The blast occurred at around 8pm in Kudrinskaya Square, a popular central Moscow spot that was packed at the time. It happened near the Balzi Rossi Italian restaurant, located in one of the city's seven Stalin-era skyscrapers, according to police.
Anti-terror police said the woman who carried the homemade bomb had tried to enter the restaurant but was turned away by security staff. The device then went off, killing the woman, a security guard and a customer who was nearby.
At least 21 people were injured in the explosion, police said. No motive has been released, and no information has been given about those killed or the person responsible.
Investigation
Russia's state RIA news agency published video showing heavily armed law enforcement officers at the scene, which was closed off to the public. The restaurant's website said the venue had been closed for a private event on Saturday, and it was not known if the attack was targeted.
Moscow-based news outlets have said the woman may not have been acting alone. Several reports have also suggested the bomb may have been set off remotely and that the woman could have been unaware she was carrying an explosive device.
Police are continuing to investigate the case.
