St. Petersburg is called not only the cultural, but also the gastronomic capital of Russia. In the city one and a half times more catering outlets per capita than in Moscow, and St. Petersburg establishments consistently occupy first places in restaurant ratings.
With so much variety to choose from, choosing just a few places to visit is no easy task, so we’ve put together our list of our favorite bars, cafes and restaurants. Bookmark it if you are planning a trip to this city.
1. Pyshechnaya on Bolshaya Konyushennaya
Address: st. Bolshaya Konyushennaya, 25.
The legendary donut shop in the city center, operating since 1958.
Daria Poleshchikova
Author of “The Burning Hut”.
A trip to the Pyshechnaya on Bolshaya Konyushennaya is a real journey back in time. Saleswomen in lace caps pour tea into cut glasses, and the line stretches halfway down the street. But don’t be afraid of the long tail: the service is quick, and very soon you’ll have a paper bag with steaming donuts generously sprinkled with powdered sugar in your hands.
There are several tables inside, but they are usually occupied, so you’ll have to enjoy your pastries on a bench in a nearby park. Oh, and don’t forget to bring cash: cards are accepted here only once in a while.
2. Bar Orthodox
Address: st. Rubinstein2.
A place that popularizes traditional Russian alcohol. The bar menu includes signature cocktails dedicated to Chekhov, Tchaikovsky and Blok.
Natalya Kopylova
Senior editor at Lifehacker.
Cool bar on Rubinshteina street. Here you can choose a drink from the menu or ask the bartenders for a recommendation. They’ll ask a couple of leading questions and create a mix that will most likely resonate with you.
3. Cafe “Khachapuri and Wine”
Addresses: Grechesky Ave., 10, Kadetskaya line, 29, Kolomyazhsky pr., 15k2, st. Kazanskaya, 29, st. Pravdy, 9/10, st. Mayakovskogo, 56, Bolshoy Prospekt PS, 74, st. Malaya Konyushennaya, 9.
A popular chain establishment of Georgian cuisine, where you can try homemade wine, khinkali and more than a dozen types of khachapuri.
Asya Pushkina
Head of Lifehacker’s distribution department.
The best Georgian cuisine for me is at Khachapuri and Wine. There is also surprisingly cheap and tasty pomegranate wine that drinks like compote.
4. Gin Tonic Bar
Address: Liteiny pr., 64.
An intimate bar with a large selection of gin and gin-based cocktails, hidden in the courtyards of Liteiny Prospekt.
Alexander Somov
Art director at Lifehacker.
I recommend this bar to lovers of intricate gin cocktails; there are several dozen types of this drink. Gin Tonic has a great atmosphere, friendly service and professionals behind the bar.
I recommend a Negroni with port and a cocktail with sloe gin.
5. F. Volchek’s bakeries
A network of more than a hundred bakeries throughout the city. In addition to fresh bread, pies and buns, they offer cakes, desserts and ice cream at low prices.
Anya Ackerman
SMM specialist at Lifehacker.
I really love this place. I even miss him when I leave St. Petersburg for a long time. The most inexpensive bakery I can remember, and it’s super tasty. Carrot cake, chicken and mushroom pie, scone with cream – love.
You can sit and enjoy a coffee in the bakery itself or grab something to eat on the run.
6. Restaurant Kuznyahouse
Address: emb. Admiralteysky Canal, 2M.
A restaurant on the island of New Holland with a summer terrace and views of the herb garden, its own bakery and clear dishes made from local and seasonal products. At night, Kuznya turns from a restaurant into a club with dancing, concerts and DJ sets.
Daria Poleshchikova
“Kuznya” is a pleasant place in hipster New Holland. If you choose a table on the veranda, you can feel like you are outside the city.
I especially liked the breakfast at this establishment. They are served here until 14:00. The portions are so large that the dish could easily pass for lunch. I recommend trying the Turkish eggs and croissants from our own bakery.
7. Bar “Cabinet”
Address: st. Malaya Sadovaya, 8.
Theatrical speakeasy bar with the atmosphere of an early 20th century secret club and cocktails inspired by the four elements. Access to the “Cabinet” is only possible by prior reservation.
Elvira Sibishova
Senior project manager at Lifehacker.
“Cabinet” is one of the most interesting bars I’ve ever been to. It is secret and not so easy to find.
Guests of the bar are advised to adhere to evening dress code, but this is not a requirement. Visitors who do not comply with the dress code are not denied entry, but are asked to put on a robe. And here your adventure begins: you will plunge into the atmosphere of an underground American bar during the Prohibition era, the cocktails in the “Cabinet” are chosen by you.
8. Cafe Pret
Address: st. 8th Sovetskaya, 17–19.
An affordable bistro with 17 types of Neapolitan pizza from a wood-fired oven.
Natalia Kopylova
For me, the most important thing about pizza is the dough. If you want to leave crusts on the plate, then this is an indicator that it was not a success. This doesn’t happen at Pret, and you always finish the pizza completely.
9. Bar “Bakunin”
Address: st. 2-ya Sovetskaya, 25A.
A boutique cafe from the Bakunin brewery with a short menu, 20 taps with their own and guest beers, and a collection of several hundred imported bottles.
Anya Ackerman
This bar introduced me to the world of craft beer. Then I learned that beer comes with fruit and vegetable flavors! I recommend trying the mango IPA and salty gose. You can come to Bakunin for a date or a get-together, and it’s not a shame to treat your mother to a craft beer here.
10. Coffee shop Verle Garden
Address: Kamennoostrovsky pr., 25.
Stylish coffee shop with a minimalist interior and windows overlooking Nizami Square. The beans for espresso, cold brew, lattes and other drinks are roasted in-house.
Asya Pushkina
A very pleasant coffee shop on Petrogradka with outdoor tables in a Parisian style.
If you live in St. Petersburg or visit there often, add to the list in the comments!
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