There are not so many good Georgian restaurants in the capital of Russia. Even fewer are those where the rest will be full and enjoyable, regardless of the cuisine. “Prisoner of the Caucasus” is a restaurant that many can love from the first visit.
general information
The institution began its work in 1998. Since then, it is considered one of the best metropolitan restaurants, where the emphasis is on homemade and traditional Georgian dishes. The owner and creator of the institution is Arkady Novikov, who tried to create such an atmosphere in his brainchild that everyone here is comfortable and pleasant to be, despite his age, nationality and place of residence.
Who is this place for?
“Prisoner of the Caucasus” is a restaurant where a very respectable audience gathers. Here you rarely meet a large number of young people. But this does not make the restaurant any old or out of date. No, it has its own atmosphere, which many like. The music is not imposed and does not interfere with conversations, the waiters are helpful but inconspicuous, the atmosphere is calm and cozy. To keep young people interested, very often they conduct various master classes and other entertainment programs: bike races and even scooter races.
Kitchen
Despite the number of Georgian restaurants in the capital, the “Caucasian Captive” compares favorably with the rest. All dishes are prepared according to traditional recipes, the variety of home cooking is amazing. In addition, everyone was taken care of here: there is a vegetarian menu, and kosher, and lean. Everyone will be able to find a dish to their liking. Moreover, on the eve of some holiday, cooks are developing a special menu. For example, pancakes with various fillings for Shrovetide or colored eggs for Easter. “Prisoner of the Caucasus” is a restaurant, the menu of which amazes the imagination of the most demanding gourmets.
"Chip" menu
At the moment, the "chip" of the institution is a special offer "Genatsvali". What does it mean? Now children under 6 years old can try it for free, and children under 12 years old - at just half the price. This is a really nice offer from the establishment. In addition, there is also a special offer on weekdays: 20% discount on orders made between 12:00 and 16:00. But the offer applies only to tables that are designed for no more than 6 people. It's nice that you can have lunch with a friend or colleague, while saving.
Bar card
In addition to the extensive menu, the institution has an equally extensive and bar menu. What kind of drinks are not here! These are stunning white and red wines, and strong alcohol (vodka, cognac, whiskey, brandy and others), and even calvados (traditional apple brandy, prepared according to a special recipe). Here you can find any drink that you like. Non-alcoholic, by the way, is also a lot. An extensive tea list allows you to choose the tea that you like. And this is not a drink from bags! This is real tea, which is brewed in teapots of various sizes.
Interior
This is not to say that the institution belongs to any one style. No, it has its own atmosphere, created based on the famous film of the same name by the legendary director Leonid Gaidai. “Prisoner of the Caucasus” - a restaurant (36 Mira Avenue, Building 1), which recreates scenes from the painting of the same name within its walls. A famous trinity also causes a smile among visitors: Vitsin, Nikulin and Morgunov in the music hall of the institution, depicted in the picture in human height. Such an atmosphere can be seen in all the details of the interior. The restaurant owner sincerely believes that a good food experience is not possible without a good mood. And he is right. Immersed in the atmosphere of famous Soviet paintings, it is simply unrealistic to keep a smile or not to remember a couple of phrases that will cheer you up, which means your appetite.
Halls
The restaurant has 4 rooms (total 150 seats). It is noteworthy that each of them is the embodiment of something unusual. The music room is a place where you can listen to live music and dance. It is he who is chosen for banquets or celebrations. It is also interesting that in general the restaurant is the scenery of an immortal comedy: here is Comrade Saakhov’s office, a wine cellar, and even a real Caucasian courtyard, where live hens walk in the warm season. Those who have a distant idea of ​​the film, employees of the institution will be happy to tell you why the place is thematic, and what exactly is connected with it.
Summer terrace
In addition to the halls, the institution also has a separate summer terrace with a capacity of up to 120 people. “Prisoner of the Caucasus” - a restaurant (Moscow), reviews of which are most often positive. Especially from those who have visited the summer terrace. It really recreated the interior of the Caucasian courtyard: wicker furniture, climbing plants, an abundance of real greenery, live birds. There is a distinctive feature of this place - an eco-bazaar. By the way, sitting on the terrace you can order a hookah with any tobacco. And another thing: the restaurant administration has left an isolated place for smokers, in connection with the entry into force of the anti-tobacco law. You can smoke in the designated smoking room, which is located near the summer terrace, but is tightly fenced. Non-smoking visitors will not notice that somewhere nearby someone is indulging in a haze.
Eco Bazaar in the restaurant
Restaurant visitors have a unique opportunity to buy natural products right at the restaurant. At the same time, you can buy not only seasonal vegetables and fruits, but also various Caucasian seasonings, preparations from the chef, pita bread and even clay dishes! It is noteworthy that prices do not differ from market prices, but product quality remains at its best. You can buy homemade preserves, pickles and preserves. At the same time, the eco-bazaar itself is so organically fit into the atmosphere of the restaurant that without it it is already difficult to imagine an institution.
Chef
Separately, it is worth talking about a woman who has been a chef for many years. Olga Gulieva is from Sukhum, who was forced to leave in 1993. Arkady Novikov has long recruited this talented woman as a cook in his several restaurants before placing her on the post of chef in the “Caucasian Captive”. It is noteworthy that she developed some recipes herself, relying on the best traditions of the Caucasus. “Prisoner of the Caucasus” - a restaurant (photo above), where you can taste dishes of Georgian cuisine that are unique in taste and component.
Conclusion
This place was created for those who value comfort, warmth and hospitality. Not to mention delicious food. It is unlikely to appeal to those who appreciate a noisy vacation with deafening music. But the owners of a subtle sense of humor, those who love Soviet comedies and the atmosphere of the Caucasus, will definitely not be bored here. For his younger guests, the owner has developed a separate program - evenings with animators and walks around the courtyard with a guided tour. Inquisitive kids here will be especially interested while their parents are busy talking and eating. “Prisoner of the Caucasus” is a restaurant where you can celebrate a significant date and just dine in an interesting setting. It is worth visiting if only to find out what it is. It is always better to see once yourself than to hear 10 times from others. Someone becomes a regular guest, and someone crosses him forever from his list of places to visit.
Institutions of the same name
"Prisoner of the Caucasus" is a restaurant that is not only in Moscow. So, for example, Volgograd can also be proud of such an institution. Here, the cuisine is not limited to only home or Caucasian. The main emphasis is on European and original dishes, which are more beloved by visitors. Perhaps that is why the "Caucasian Captive" - ​​a restaurant (Volgograd), reviews of which are generally positive - so very different from the capital's institution. And the interior here is simpler, although interesting in its own way.
In Yerevan there is also the institution of the same name. And it is framed in the best traditions of the Caucasus. The Caucasian Captive Restaurant (Yerevan), the reviews of which are the most positive, deserves the attention of not only residents, but also guests of the city. Here you are immersed in the atmosphere of the picture of the same name most fully, because the air itself is saturated with traditional color. The cuisine is traditionally Caucasian with all its charms. To visit Yerevan, but not to visit the "Caucasian Captive" is, if not a crime, then a big omission.