Perfect for breakfast

Talk of the town: Rumour has it that the offices of numerous leading French companies regularly send out couriers to retrieve croissants and crispy French bread for homesick staff from here

Popular plate: The French breakfasts here are a joy, but the Russian syrniki (sweet cottage cheese cakes) make for an extra special start to the day

Part of the luxurious Parisian Eric Kaiser patisserie chain, Volkhonsky lives up to the traditions of its French founder by baking first-rate fresh breads and pastries every morning.

The macaroons are particularly exquisite and come at eye-wateringly high prices, but with them you get a plush cafe atmosphere with attentive service that feels positively old-worldly.

In the colder months the cafe is warmed by the heat and heavenly smells of the bread oven, making this the perfect little nook to rest until the rain stops.