The Best Places to Try Authentic Russian Cuisine in St Petersburg

Dine like Russian royalty at Tsar, named after the title given to rulers in the Russian empire. The interior and menu are stylised to resemble a 19th-century dining hall. To make the most of your experience, ask for recommendations and put together a royal meal.

If you want to experience true luxury in St Peterburg, then be sure to visit Russian Ampir. The restaurant claims that some of the recipes were recovered from the Imperial Winter Palace cookbook and continue to be made in the same way that they have been for centuries. The table will be set to perfection with gold flatware, porcelain bowls and crystal glasses. If you’re wanting to try authentic Russian cuisine, why not do it with a noble touch?

Teplo means ‘warmth’, something that this restaurant aims to bring. It is set in a cosy yard where you can indulge in a traditionally cooked Russian meal, all while wrapped in a fluffy blanket. If the weather is good, you can enjoy a warm evening outside; if it is bad, you can warm up on one of the sofas inside.

A kommunalka was a Soviet-style apartment shared between a couple of families. So while diners won’t find haute cuisine at this restaurant, they will be able to savour a very traditional home-cooked meal that shows off what a family would have if they wanted something hearty and fast. There are also some Russian drinks to wash it all down; try some kvas, which is a fermented drink made from bread.

Cococo aims to put a fine touch on Russian cuisine. In other words, the restaurant focuses on bringing a creative approach to what would seem like already worn-out recipes. The menu here is seasonal, reflecting the availability of certain products and freshest of ingredients. Expect nothing traditional; instead, get ready for some exciting, innovative dishes.

The name of the Stroganoff family has travelled long and far with the dish associated with their household, beef stroganoff. The Stroganoff Steak House, however, makes more than just this type of meat dish. Indeed, they are known to be the place to get acquainted with the meaty side of Russian cuisine. For starters, try some of the special Russian snacks, paired with a shot or two of vodka, of course.

It doesn’t get better than a simple Russian meal. Katyusha is the place to go for a hearty three-course Russian feast. Make sure to get it in the right order: start with some soup, then the main course and finish off with some delicious desserts and, of course, tea. It may sound like a lot of food, but it will be well worth it in the end.