Finding the best Russian honey cake
Who doesn’t like a good cake?
First introducing itself to me at a Russian restaurant in Riga, while I was a student at Liden and Denz, medovik made a strong impression. My initial thought was, “why hasn’t anyone told me about this before? The flavor is delightful – like a big, creamy graham cracker.”
If you didn’t know medovik is a layered Russian honey cake. Also known as медовый торт, the word медовик (medovik) is derived from the word, мёд, or “honey”, in Russian.
After I first tried medovik in Riga, I learned of its origins in Russia, and decided to travel to its homeland to search for the best medovik I could find. In 2024 I tried 16 slices of medovik in St Petersburg; in 2025, 14 slices in Moscow; in 2026, 8 slices in both Moscow and Saint Petersburg so far. (I guess I am slowing down.) Although my search has led me to a lot of mediocre pieces of medovik, a few of them have stood out above the rest. Here are my top 3 so far with an honorable mention at the end:
Дядя Ваня, Riga. 9.4/10
Surprisingly, the best medovik I’ve found is outside of Russia, but this is the stuff medovik dreams are made of. There is a purity to this one, even an artistic quality to it. This is the medovik other medoviks strive to be.
And by the way, if you are ever in Riga, I highly recommend this restaurant in the old town. Besides the medovik, the Russian cuisine here is excellent.
Dr. Живаго, Moscow. 8.5/10.
A traditional and classic version of medovik but with the twist of coming with a side of creamy vanilla sauce to pour on top. I’ve never had a medovik this soft and spongy. There is an ideal balance of tart frosting and not-too-sweet cake. And the extra sauce gives a boost of flavor and moistness.
Банщики, St. Petersburg. 8.5/10.
A modern interpretation of medovik with raspberry sauce and a big scoop of whipped cream. All the flavors mix so well, and, even with extra toppings, it isn’t too sweet. The graham flavor of the cake shines through as the star of the show even despite the extra additions.
Honorable mention. Люди любят хлеб, St. Petersburg. 8/10.
You can find medovik at just about any cafe in Russia and most are just average. But of all the chain cafes/bakeries in Russia, this is my favorite. The texture is so soft and the balance of tangy cream cheese frosting between the layers of cake is spot on.
