By Arianna Ferreira
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The rabbit hole winding down to Wonderland is not always located in a whimsical secret garden or magical fairytale book. The most mystical and enchanting places can sometimes be found in the form of exquisite, luxurious cuisine. In fact, the road to Wonderland is not down, but rather up—16 floors to be exact. Pinpointed on top of the Smolenskaya Square in Moscow Russia, The White Rabbit restaurant guides guests into another realm.

This White Rabbit attracts individuals from all over the world and has earned the restaurant the 25th spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, with head chef and owner Vladimir Mukhin ranked the 9th best chef by the Best Chef Awards. Also featured on the Netflix show Chef’s Table, many regarded The White Rabbit to be the best restaurant Russia. Yes, this restaurant is in the top dining location in the largest country in the world.

A White Rabbit dish

Vladimir Mukhin is no stranger to fine dining and delectable taste. He began his journey as a chef at the age of 12 by working alongside his father. Frustrated by the lack of acknowledgement and homage to traditional Russian cuisine, Mukhin hit the books and discovered classic Russian recipes dating back hundreds of years that his ancestors had once cooked. He then combined these dishes with modern takes inspired by other European cities. With the collaboration of restaurateur Boris Zarkov, the White Rabbit opened its doors in 2012 and has served as a popular destination for tourists and locals ever since.

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"With a feature on the hit Netflix show Chef’s Table, many have regarded the White Rabbit to be the best restaurant in all of Russia"

The top floor of the Smolenskaya Passage located along Moscow’s Garden Ring is reserved entirely for the White Rabbit. Guests are swept up 16 stories in a private elevator decorated like a forest, which separates the rest of the building from the restaurant. Right upon entry, guests will notice the eccentric Alice in Wonderland themed as exhibited by various white rabbit paintings and figures. Whimsical touches such as youth-like purple and blue lighting and multiple glass chandeliers contribute to the theme in a tasteful way. Panoramic windows within a sleek glass dome offer impressive views of Moscow. Whether you choose to dine in the afternoon or evening, these sweeping views enhance the overall experience.

The White Rabbit is made of two dining rooms on two different levels. Both are host to white tablecloth touches and plush, comfortable seating. The bar is one of the main focal points, boasting a towering display of wines behind the bold counter. On the cocktail menu, guests can graze over a selection of beverages inspired by Lewis Carrol’s classic tale, Alice in Wonderland. A variety of wines sourced from all over the world and an impressive bar menu offer a variety of drinks to be paired with the tasting options.

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"The White Rabbit prides itself on sourcing many ingredients from Russian farms and local markets, ensuring the freshest cuisine. "

Every season is opened with a new tasting menu and original dishes from Mukhin. Besides the tasting menu, an À La Carte selection is also available. The White Rabbit prides itself on sourcing many ingredients from Russian farms and local markets, ensuring the freshest cuisine. Cold appetizers including smoked duck filet or jellied red king crab are just a few of the starter options. Delicacies such as ladoga pike perch served with poached egg, or baked cabbage and caviar provide guests with an unforgettable dining experience. For dessert, one of the restaurant’s most popular options is the tangerine honey cake. Lighter dessert options such as sorbet or whipped berries are also served.

Guests can opt for a variety of tasting menu options, with some even boasting 14 different courses. Each dish is designed to tell a story and pop off the plate—literally. Some dishes such as the birch blast and condensed milk will present a three-dimensional show when scanned on an app specially curated for the restaurant. These little touches and engaging experiences are what make dining at the White Rabbit Restaurant so memorable.

Fine dining is present in all aspects of The White Rabbit. Guests will truly feel as if they have stumbled into Wonderland as they are immersed in a magical setting surrounded by gourmet dishes. Dinner is not just a meal, but rather an experience here at this world-renowned Moscow restaurant.

Arianna Ferreira

Arianna Ferreira is a staff writer based in New York City. She loves to share her passion for writing, travel, and exploration with readers from all around the world. When not in the city, she can be found back home on the beaches of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.