Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
13
Where to Dine in
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg's current dining
scene reflects its seaside and river-crossed
geography, with fresh- and saltwater fish
on every menu. Its eye-on-Europe heritage
means that traditional Russian dishes are
often upstaged by French-inspired terrines
and roasts, or by pastas and pizza. Cuisines
from the former Soviet republics in central
Asia and the Caucasus are well represented
though less common than in Moscow.
The sushi craze has definitely gripped the
country's northern capital, too (see the
“Sushi” box on p. 123).
Round-the-clock cafes and restaurants
of all genres and calibers abound in the
center of town. The farther you venture
from Nevsky Prospekt, the cheaper your
options will be—but they'll also be more
limited and less likely to have menus in
English. Exceptions are the ship-restau-
rants that line the north side of the Neva,
most of which are gaudy and overpriced
but very tourist-friendly. Overall, though,
St. Petersburg restaurants have a very good
quality-to-price ratio, with something for
everyone on most menus. Keep an eye out
for “business lunches,” a good way to get a
reasonably priced meal and quick service
at midday. Also try a place in one of the
surprising clutches of elegant restaurants
on up-and-coming Vasilevsky Island.
Nonsmoking sections are becoming more
and more common in St. Petersburg, but
they are not yet a rule. Call ahead to check,
if smoke concerns you. Hotel restaurants
are spacious enough that you'll usually be
able to find a table away from the smokers.
Menu prices can be confusing, since
they're often pegged to either the dollar or
the euro, though when the check comes
you'll have to pay in rubles at the current
exchange rate. See the “Currency Confu-
sion” box on p. 96 for a fuller explanation.
Credit cards are catching on quickly but
are rarely accepted at small or inexpensive
cafes.
Most restaurants listed here have menus
in English. For those that don't, see the
glossary of menu terms in chapter 19. For
an overview of Russian cuisine and dining
customs, see chapter 2. For tips for vege-
tarians and picnicking, refer to chapter 6.
1
RESTAURANTS BY CUISINE
ARMENIAN
Kilikia (South of Nevsky, $$$,
p. 242)
CENTRAL ASIAN
Karavan
EUROPEAN
Akademiya
(Vasilevsky Island, $$,
p. 245)
Glyanets
(Upper Nevsky, $$,
p. 238)
(South of Nevsky, $$,
p. 243)
Key to Abbreviations: $$$$ = Very Expensive
$$$ = Expensive
$$ = Moderate
$ = Inexpensive
