Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
239
crossed Russia's expanse. It's fare for simple folk and this wooden hut-modeled cafe is a
fitting setting to sample them, with proletarian prices that help you forget about the
palaces outside. Try a few different fillings if you're in a group; the salmon and mushroom
versions, though less traditional, are mouth-watering even if you're on your own. Don't
plan an energetic outing after stopping here; you may be too satisfied to move. For the
authentic experience, join the dumplings with some flavored vodka.
3 Gorokhovaya Ulitsa.
&
812/570-0405
. Main courses 250-400 rubles. Daily noon-midnight. Metro:
Nevsky Prospekt.
INEXPENSIVE
Chainaya Lozhka
(Teaspoon) RUSSIAN A sort of Russian cafeteria, this chain
serves cheap, quick fare with a Russian emphasis. The beet-and-carrot salad, creamy ham-
and-potato salad, marinated mushrooms, and cabbage soup are hardly haute cuisine, but
they can satisfy midday hunger at unbeatable prices. Nothing is written in English, but
the food is displayed at the counter, so you can just point to what you want. Despite its
name, the teas are mediocre bag teas and the coffee is either watery or grainy, but all
drinks are under a dollar. The place can get crowded, but turnover is quick. This is a safe,
convenient choice if you're wandering Nevsky any time of day.
44 Nevsky Prospekt (among 45 other locations).
&
812/571-4657.
www.teaspoon.ru. Salads and main dishes
25-150 rubles. No credit cards. Daily 7am-11pm; weekends and June-Aug 24 hr. Metro: Nevsky Prospekt.
4
SQUARE OF THE ARTS UP
TO SUMMER GARDENS
13
EXPENSIVE
Park Giuseppe
ITALIAN The main reason to come here is the environment:
You're almost inside Mikhailovsky Gardens, with a view of the Mikhailovsky Castle and
the candy-colored domes of the Church on the Spilled Blood. The cozy, compact pink
building has an inviting shaded terrace and artsy attic room. It's hard to imagine that in
Soviet times this pavilion was a public toilet. Thankfully there's no remnant of that era
left, and the only scents wafting out are those of hot tea and fresh flowers. The cuisine is
Russian-style Italian, meaning thin-crust pizzas, Caesar salad with salmon, and plenty of
fish. The service can be slow, so don't come here in a rush.
2 Canal Griboyedova, building B (entrance across from church).
&
812/571-7309.
Main courses 500-
1,000 rubles. AE, MC, V. Daily 11am-3am. Metro: Gostiny Dvor.
MODERATE
Face Café
RUSSIAN/ASIAN Its design is east Asian, its cuisine a stylish and ever-
changing mélange of Russian staples with Japanese and Korean touches. Service is
friendly and efficient and prices are reasonable. It's one of the few places in town that
serves breakfast, with omelets and European-style morning fare. The lunch menu is a
good deal, and offers a range of dishes that can satisfy a big group with divergent tastes.
29 Kanala Griboyedova.
&
812/571-9695.
Main courses 300-500 rubles. No credit cards. Daily 9am-
midnight. Metro: Nevsky Prospekt.
