Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ploshchad; )
Something of a tourist favourite, the Idiot is definitely a charm-
ing place and has been providing brunch (R360) for travellers for years now. Insidi-
ously vegetarian (you may not even notice that there's no meat on the menu), this is
more about atmosphere, relaxation and fun (helped along by the complementary
vodka at the end of each meal). The cosy subterranean space, the antique furnishings
and crowded bookshelves make it an extremely pleasant place to come to eat or drink.
RUSSIAN
SSIAN
BACKSTAGE €€€
(
За сценой
; 327 0684; Teatralnaya pl 18/10; mains R750-1000; Sadovaya; )
The
Mariinsky's official restaurant is tucked away, rather out of sight, on one corner of
Teatralnaya pl. The decor is stage-worthy, and the food is excellent; sample dishes in-
clude fried Dover sole and venison with savoy cabbage and cranberry sauce. Famous
opera singers and ballet dancers have written all over the walls, though it's probably
best to refrain unless you count yourself among the stars. Reservations for the even-
ings are recommended.
STE
STEAKHO
AKHOUSSE
STROGANOFF STEAK HOUSE €€
R400-1000; Sennaya Ploshchad; )
Beef lovers can indulge their habit at this
12,000-sq-metre restaurant, the city's biggest. Thanks to clever design, though, it
doesn't feel overwhelmingly large or impersonal. The steaks are large enough to
share. There's a fun children's playroom here, making it good for young families.
RUSSIAN-FRENCH
SSIAN-FRENCH
NOBLE NEST €€€
R1000- 3000; Sennaya Ploshchad; )
This is the doyenne of the St Petersburg haute
ceptionally stuffy (men shouldn't even think of entering without a tie), but - as previ-
ous diners such as Bill Clinton will no doubt tell you - the Russian-French cuisine is
exceptional. Reservations are recommended.
STOLLE €
BAKER
AKERY
