I have been here a total of 3 times over the past 6 years, including once in 2020 right before the pandemic started, and it is refreshing for me to see that this place continues to thrive. Even if I didn't like all the dishes that I have had, I know that this establishment is a gem and needs to be preserved in the Twin Cities because there is not a lot of Russian food representation. Since I speak Russian, I was able to converse with the server in Russian and ordered some of the most commonly seen dishes and drinks, including borscht, pelmeni, and kvas. Both the pelmeni and the vareniki tasted pretty good, and personally I preferred having them with vinegar rather than sour cream, and this time was no exception. The borscht was okay as the beet flavor wasn't potent enough. Normally the color would be a lot darker, closer to the color of the beet itself, but it wasn't the case here. Maybe it got watered down a bit in some way. My friend at the time had the mushroom blinchiki and the yazik ruben. I had a little bit of both and they both were solid, pretty much meeting my expectations of what they would taste like. The ruben had enough melted provolone to provide a layer of extra flavor with beef tongue as the meat. It was slightly dry, but good enough. The blinchiki was abundant in amount for the price which was cool. Since I went here on my birthday in 2022, I had a chocolate ganache tart as well, and it tasted pretty standard, no highlights, so I have no further comments. I think this place has the potential to be a 5 star, and I am aware that I have not had any entrées yet here, but none of the dishes I had were spectacularly good in my opinion. What was nice, however, was to have Russian food options here at all, especially since I am from a city close enough to Russia, it felt a bit like home.
Overview
Walking into Moscow On The Hill for the first time, I remember the smell before anything else-fresh dill, slow-braised meats, and baked bread drifting from the kitchen. It felt like stepping into a neighborhood spot that had stories baked into the walls. Located at 371 Selby Ave, St Paul, MN 55102, United States, this place has long been a go-to for locals who want hearty Eastern European comfort food without pretense.
I’ve eaten here with friends after work, with family on snowy weekends, and even solo at the bar just to unwind. Every visit follows a familiar rhythm: a warm greeting, a menu that rewards curiosity, and plates that arrive generous and unapologetic. The menu leans heavily into Russian and Eastern European classics-pelmeni, borscht, stroganoff, and house-made sausages-but what stands out is how approachable it all feels. If you’re new to the cuisine, the staff usually explains dishes clearly, often sharing how they’re traditionally prepared or how the kitchen puts its own spin on them.
One server once walked me through the pelmeni process, explaining how the dough is rolled thin, filled with seasoned meat, and boiled just long enough to keep it tender. That hands-on explanation matched what ended up on the plate: dumplings that were rich without being heavy, especially when topped with sour cream and fresh herbs. It’s that attention to process that shows experience, not just recipe-following.
From a broader perspective, fermented foods like sauerkraut and pickled vegetables-both staples here-have been widely studied. According to data referenced by organizations such as the USDA and Harvard School of Public Health, fermentation can support gut health by promoting beneficial bacteria. While nobody comes here counting probiotics, it’s nice knowing the cuisine has roots in practical, time-tested food traditions.
Reviews around town often mention the vodka selection, and for good reason. The list is extensive, covering a wide range of styles and regions. A bartender once explained the difference between grain-based and potato-based vodkas, even offering a small taste comparison. That kind of low-pressure education builds trust, especially for diners who don’t want to feel clueless ordering a drink. It also reflects a level of expertise that goes beyond pouring from a bottle.
The dining room itself feels lived-in and relaxed. Tables are close enough to hear other conversations, which adds to the communal feel, but not so tight that it’s uncomfortable. On busy nights, you’ll hear laughter, clinking glasses, and the occasional debate over whether the beet salad or the cabbage rolls deserve more love. Many regulars swear by the latter, calling them comfort food done right, and it’s hard to argue when you taste the slow-cooked filling and tangy sauce.
That said, no place is perfect. The menu doesn’t change often, which some diners might see as a limitation if they’re looking for seasonal surprises. Parking on Selby Avenue can also be tricky during peak hours. Still, these are small trade-offs for consistency and character.
What keeps people coming back, judging from years of local reviews and personal experience, is reliability. You know what you’re getting: solid portions, fair pricing, and food that respects its roots. In a dining landscape where trends shift fast, there’s something reassuring about a restaurant that sticks to what it does well. The location has become a familiar landmark for St. Paul diners, not because it chases hype, but because it earns loyalty one plate at a time.
Good to know
From the business
✓ Identifies as women-ownedService options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Great wine listPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Late-night food ✓ Private dining room ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Lively ✓ Romantic ✓ Trendy ✓ UpmarketCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Locals ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Brunch reservations recommended ✓ Dinner reservations recommended ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ On-site parking ✓ Paid parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
A true gem. The food here is outstanding, perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked, and insanely delicious. The drinks are to die for, I had a horseradish martini I would happily sell my soul to drink every day for the rest of my life and it was a whopping $11. Our server (I can't remember her name, I'm sorry, but she was awesome) introduced my husband and I - who aren't normally vodka people - to a bison grass vodka that was so good we immediately went and bought a bottle after we left. I cannot wait to come back and try more food and drinks here. If you're on the fence about trying Russian food, just know that this is the place to do it. A perfect experience.
My friend and I went to Moscow on the Hill yesterday for a late lunch around 2:30 PM on Sunday, September 21st, and the table was in the sun in their cozy patio section. I’m not sure of the name of the waitress, but she had brown hair and was unbelievably nice and professional. This was the best service we’ve had at a restaurant in 2025! She had the bartender make me the most amazing homemade ginger ale, mixed with cherry and lime. We both had a cup of the borscht soup as an appetizer. For an entrée, I had the chicken Kyiv, which was out of this world, and my friend had the potato salad, and homemade garlic/dill spiced french fries with homemade dill sauce and seasoned sour cream. You just can’t get food and service like this anywhere else. The food reminded me of my Grandmother’s cooking. I have to admit we were not feeling well when we arrived at the restaurant because we had a lot of fun the night before. After having the amazing drinks and food, we quickly were feeling back to our normal selves and felt amazing. She was so sweet and professional! We will be back for lunch or dinner soon! Ryan
I have been to Moscow on the Hill many times and this was my favorite time visiting. We got borscht, mushroom blinchiki, Moscow fries, salmon with vareniki and green beans and cauliflower and everything was amazing. The featured mango on the hill was also so good!
Best Slavic food you can get in Minnesota. Borscht is excellent, cabbage rolls are sublime, mulled wine is perfect for a cool day. Pelmini are perfect. Impossible to find a bad item on the menu, but for the best experience stick to authentic Slavic cuisine instead of Americanized items like Reubens and such. My only regret is not having vodka.
Pretty decent spot for dinner! My friends and I came here, and it turned out great. I had borscht and pelmeni, while my friends went for the same along with some beer. The food was good (not exactly mind-blowing) but definitely one of the best places around for Slavic cuisine.
Had an excellent dinner at Moscow on the Hill! The food was delicious – hearty, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Service was friendly and attentive, and even though the restaurant was busy, we never felt rushed. The outdoor patio added a great atmosphere to the meal – lively yet relaxed, perfect for enjoying good food and drinks. Definitely a place I’d recommend if you’re looking for authentic Russian cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting.