Russian Far East
There are actually two Chinese restaurants sharing one kitchen here. Mandarin is the quieter and more sophisticated of the two in terms of decor and can…
Russian Far East
There are actually two Chinese restaurants sharing one kitchen here. Mandarin is the quieter and more sophisticated of the two in terms of decor and can…
Yakutsk
The best place in town for sushi, Kita Gava is a buzzing place that serves up tasty sashimi platters, noodle soups and plump gyoza (dumplings). While not…
Vladivostok
A trendy spot with a popular street-side terrace, 'Milk & Honey' has fabulous daily brunch offerings, great coffee, dangerously good cocktails and a menu…
Western European Russia
This popular hang-out draws the crowds for all the right reasons: a lovely summer terrace with brilliant river views, a warm and woodsy interior and a…
Western European Russia
Saint Jacques adds some ooh la la to the Smolensk dining scene. The St Petersburg chef doffs his beret ever so slightly to France with upmarket…
Yakutsk
With leather armchairs and white brick walls, Rublevka is a surprisingly elegant stolovaya (canteen) with a good selection of smoked fish, soups,…
Western European Russia
Lira is set in a lovely riverside park right by the Pushkin Museum, with white garden furniture scattered around in front. Light meals and snacks are on…
Western European Russia
Just steps from the kremlin walls and fortress entrance is this sweet little cafe boasting ‘Izborskian’ bliny. There's also light meals such as pelmeni…
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
On the hillside overlooking Avacha Bay just beyond the old town, this upscale Korean barbecue allows you to cook up your own meats tableside, as well as…
St Petersburg
One of the newest branches of this chain of excellent vegetarian cafes is located near Sampsonievsky Bridge. The small, handsomely designed space serves…
Sakhalin Island
This is the most centrally located of this Sakhalin bakery chain where sticky Danishes, rich eclairs, sandwiches, coffee and tea are all on offer. It's a…
Northern European Russia
This bright and cheery cafe is located halfway up pedestrianised Prospekt Chumbarova-Luchinskogo. Offers great-value business lunches as well as tasty…
Western European Russia
The Jem is a snuggly dark-wood cafe near the city centre with a summer terrace and lamp-lit interior. There's nothing unexpected on the menu (bliny, pasta…
St Petersburg
Above an interior-design shop, this darkly beautiful cafe-bar, dominated by a magnificent glass chandelier, specialises in Belgian cuisine and beers. The…
St Petersburg
Made to feel like a large family home, this charmingly decorated Italian restaurant comes complete with birds in cages, sideboards full of crockery and…
Yakutsk
A large, airy and authentic Korean restaurant on the ground floor of one of Yakutsk's fanciest office buildings (look for the fabulous ornamental gates),…
St Petersburg
This tiny place is a foodie dream. Fresh daily specials such as artichoke salad and gazpacho complement a large range of freshly made soups. There are…
Northern European Russia
Gud'OK tries to ooze urban sophistication, with its wall-length prints of nighttime Manhattan and red leather seats, but doesn't quite make it. The food,…
St Petersburg
All kinds of dumplings are on the menu here – Georgian khinkali, Uzbek manti, Ukrainian vareniki and of course the eponymous pelemni – prepared fresh in a…
Vladivostok
Classier than its name might suggest, the M is one of Vlad’s coolest hang-outs, with two unique rooms setting their style sights higher than the humble…
Western European Russia
Set in the old castle walls, this charming restaurant has plenty of character, with stained-glass windows, a tiny fireplace, exposed-brick walls and…
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
Inside the Planeta Shopping Centre, Yamato serves delicious sushi in a low-lit setting with a dash of style (and a long fish-filled aquarium). It's rather…
St Petersburg
This fun pan-Asian diner, occupying sleek and luminous premises with a retro-glamorous feel just off Nevsky, offers a large menu of very-good-quality…
St Petersburg
Although not flash, this is one of Vasilyevsky Island’s best Georgian restaurants – a friendly place on a residential backstreet, where sumptuous…
St Petersburg
One of the city's top Italian operations, Probka oozes Milanese sophistication and is popular with the suits from the building's Gazprom offices. Word to…
Northern European Russia
Grab a tray and make your way around this plant-strewn cafeteria, picking up your salads, soups and hearty mains as you go along. Wash it all down with a…
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
Serving up good sushi, sashimi, ramen and other Japanese delights, this multiroom restaurant is friendly, fast and welcoming, with a picture menu and a…
Western European Russia
Perfect for a lunch break along ul Lenina, Samovar is an appealing self-serve restaurant specialising in traditional savoury and sweet pies. Sit up front…
Yakutsk
This originally designed place has an unexpectedly cool vibe and a very eclectic and tasty menu by Yakutsk standards. Street food, delights from the…
St Petersburg
Opposite Peter’s Cabin, this sleek, laid-back lounge–restaurant has a great terrace perfect for a relaxed lunch over a bottle of wine. The menu ranges…
St Petersburg
The restaurant name, a punning reference to Jackie Chan in Russian, neatly sums up the burger-meets-Asian menu at this fine and stylish casual diner. Try…
Sakhalin Island
Heavy inlaid wooden furniture and red tapestries set the stage for tasty chicken tikka masala, rich curries and fluffy naan bread at this expat favourite…
St Petersburg
The best place to eat within the Russian Museum is this cafe which occupies an elegant, lofty space where you can enjoy a coffee and cake or a more…
St Petersburg
Top-class Armenian restaurant, with an elegant ethnic design and delicious traditional food made with ingredients it promises are from ‘ecologically pure’…
Western European Russia
Housed in an old brick water tower, this charming modern cafe offers simple, classic meals, such as pelmeni (Russian-style ravioli typically stuffed with…
Russian Far East
This place does the best coffee in town, and the passionate, well-trained baristas will even sell you some of their delicious fresh beans to take with you…
Northern European Russia
Spice alert in provincial Russia! This laid-back Central Asian–themed restaurant, part of a chain, serves plov (meat and rice, pilaf style), kutab …
Yakutsk
The biggest outlet of this highly recommended Yakutsk coffee chain. As well as excellent flat whites, there's a comprehensive food menu that includes a…
Western European Russia
Excellent thin-crust pizzas, topped waffles and filling sandwiches are just the start of the great things about this whimsical cafe. Vegetarians will find…
St Petersburg
The best place for a quick bite on New Holland Island is this buzzing little self-serve deli, which offers soups, salads, sandwiches and heavenly baked…