The swanky cars with darkened windows and hovering beefcakes with earpieces say it all. Movie stars, mafia, politicians, and generals favor this spot for romantic evenings and birthday parties. It is elegant and pricey but said to be worth every penny. This restaurant, favoured by Moscow’s richest, is also consistently one of the city’s best Italian restaurants. It is run by real Italians: Mario, Flavio, and Adriano, the singer. The restaurant has one of the best (and most private) summer gardens in town. Ingredients are flown in twice a week from Italy, and the menu reflects Italian seasonality, like white and black truffles in season. The fresh pasta is homemade and excellent on all counts. The carpaccio deserves special mention, as do the risottos. The thick veal chops are to die for. The wine list is from A to Z, amarones to zinfandels. There is piano music nightly. Dress very smartly and make a reservation if you want to get in.