Agnets

A meat bistro with reasonable prices, a large communal table, a display case featuring steaks, and cocktails on tap.

"Agnec" is a new project by Mikhail Smirnov, in partnership with his wife, Olga. The focus on meat is, of course, no accident. Mikhail Smirnov has been in the industry for over 25 years: he was one of the first to believe in Russian beef, created the "Myasniki" brand and meat shop, and founded Meat Dealers. He knows better than anyone what to offer meat lovers. "Agnec" was conceived as a departure from the traditional steakhouse format, yet the entire menu is dedicated to meat, without being tied to any specific regional cuisine. The main offerings include beef, veal, pork, lamb, duck, and offal. Fans of steaks as a genre can choose any piece from the display case to take home or have it prepared on the charcoal grill located in the center of the room. The kitchen is headed by the young but already accomplished chef, Nikolai Nikitinsky (formerly of "Inostrantsy," Beluga, and Bottega Siciliana). The current menu features approximately 20 items, including veal tongue with green buckwheat (780 rubles), tataki with sesame aioli (560 rubles), and Piedmont-style tartare (490 rubles), all showcasing the impeccable and authentic flavor of the meat. For more adventurous diners, there's risotto with tartare (760 rubles) or veal esophagus (610 rubles) served with roasted red cabbage and a pumpkin and date sauce. Furthermore, "Agnec" offers meat-focused breakfasts daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM – a great opportunity for those tired of the usual eggs benedict with salmon, avocado, and syrniki (Russian cheese pancakes).