The Best Places to Try Authentic Russian Cuisine in St Petersburg

Enjoy traditional Russian cuisine in St Petersburg
Enjoy traditional Russian cuisine in St Petersburg | © Leonid LI / Flickr
Anastasiia Ilina

Coming to Russia and not trying its traditional cuisine would be a crime. Luckily for you, there are a variety of places to do so, ranging from simple eateries to high-end restaurants with a fresh and modern take on the traditional menu. Pick from some of the best options that St Petersburg has to offer.

1. Tsar

Restaurant, Russian

1. Tsar
© Ginza Project

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.

2. Russian Ampir

Restaurant, Russian

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?

3. Teplo

Restaurant, Russian, European, Soup

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.

5. Cococo

Restaurant, Russian

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.

6. Stroganoff Steak House

Restaurant, Russian, American, Steakhouse

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.

7. Katyusha

Restaurant, Russian, Dessert

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.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
Edit article