When it opened in 1896, this lavish restaurant was a favorite of the Russian aristocracy. During the Soviet Union, L'Europe was where the Communist Party elite danced the night away, sipping on champagne and snacking on caviar. Now, as the longest continuously open restaurant in the city, it remains elegant, with palm trees imported from the south of France, and it continues to attract the wealthiest part of society, as well as well-heeled tourists. A string quartet, a harpist, or a jazz combo often plays during dinner, and some nights you can even catch a ballet. The Romanov-style Kamchatka crab, served with champagne sauce and salmon caviar, is over-the-top enough for the surroundings, as is the "luxury" beef Stroganoff, made of Australian Wagyu beef. An assortment of hard, soft, blue, and aged cheeses is a very French way to finish off the meal. For a (relatively) budget-friendly option, try the breakfast bar at RUB2000 per person. It includes unlimited sparkling wine, blinis, caviar, fruit, cheese, and cured meats and fish. Note that reservations are required, and that the restaurant prefers that men wear a dinner jacket.