Erwin is one of the best places to eat in Moscow. From the
food, to the location and the décor. Situated at the foot of Ho-
tel Ukraina with a view across the river to the Russian White
House, Erwin has gone under a renovation and reopened with a
new concept and an extended name “RekaMoreOkean” (River,
Sea, Ocean). The restaurant, run by Alexander Rappoport - a
man whose list of previous projects reads like who’s who of
high-end Moscow dining, - has a remarkable menu of fish and
seafood, famous for the unique assortment of fish caught do-
mestically (25 rivers and seas in Russia) at definitely good pric-
es, according to the capital standards. And, when the kitchen,
headed by talented chef Yana Pershina, takes its seafood so seri-
ously, one can forgive Erwin its ostentation. Erwin’s décor was
not easy to complete, or so it says the team of designers from
MMZ Bureau. The restaurant’s area has 230 seats inside plus a
large terrace on the outside, making it possible to have almost
400 guests. It’s an amazing place for celebrations, be it roman-
tic, in large groups, special occasions, or business meetings.
In the main room, guests are welcomed by a column enclosed
by a shoal of free-hanging metal fish, a statue of Poseidon in
swimming trunks, and a huge stage displaying Erwin’s high-
ERWIN RESTAURANT AND BAR
MOSCOW, RUSSIA
quality seafood: langoustines, prawns, crabs and other deli-
cacies, divided between “River” and “Sea” depending on their
provenance.
Regarding the interior design, MMZ Bureau considered the
whole project a work of contrasts: not only the colors, but also
materials and fabrics, diverge from one another. Copper colored
synthetic leather seats contrast with colorful velvet dining
chairs, metal differs from fabric, and the final result is a luxuri-
ous groovy set where clients can have a great meal or relax after
a busy day. The studio projected the bar area as a sophisticated
contrasting set with copper and a bright color palette. “The
idea of the look was to make a huge metal bridge in an elegant
atmosphere and add some bright spots” says Maria Zhukova,
the Chief Architect. Besides the quality food and the rich inte-
riors, another two of the reasons why this place has become so
popular are the fact that the restaurant is located at the bank
of the Moscow River with available parking space along em-
bankment from both sides of the driveway, an area turned into
a restaurant cluster with a number of amazing restaurants. In
addition to that there is Badaev factory area located 5 minute
walk away where they have the famous Krysha Mira night club
and several other restaurants and bars.
