Gostevaya Izba is in the charming monastery town of Sergiev Posad,’ some 90 minutes from Moscow. The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius monastery is one of the holiest monastic complexes in Russia and popular with visitors for religious and tourist interests. Gostevaya Izba is designed to look like the inside of a prosperous 19th century Russian home and the ingredients are primarily sourced from the monk’s gardens. The working fireplace and waitstaff in national costume, to say nothing of the clergy in full regalia at adjacent tables, all contribute to an authentic experience that perfectly complements a tour of the monastery. The menu of Gostevaya Izba features all of the standard Russian favorites with a particularly good pickle range, excellent soups, homemade piroshki and bread as well as delectable bliny. This is a great place to sample Meat in a Pot or mushroom dishes in season. And don’t leave the restaurant without trying the monastery’s renowned medovukha, a Slavic honey-based alcoholic beverage.