DINING/FOOD/DRINK

While Tver (thankfully) still lacks major fast food outlets that have already found their way from the west into Russia (McDonald's, etc.), the city does have a few places that are designed to satisfy the need for a warm snack or a casual dinner.

You should always be a little cautious about the quality and safety of the food at most street vendors, especially when it comes to food that contains meat or mayonnaise. Piroshkis with mushroom, potato, and cheese are generally good bets, as are chickens from the small mobile trailers (with big happy chickens on them). Open fruit and vegetable markets, as well as the random person selling produce or herbs on the street are not only safe, but also probably some of the best quality food you can find (and at the best price). Although petro-chemicals aren't in widespread use here in Russia , especially on the local dachas (family gardens), it is still a good idea to give your fresh food a good rinse before you eat it.

During the warm months (early May-late September, weather permitting), the streets and sidewalks of Tver are brought to life by a heavy sprinkling of outdoor cafes. Some of these places are simply outdoor extensions of established restaurants, while others are stand-alone operations. Most of these cafes serve Shashlik (Georgian-style shish kebabs) and other BBQ items along with beer, sodas, and packaged snacks. While some are better than others, it's rare to find one that really deserves the stamp of poor quality and even rarer that any pose a potential health risk. Prices may vary from cafe to cafe as well as from summer to summer, so we can't really give any specific recommendations in general, except to simply choose your environment and follow your nose. You will almost always be satisfied.

With an excellent location on Trekhsvyatskaya (the main pedestrian street), you would hope that the food would be a bit better (and safer) but alas, it comes up short –far short. Ali Baba serves shavarma, pizza, and a variety of other hot snack-type items to hungry patrons seemingly entranced by their bright neon signs, but we honestly can't recommend the food to anyone who would know any better. Their interpretation of pizza is, to put it kindly, bizarre, and know one knows for sure how old the meat is. It is, however, a nice place to grab a soda or beer in pleasant weather and perch yourself at one of the tables at their summer cafe which is set up dead in the middle of Trekhsvyatskaya for some interesting people watching.

Located in a popular downtown location near the Tverskoy Bridge and City Park , Arzee boasts one of the best shavarma in town (Middle Eastern style “burrito” stuffed with chicken, cabbage, and a pinch of garlic). They also serve a decent chicken sandwich and a sub-par pizza. Outdoor seating near the Volga is available during the summer months. A great place to get a midday snack or a quick and inexpensive meal.

Yes, it is true that Tver has not really been infiltrated by major western franchises yet, however, somehow Baskin-Robbins made it -perhaps because Russians LOVE ice cream. Located on the busy Trekhsvyatskaya pedestrian street, Baskin-Robbins serves the same frozen treats that you would expect to find back home, although at last count, they were only up to 18 flavors (close enough, though). Nonetheless, a great place to put your sweet tooth on display on a warm summer day.

Similar to a delicatessen (minus the submarine sandwiches), Kulinaria provides hungry Tver dwellers with an assortment of Russian-style stuffed pastries, salads, baked goods, sweets, and more. Also a great place to get marinated meats and half-prepared meals to take home, cook for someone else, and take all the credit. Best of all, the prices are so low, you may need someone to console you over your guilt. Located next to the Central Hotel (across from the Circus), with a second, though smaller location on the corner of Radishcheva and Tverskoy Prospekt.

One of the best things to happen to Tver since the Germans retreated in WWII, Paterson not only provides western-style groceries to the masses 24 hours per day, but also has an on-site bakery and deli section with ready-made items for those who can't wait to get home. Inexpensive, convenient, and tasty, too. Located on the ground floor of the Olymp shopping center. (see more about Paterson in the Shopping/Food section).

Don't be fooled by their unappealing logo of a voraciously appetited pig-boy happily consuming everything within his reach (trust me, it's a weird picture), this little place located at the food court on the 2nd floor of the Olymp shopping center serves a decent array of fast food. The shavarma is decent, though if you need to go without the garlic kick Arzee provides (i.e. if those in your company would be adversely affected), then this is the shavarma for you. Their microwave is standing by to reheat any combination of shashlik, chicken sandwiches, and other quick snacks for your eating pleasure. Quick, inexpensive, and rarely a large line.