The current economic crisis in Russia has severely impacted the hospitality industry in Moscow, with many bars and restaurants left empty and struggling to survive. Recent surveys indicate that one-third of small business owners in Russia are considering selling or shutting down their establishments due to financial pressures. This situation marks a stark contrast to just over a year ago when there was intense competition among entrepreneurs to open new cafes and eateries in the vibrant city streets.

According to the real estate consulting firm CMWP, at least 125 cafes and restaurants in Moscow closed their doors between January and February alone, which is double the number of closures recorded in the same period the previous year. The decline is stark, with another 183 establishments reported to have closed by the end of Q4 2025, and experts predict that this trend will worsen, estimating nearly 500 closures by the end of this year, surpassing the previous years' losses in the food and beverage sector.

This rapid decline highlights the profound economic strain being felt in Russia, compounded by the effects of the ongoing war that have left many businesses vulnerable. Once known for its bustling nightlife and thriving culinary scene, Moscow is now facing a grim reality where empty restaurants and cafes symbolize the broader economic crisis affecting the entire country.