288 City

The Aesthetics of the Five Elements

The pursuit of harmony is a natural state for a person who, according to equally natural laws, strives for it through trials and tribulations. Now, harmony has an address: the "288 City" restaurant in the Neva Towers gallery of the Moscow City business center. This is a place of power where the balance of the material and spiritual, the aesthetic and the practical, converges.

The space, created by Mikhail Grigoriev and his team, draws inspiration from the teachings of Feng Shui and the five elements, including Ether. All of these are embodied in the restaurant's interior. The philosophy of the project involves activating all six senses – smell, taste, hearing, sight, touch, and intuition – providing guests with a comprehensive experience.

The panoramic windows of the room, with its seven-meter ceilings, represent Air. Fire is represented by one of the largest pizza ovens in the city. The bar, made of natural stone, wood, and metal, symbolizes Earth. The "Water" and "Etherium" halls speak for themselves. Despite the complex concept, the interior is warm and inviting. Caramel and cream tones are complemented by deep green and ochre accents, and the furniture, upholstered in delicate fabrics, is soft and comfortable.

Chef Sergei Zakaryan describes the philosophy of the "288 City" cuisine as comfort food. However, simple and delicious food is not always easy to achieve. Traditional salads are complemented by a raw bar with ceviche and tartare to choose from. As a tribute to Japanese cuisine, there is beef or salmon tataki. You can also find a selection of dishes with wild sturgeon and red caviar, braised beef ribs with truffle puree, or risotto. For lovers of classics, there is homemade pasta in a variety of styles and a juicy pizza with a thin crust, baked directly in a wood-fired oven. The desserts feature original touches, such as a cheesecake with persimmon and a poppy seed cake with vanilla ice cream.

The cocktail menu reflects the nobility and sophistication of "288 City," offering the best selections with original variations, such as Welsh whiskey. And again, the elements are embodied in cocktails with corresponding names, the list of which is topped by "Etherium" – vodka with orange based on milk oolong tea and a unique French liqueur made from freshly harvested elderflower blossoms, St-Germain.

Guests of "288 City" are accustomed to the sense of community that is carefully cultivated by the restaurant's team, so not only family celebrations, romantic occasions, and personal milestones, but also the most important events are celebrated here. The intimate "Water" hall, with 5888 delicate hand-blown glass droplets cascading from the ceiling like a gentle rain, is a space that creates a harmonious atmosphere for special moments. The large "Etherium" hall, with a nine-meter vortex of golden beads as a symbol of the unifying energy of all that exists on Earth (designed by international designer Yuna Megre), embodies the project and leaves a profound impression on guests. "According to numerology and various philosophies, the meaning of the combination of numbers 288 is: if a door closes in front of you, do not despair or stop; you must continue to move forward. Other doors will open, you will see new horizons and opportunities. Life is a continuous movement forward," says Mikhail Grigoriev.