• Teremok – 4 mins away 

When I forget to pack my lunch, nine times out of ten I opt for Teremok because a.) the place is a couple of minutes away from the university; b.) they have a variety of tasty home-like meals and c.) its loyalty program, plus a bunch of other perks for customers, make it easier on my wallet. Teremok is basically a fast food restaurant but, unlike other chains, it specializes in traditional Russian cuisine, meaning lots of sweet and savory blinis, pelmenis, soups, and more! Whenever I’m there, I usually go with a three-course meal that gets any belly full for 315-415 rubles. What I had not (sadly) discovered up until very recently is that you can always find coupons on their website and get a discount on your favorite meal or drink, or both. What’s more, you can always make use of the meal of the day offer, if you enjoy trying the new, and download their app (iOS, Android), if you’d like to receive points for your orders, order online by a certain time, and check out other offers.

Marina

• Bekitzer – 4 mins away 

The best Israeli food I’ve ever eaten outside of Israel is at Bekitzer. From babaghanoush to knafeh, its menu [the prices and some items are a bit outdated, you can check the more up-to-date Russian menu here] is a Mediterranean haven. My go-to take-away is falafel in a pita, it’s easy to eat, quick, healthy, and very filling. Whenever I don’t have time to enjoy a sit-down meal there, I’ve found that I can easily order pick up or delivery online via their special online ordering site. Breakfasts are available between 11am and 2pm, so if you want to grab a shakshuka for lunch, you can do that too!

Maryam

• Frank – 4 mins away

A delightful addition to Lomonosova street is Frank. Despite being more on the expensive side, it is a great place to visit when you’ve got a hankering for meat. The pork ribs there are delicious and come with crispy rosemary potatoes. Their lunch specials are also great and change on the daily, usually including a soup, a salad, something meaty, and a drink. 

Maryam

• Joly Woo – 5 mins away

From time to time I enjoy dropping by Joly Woo, a street food cafe serving timeless Asian classics like pho bo, noodles, or bao. Although the price range here is a bit above average, the generous discount system covers all the flaws. So not only do you get some cash back after each meal, but you can also have your 5th soup or noodles for free. And don’t forget about the takeaway discount!

Elizaveta

• EUROSPAR – 8 mins away

Of all my investigations around Lomonosova campus, the thriftiest (yet safe!) option I could find is EUROSPAR, which is not even a cafe or a restaurant, but a supermarket. Besides the groceries, it hosts a huge section of freshly-made foods, from all kinds of pasta to sweet pancakes and sushi! Here you can take what is already packed, or ask specifically for one slice of pizza or 100 grams of salad. Closer to the exit, there’s also a nice sitting area. My only concern is a lot of disposable packaging, so I probably wouldn’t recommend this place as the only everyday choice if you consider yourself eco-friendly.

Elizaveta

• Takoyaki – 11 mins away 

Surprisingly budget-friendly, this Japanese joint on Krylova Ln. serves the eponymous dish of takoyaki – delicious, hearty portions of fried dough stuffed with octopus or shrimp and doused in sticky sweet sauce. Perfect when you need a calorie-rich lunch! The menu, of course, also includes enjoyable classics (ramen, noodles, etc.), as well as freshly-made onigiri for snacking on the go. 

Vadim

• British Bakeries – 12 mins away 

When in a pinch, I’ve found British Bakeries, located nearly next door to the Dostoevskaya metro station, to be a relatively budget-friendly and healthy lunch option. They offer breakfast and lunch deals all day, so you can get a combo of oatmeal and a croissant with two toppings, a hearty salad, a sandwich, or a soup within minutes from placing the order. Moreover, the coffee here is fairly decent and they do offer vegan meals, which, as we know, is always a bonus. The location itself is rather cozy, with velvety red chairs and even an imitation of a fireplace – all in all, a nice spot to spend your lunch break at.

Catherine

• Taiyaki Cafe – 12 mins away

If a line up the stairs at this Manga-filled cafe is any indication, Taiyaki is a hot spot for Japanese-style waffles, bowls, and desserts, as well as the cuteness of plush Totoro and friends. Start with edamame sprinkled with sea salt and a bowl of miso soup, then bite into sumptuous taiyaki – traditional Japanese fish-shaped waffles – with savory (think salmon, cheese, mushrooms) or sweet (pear in miso caramel is a must) fillings, or pair a waffle with onigiri, a triangle rice ball with a choice of shrimp, crab, and pickles, among others. Top off with a white chocolate matte latte featuring a Hello Kitty ripple in the green froth for an afternoon well-spent. 

Anna

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• Ogurtsy – 12 mins away

Quite a ways away from the campus, but definitely worth making the trek is Ogurtsy, an inclusive vegan cafe. Meat eaters, don’t let the plant-based menu scare you off – the food here will rock your socks off regardless of dietary preferences. The must-have? The carrot-and-avocado “salmon” sandwich is sure to transcend all of your expectations. 

Vadim