer free Wi-Fi to all customers, with a strong and reliable connection.

check_circlePros

•The decor is meticulously designed to resemble Central Perk, with a cozy atmosphere that's perfect for a casual coffee date or a meet-up with friends.
•The location is unbeatable – situated in a beautiful historic area, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Moscow.
•The staff are friendly and welcoming, making you feel right at home.
•The coffee is top-notch, with a wide range of options to suit every taste.
•The cafe is spacious, with plenty of room to grab a seat and relax.
•The value for money is excellent, with prices that are very reasonable for the quality of food and drink you receive.

cancelCons

•The cafe can get busy, especially on weekends, so be prepared for a wait if you go during peak hours.
•The menu is a bit limited, with not as many options as I'd like to see.
•The build quality of the furniture and decor could be improved – some of the pieces felt a bit flimsy.
•The free Wi-Fi can be a bit finicky, so you might need to reconnect a few times.
•The return policy is a bit unclear, so make sure to ask about it if you have any issues.
•The customer support could be more responsive, especially when it comes to answering questions about the menu or decor.