Must-see restaurants in St Petersburg

  • Banshiki

    St Petersburg

    Attached to a renovated banya (public baths) complex, this is currently the place to sample nostalgic Russian fare at affordable prices. Everything is…

  • Chekhov

    St Petersburg

    Despite a totally nondescript appearance from the street, this restaurant’s charming interior perfectly recalls that of a 19th-century dacha and makes for…

  • Buter Brodsky

    St Petersburg

    Shabby chic has never looked so good as it does at this cafe-bar dedicated to the poet Joseph Brodsky (the name is a pun on buterbrod, the Russian word…

  • Teplo

    St Petersburg

    This much-feted, eclectic and original restaurant has got it all just right. The venue itself is a lot of fun to nose around, with multiple small rooms,…

  • Duo Gastrobar

    St Petersburg

    Boasting a minimalist Scandinavian design scheme, Duo Gastrobar wows diners with its outstanding cooking that showcases quality ingredients with global…

  • Schengen

    St Petersburg

    A breath of fresh air just off Liteyny pr, Schengen represents local aspirations to the wider world. The wide-ranging menu is packed with temptations,…

  • Severyanin

    St Petersburg

    An old-fashioned elegance prevails at Severyanin, one of the top choices for Russian cuisine near Sennaya pl. Amid vintage wallpaper, mirrored armoires…

  • Gräs x Madbaren

    St Petersburg

    Anton Abrezov is the talented exec chef behind this Scandi-cool meets Russian locavore restaurant where you can sample dishes such as a delicious corned…

  • Russky Dvor

    Vyborg

    The terrace overlooking the castle and town is an ideal spot to enjoy some traditional Russian dishes like venison with berry sauce. The chef cures his…

  • Zoom Café

    St Petersburg

    A perennially popular cafe (expect to wait for a table at peak times) with a cosy feel and an interesting menu, ranging from Japanese-style chicken in…

  • Yat

    St Petersburg

    Perfectly placed for eating near the Hermitage, this country-cottage-style restaurant has a very appealing menu of traditional dishes, presented with…

  • Cococo

    St Petersburg

    Cococo has charmed locals with its inventive approach to contemporary Russian cuisine. Your food is likely to arrive disguised as, say, a small bird's egg…

  • Restoran

    St Petersburg

    Nearly 20 years on the scene and this excellent place is still going strong. Stylish and airily bright, Restoran is somehow formal and relaxed at the same…

  • Gogol

    St Petersburg

    Like its sibling restaurant Chekov, Gogol whisks diners back to the genteel days of pre-revolutionary Russian home dining. The menu comes in a novel, with…

  • EM Restaurant

    St Petersburg

    Bookings are essential for this superb restaurant where the chefs calmly prepare seven beautifully presented courses in an open kitchen. Be prepared for…

  • Blok

    St Petersburg

    On the top floor of the Leningrad Centre, Blok aims to dazzle with big, bold artworks, a sculptural chandelier running down the glass-covered ceiling, and…

  • La Celletta

    St Petersburg

    La Celletta has gained a strong local following for its beautifully executed risottos, pastas and desserts (including a rich tiramisu) – all served up at…

  • Co-op Garage

    St Petersburg

    Tucked into an unmarked courtyard off Gorokhovaya, this sprawling restaurant and drinking den is the go-to spot for creatively topped thin-crust pizzas…

  • Tartarbar

    St Petersburg

    The same team behind the celebrated Duo Gastrobar opened this clever dining space to showcase a creative menu of small plates. Rawness features in various…

  • Kuznya House

    St Petersburg

    Set in the atmospheric Foundry building, Kuznya House has a creative menu that hopscotches around the globe, with tasty dishes like salmon ceviche with…

  • Bekitzer

    St Petersburg

    Always crowded and spilling out into the street, this Israel-themed eatery and drinking den lures hip and joyful people with its creative cocktails,…

  • Taste to Eat

    St Petersburg

    This popular, handsomely designed restaurant along the Fontanka River serves up quality ingredients from across Russia in innovative dishes like smoked…

  • Kvartira Kosti Kroitsa

    St Petersburg

    A beautifully designed bourgeois hideaway, Kvartira Kosti comprises a stylish restaurant with views over Nevsky pr, a small handsomely designed bar, and a…

  • Mechta Molokhovets

    St Petersburg

    Inspired by the cookbook of Elena Molokhovets, the menu at 'Molokhovets' Dream' covers all the classics from borsch to beef stroganoff, as well as less…

  • 1818 Kafe and Bikes

    St Petersburg

    Combining a love of bicycles and street food from around the globe, Kafe and Bikes serves up delicious cooking amid upbeat grooves, exposed bulbs and…

  • Sadko

    St Petersburg

    Serving all the Russian favourites, this impressive restaurant’s decor combines traditional Zhostovo floral designs and Murano glass chandeliers amid…

  • Khachapuri i Vino

    St Petersburg

    This welcoming, warmly lit space serves outstanding Georgian fare. The recipes aren't overly complicated and the fine ingredients speak for themselves in…

  • Julia Child Bistro

    St Petersburg

    This neighbourhood charmer is a fine anytime spot, with good coffees, teas and snacks, plus creative thoughtfully prepared dishes like kasha (porridge)…

  • Palkin

    St Petersburg

    This historic restaurant, which has roots dating back to 1785, evokes a touch of royal grandeur with its elegantly set dining room, exquisite cuisine and…

  • Geografiya

    St Petersburg

    True to its name, this hip little place takes diners on a culinary journey around the globe, with a standout menu of Singapore-style noodles with seafood,…

  • Oh! Mumbai

    St Petersburg

    Headed by a chef from New Delhi, this attractive eatery, decorated with colourful metal lamps and strung with prayer flags, serves up some of the best…

  • The Répa

    St Petersburg

    Repa may be Russian for turnip but this delightful restaurant, cheek-by-jowl with the Mariinsky, is anything but rustic. Beautifully painted murals of…

  • Lev y Ptichka

    St Petersburg

    Amid big fur hats, a lion (lev) mural, decorative wooden chandeliers and other curious design elements, this friendly spot has a loyal local following for…

  • Staraya Derevnya

    St Petersburg

    This tiny, family-run hideaway offers an intimate atmosphere and delectable food. Try classic recipes such as beef in plum and nut sauce or foil-baked…

  • Vsyo na Svoyom Meste

    St Petersburg

    A hip little gastrobar with warm ambiance, tables made of converted sewing machines, and a record player providing the tunes. Stop in for creative market…

  • Paninaro

    St Petersburg

    Delightfully off the beaten path, Paninaro is a gem set inside one of the Petrogradky's most striking apartment buildings (don't miss the murals up top –…

  • Vkus

    Vyborg

    On the top floor of the Victoria Hotel, Vkus serves up Italian fare like risotto, lasagna and caprese salad, as well as spicy rack of lamb and other…

  • Skazka

    Around St Petersburg

    A surprising find in Repino, Skazka has an attractive dining room with big picture windows and a terrace – both fine spots for enjoying eggplant…

  • Chasy

    Around St Petersburg

    Hands-down Gatchina's best eatery, Chasy is a friendly spot for grilled meats and seafood, and sushi. It's also a fine afternoon spot for a pot of tea and…

  • Obed Bufet

    St Petersburg

    Just what St Petersburg needs: a well-organised, central and inviting cafeteria run by the city's most successful restaurant group. Here you'll find an…