Шеш-Беш (Shesh Besh)

One of the more disappointing culinary stops I’ve had in Moscow was at Шеш-Беш (pronounced Shesh Besh). Шеш-Беш, is a chain restaurant, serving over priced and less then tasty Middle Eastern cuisine. Шеш-Беш franchises are located throughout Moscow, most prominently at the end of Novy Arbat, near the metro station. I stopped in ready for some good shaschlick and came out totally unsatisfied and having spent well more then I’d expected for soup, cold shaschlick and a kebab.

At first glance the menu seems reasonable, especially the buffet table, but once you really start digging in you’ll notice the portions are small and what the waitresses bring really doesn’t satisfy . At the end of an unsavory and possibly cold meal you’ll find yourself still craving good food and looking at a surprising large bill, considering how small the individual dish prices seem when ordering.

If you’re a vegetarian or someone willing to just eat vegetables the buffet table, where you can fill up your plate as high as you like once for ten dollars, might be a good option. The table is stacked with Middle Eastern-ish salads, Russian salads, cold fish (herring and salmon) and an assortment of fresh and roasted veggies (go for the roasted eggplant…it’s cold but still relatively yummy). Two people can share on buffet table plate so if you’re on a budget and traveling as a pair this might work for you. If you’re going for the buffet table because you’re on a budget then I suggest you skip any alcoholic drinks or once again you’ll be looking at a larger then expected bill.

I visited Шеш-Беш once, and I won’t be going back. I’d recommend you stay away from this restaurant chain and instead try to find some smaller independent Middle Eastern restaurants, like Sinbad, which are spread out through the city.