The Best Restaurants in St. Petersburg for Incredible Views

The rooftop restaurant Mansarda is revered by locals and visitors alike. It overlooks one of Saint Petersburg’s major landmarks, St. Isaac’s Cathedral. The menu here has an eclectic mix of the most popular cuisines, such as Georgian, Italian, and Japanese, and has an extensive wine list. Be mindful that seats with a view get booked quickly so reserving a table is essential.

A classy French bistro located on the rooftop of the Kempinski hotel, the panoramic windows of the restaurant overlook the Palace Square and the Winter Palace. Perfect for both morning breakfast and an evening meal. The bistro maintains an elegant touch without any over-the-top luxury.

A newly opened venture in Saint Petersburg, China Gramota is one of the few restaurants in the city serving fine dining Cantonese food. A menu set to impress and wacky interiors are topped up with a view overlooking the Church on the Saviour of Spilled Blood. Book outside on the terrasse to get the best of the view. Outside seating is only available during the warmer months of the year.

The best way to enjoy the best views of Saint Petersburg is from the water. Cruises along the Neva river encompass most of the major landmarks of the city in just under an hour. Volga-Volga combines a mini sightseeing tour with a fine dining dinner. Cruise up the Neva river and then dock until all the guests have finished their meals. Booking is, of course, important, and arriving late for the departure may result in the ship literally sailing away. Departure times are available on their website.

This is a very popular Italian getaway, especially frequented by locals. The rooftop is a great space during the summer with live music, hammocks, and a great view of the Petrogradskaya island, a part of St. Petersburg that is often neglected by visitors, despite preserving a poetic ambiance of the past. When on detour from the city center, a meal at Makaronniki would be a choice not to regret.

Located on the last floor of the Nevsky shopping center, Moskva is a great place to have a meal after a day of shopping or after arriving from Moscow at the train station. The terrasse of the restaurant opens onto Nevsky Avenue and Vosstaniya square.

An atmospheric sun-drenched terrace away from the busy city, Roof 18 is a modern restaurant bringing together a menu of European favorites and an extensive drink list to be enjoyed outside on the couches. For a more private atmosphere, there are VIP rooms with fireplaces. A romantic alternative for cold winter nights.