During the warm months (early May-late September, weather permitting), the streets and sidewalks of Tver are brought to life by a heavy sprinkling of outdoor cafes. Some of these places are simply outdoor extensions of established restaurants, while others are stand-alone operations. Most of these cafes serve Shashlik (grills) (Georgian-style shish kabab) and other BBQ items along with beer, sodas, and packaged snacks. While some are better than others, it's rare to find one that really deserves the stamp of poor quality and even rarer that any pose a potential health risk. Prices may vary from place to place, as well as from summer to summer, so we can't really give any specific recommendations in general, except to simply choose your environment and follow your nose. You will almost always be satisfied.

Ali Baba

With an excellent location on Trekhsvyatskaya (the main pedestrian street). Ali Baba serves shavarma, pizza, and a variety of other hot snack-type items to hungry patrons seemingly entranced by their bright neon signs. It is a nice place to grab a soda or beer in pleasant weather and perch yourself at one of the tables at their summer cafe which is set up dead in the middle of Trekhsvyatskaya for some interesting people watching.

Located in a popular downtown location near the Tverskoy Bridge and City Park , Arzee boasts one of the best shavarma in town (Middle Eastern style “burrito” stuffed with chicken, cabbage, and a pinch of garlic). They also serve a decent chicken sandwich and a sub-par pizza. Outdoor seating near the Volga is available during the summer months. A great place to get a midday snack or a quick and inexpensive meal.

Yes, it is true that Tver has not really been infiltrated by major western franchises yet, however, somehow Baskin-Robbins made it -perhaps because Russians LOVE ice cream. Located on the busy Trekhsvyatskaya pedestrian street, Baskin-Robbins serves the same frozen treats that you would expect to find back home, although at last count, they were only up to 18 flavors (close enough, though). Nonetheless, a great place to put your sweet tooth on display on a warm summer day.

Don't be fooled by their unappealing logo of a voraciously appetite pig-boy happily consuming everything within his reach (trust me, it's a weird picture), this little place located at the food court on the 2nd floor of the Olymp shopping center serves a decent array of fast food. The shavarma is decent, though if you need to go without the garlic kick. Their microwave is standing by to reheat any combination of shashlik, chicken sandwiches, and other quick snacks for your eating pleasure. Quick, inexpensive, and rarely a large line.

One of the best things to happen to Tver since the Germans retreated in WWII, Paterson not only provides western-style groceries to the masses 24 hours per day, but also has an on-site bakery and deli section with ready-made items for those who can't wait to get home. Inexpensive, convenient, and tasty, too. Located on the ground floor of the Olymp shopping center.

Perhaps one of the most romantic places in the city, Fortuna Cafe is definitely the place to take someone special. The quiet dining room contains less than a handful of tables in a very warm and cozy atmosphere –perfect for intimate conversations or just gazing into the eyes of the one who sits across from you. The service is excellent, as is the Russian-European food they serve. Through a separate entrance on the Trekhsvyatskaya pedestrian street, you will discover a fine dining experience that is rarely topped, if at all, in the city. Adorned with pleasantly calming classical Greek decor, Fortuna's restaurant offers exquisitely prepared meals and an excellent selection of wines to accompany them. While there are a few crossovers between the two menus, the restaurant is practically in a world all its own, both in atmosphere as well as the food they serve (not to mention the prices, which are on the expensive side for Tver). Whether you eat in the cafe or the restaurant, you are almost guaranteed that your food will be excellent, as every single menu item is extremely well done. Located on Trekhsvyatskaya, near the Olymp shopping center.

Located a bit outside the city center on Nogina Blvd. Joongo serves delicious Chinese and Russian cuisine, though at high prices. The interior sports a strange blend of Soviet and Chinese decor (possibly Red Chinese?). Highly recommended are the fish and shrimp dishes, however expect them to be more of a Russian interpretation of traditional Chinese. Live music in the evenings as well.

New and modern styled coffee house, Terentyev is located in the heart of the city's downtown at the corner of Tverskoy Prospect and Sovetskaya. Relax with a mocha and a tasty dessert on one of their two levels and watch the rest of the world hurry past you from the wall of glass windows that separates you from it all. Inexpensive coffee drinks and teas, moderate prices for sweets, and painfully expensive imported bottled German beer.

Milan Pizza

Need to relieve your pizza fix? Milan serves as close to an authentic Italian-style pizza and as you will find in Tver. Highly recommended for those who are having difficulty adjusting to food designed for the Russian palette or just nursing a hangover. Located near Arzee, the main movie theater, City Park , and the Volga River . A sparkling new second location in the downtown area, only a few blocks away, occupies a basement near the Circus.