WHERE TO EAT?
Korchma
Address: Nab. kan. Griboedova 69/18,metro Sadovaya, tel. 812 312 05 18This restaurant-pub is a real find. It is designed like an old tavern of the tsarist period and it has a warm atmosphere and unique interior. A wonderful Russian menu with superb prices. There is a huge amount of meat dishes. They offer breakfasts and business lunch deals. There is a music room with dance-floor where different live bands play every night. On weekends, after the feasting on different dishes, comes the opportunity to feast your eyes on striptease artists – real Russian entertainment. Open 24 hrs.
Russkaya Ryumochnaya ¹1
Address: Konnogvardeisky Boulevard 4, metro Sennaya Pl., tel. 812 570 64 20Typically a ryumochnaya is a stand up, spit and sawdust kind of a working men wash down cheap vodka with salty snacks. This is Russian food fit for tsars, complete with black caviar and reindeer meat. The historic dishes are rich and well made, making this a very classy introduction to Russian cuisine. They also have possibly the biggest vodka list I’ve ever seen, as well as a vodka museum!
Yolki-Palki
Address: Nevsky pr. 88,metro Mayakovskaya, tel. 812 273 15 94Aimed at the tourist market, this slightly cheesy Russian eatery packs in both Russian and foreigners alike. The come here for the good value meals, the staff mincing around in traditional costume and that aromatic smell of shashlik from behind the grill. Sit under the plastic forest canopy, while filling up on an all-you-can-eat plate from the buffet wagons or order something from the menu. Open 7:00 – 5:00
Soup Wine
Address: Ul. Kazanskaya 24,metro Sennaya pl., tel. 812 312 76 90Five tables with bar stools are all you will find in this sleek and agreeable diner. The menu is as small as the place itself, boasting a simple yet tasty choice of on soups and salads but also a selection of French juices, pasta and wine. The hot chocolate is the kind of eat with a spoon and the salads come in bowls heaving with green leaves. Given the size and how easy it is to sit and linger listening to the operatic soundtrack, it is definitely advised to book ahead. Open 12:00 – 23:00
Teplo
Address: Ul.Bolshaya Morskaya 45,metro Sennya pl., tel. 812 570 19 74In essence, this is a place that lives up to its name. Meaning warmth in Russia, Teplo is a winner. Things are done here subtly and well. The understated homely decor, the thoroughly intelligent menu, the delightful service (yes the waitresses smile!) all make coming here similar to dropping by your best friend’s house and having a bite to eat in their lounge room or on their patio or in their kitchen full of freshly baked pies and breads. In deed wherever you end up eating in, you’ll linger, eat, drink and put off leaving. Open 9:00 - 24:00
WHERE TO PARTY?
Bardak
Address: Ul.Grivtsova 11, metro Sennaya Pl., tel. 812 713 43 45In Russia bardak means mess. An apt description of this little place full of nooks and crannies, perfect for hiding away and having a quiet beer or sipping on one of their many delicious coctails. There is definitely a studenty feel and it's not just from the motley collection of clientele. While the bar is single fronted, they've installed a mezzanine layer, that looks both precarious and inviting, and the walls are littered with bric-a-brac. The menu is full of Russian standards, served with aplomb. Open 12:00 - 03:00, Fri,Sat 12:00 - 06:00, Sun 15:00 - 03:00
Dacha
Address: Ul.Dumskaya 9, metro Gostiny DvorThe place gets really crowded during the weeekeds but then it also tends to be more fun as you literally can't move at all but no-one seems to really mind. The later the hour the crazier the atmosphere with people dancing, kissing and downing vodkas like it's the end of the world. Don't dress too fancy If you're coming here, you're likely to get beer split on you and the place is smokier than a cuban warehouse. If you can't get in try the copy cat Fidel Bar next door to the right, but avoid the terrible Belgrad on ther left. Open 18:00-06:00 . Admission Fri-Sat 100 Rbl.
The bar with no name
Address: Bankovsky per., metro Nevsky pr.Despite its lack of signage or promotion, this underground bar has quickly become the place for the city's underground set. The music will suite break dancers as there's a lot of trip-hop, funk and new soul going on, while those with two left feet will be glad to see there are plenty of sofas. As is obligatory these days there's table football in the back room. To find it from Sadovaya Ul. turn into Bankovsky per., then at the first left turn into what looks like a scary back street. Take the first right through the gates and you should at some point see someone come out of the door leading to the cellar.
USEFUL LINKS
St.Petersburg is a European city, which is located just in few hours driving from Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Belarus… so it’s great for travelers, who want to visit the Cultural capital of Russia and pay less for tickets!AIRLINES TICKETS:
www.easyjet.com – the nearest airport - Vantaa (Helsinki). After that you can take a coach and go to St.Petersburg .www.airbaltic.com – you can use direct flights to St.Petersburg or arrive to the nearest airport in Lappeenranta (Finland).
www.blue1.com – the nearest airport – Vantaa (Helsinki)
www.ryanair.com – you can arrive to Tampere (Finland) or Riga (Latvia).
