Lu

"Lu" is a new hotspot for everyone who lives the city life and wants a place nearby where they feel understood and where their preferences are catered to.

"Lu" is the new gem of Luzhniki. The cafe is named after the initials of the sports complex, making it immediately clear where it's located. The exterior design pays homage to the architecture of the historic complex. The simple layout, straight lines, and panoramic windows are all designed to let in more light and air – techniques borrowed from the 1950s when the main building of the complex was constructed. The interior is in a mid-century style, emphasizing the desire to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, with large windows and a lack of partitions, plenty of light wood, and a warm color palette. The open kitchen and bar, which are visible from everywhere, reinforce this sense of openness and connection. Bright details are immediately noticeable, such as the spherical light fixtures with textured glass, and the bar area features a stone countertop where wine is served on tap.

The restaurant offers modern European cuisine, crafted by chef Ilya Ushakov. Most of the ingredients are sourced locally: vegetables and herbs from the Moscow region, free-range chicken and meat, and local fish. A particular point of pride is the homemade pasta. The dough is made with water, egg yolks, and high-protein Russian flour from durum wheat, and an Italian pasta machine is used to shape it. At "Lu," they love to create things from scratch, not just pasta. The "Must Have" section features dishes that are highly recommended: roasted and marinated bell peppers for 12 hours, served with a tapenade of olives and a goat cheese cream, mozzarella with signature marinated cherry tomatoes, croutons, and homemade pesto, and a panzanella salad with cucumber, celery, croutons made from ciabatta bread, and a sauce made from whipped sweet tomatoes. You can also find vitello tonnato with homemade aioli and roast beef with a honey-mustard sauce. The roast beef is made in-house from beef chuck and cooked at a low temperature to retain its juiciness. Before the main courses, you can enjoy a tomato soup with cream, and your choice of burrata, shrimp, or crab. The main courses include a chicken dish baked in a spicy diabla sauce made with tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and a spicy pepper paste. To complete your meal, be sure to try the pasta! There are 8 types to choose from, including classics like rigatoni al pomodoro or pappardelle with white mushrooms, as well as creative interpretations of traditional dishes like tagliatelle cacio e pepe with crab and three types of peppers, spaghetti carbonara in a creamy sauce, with truffle paste and crispy bacon. Even the pappardelle bolognese is different from the authentic version – the meat sauce is made with tender beef, and parsley is used instead of basil. A special option is to order the pasta in a ½ portion size. The desserts have an Italian heart. The "Aranciata" tiramisu, like the Italian summer drink aranciata with soda and orange juice, is a refreshing treat. It's made with savoiardi cookies soaked in espresso and a vanilla cream with orange liqueur. There's also a chocolate cake with minimal flour and maximum chocolate.

The bar menu is curated by head bartender Emil Zakiev (Buddha-Bar, Butcher & Banker, "Umami"). The wine list features a mix of Old World and New World wines. You'll find Chianti, Albariño, and South African Shiraz side by side. Wine is served on tap, which is both visually appealing and allows for more affordable prices. The cocktail menu features classics, and the coffee menu is extensive. There are over 20 hot and cold coffee-based drinks, including cappuccino, lemongrass latte, and mango-coconut matcha.

Every morning from 8:00 AM, they serve breakfast: toast on whole-grain bread, scrambled eggs with various fillings, a baked protein omelet for athletes, and porridge. It's a balanced and satisfying snack after a workout, a convenient business lunch near the metro, a Sunday brunch with family, or a dinner – the "Lu" cafe in Luzhniki is always in sync with its guests. Plans include launching their own delivery service and collaborating with local projects and brands.