Sometimes, all you want from an eating place is a decent sandwich and a cup of coffee. Let’s be honest: it’s not so hard to find something like this these days. But sometimes you want more: something classy, stylish, sophisticated, with fine dining and delicate drinks, with nice music and interior that ties everything together, authentic but not overpriced. This is when it becomes complicated, especially when you’re traveling, don’t speak the language and do not have much time for a research. In such cases, you’re lucky to have MeetnGreetMe and our local personal assistants, who are always ready to find something special for you according to your taste, needs, and budget.

This time, our local MeetnGreeters in Saint Petersburg helped us find the best places for a fine and stylish dinner for you!

Gräs/Madbaren – Inzhenernaya St., 7

Gräs/Madbaren is located in just a short walk from the main strip of Nevsky Prospect, very close to the famous Russian Museum and Mikhailovsky Castle.

It’s a perfect place to have a nice stylish dinner: the interior is decorated with such natural materials as light wood, green moss and marble floors, which create a very special atmosphere.

The menu features exclusive chef’s dishes, innovative and beautifully served. There is special emphasis on domestic products and Scandinavian cooking techniques. For first time visitors, there are various tasting sets which feature the most popular tapas and drinks.

Drinks are also worth your attention: bartenders create seasonal cocktails with funky names and unusual ingredients like lavender, red cedar, and dried prune. In case you feel lost in their rich menu, the staff is really knowledgeable and helpful, and can speak fluent English.

Totally worth visiting! But keep in mind: it’s very busy on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s better to book the table in advance.

O Gastrobar – Pirogova Ln., 18

This place is not easy to find but it’s totally worth finding. O is located not far from the Mariinsky Theater and is beloved by local theatergoers and gourmets. So if you’re planning to visit Mariinsky, it’s a really great idea to have a pre-theater dinner here, at O.

The dishes are internationally inspired, flavourful yet elegant, paired with delicious cocktails and a modern wine list. There is a festival set-menu which allows you to try exquisite appetizers like chicken liver pate or oyster mushrooms with smoked cheese mousse and specially matched drinks.

One of the bestsellers here is honey ice-cream, totally worth trying!

The place is also famous for its delicious coffee and unusual not-too-sweet desserts.

There’s one more nice detail at O Gastrobar: every Friday and Saturday there are musical evenings with live piano concerts which is part of the charm of this place.

Wong Kar Wine – River Fontanka Emb., 14

If you love Asian food and like it spicy, this place is a must for you! Don’t get yourself confused by its European interior: there are lots of Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese dishes in Wong Kar Wine. The food is spectacular, with unexpected flavor combinations and play of textures. You can have main entrees like duck, chicken, noodles with beef and tuna, as well as desserts – pannacotta and creams brûlée. Top recommended specialties are Tom Yum, Soba noodles with broccoli and ginger, and duck spring rolls, so don’t hesitate to try it out!

Particular attention should be given to a nice selection of wines and other drinks – Rieslings, Sauvignon, cider, strong or non-alcoholic – all beverages are perfectly matched to Pan-Asian cuisine. The staff are exceedingly nice and knowledgeable, so they will gladly help you choose something suitable for your main dishes.

Duo Gastrobar – Kirochnaya St., 8A

This gastropub with author’s cuisine and reasonable prices is widely known among local gourmets. The owners of Duo are two chefs who not only cook themselves but also personally serve the guests. The interior is made extremely laconic in order not to distract the guests from their gastronomic experience, which is, as a rule, so spectacular, that the table at Duo needs to be booked a few days beforehand. By the way, this restaurant was featured as Diners’ Club World’s 50 Best Discovery.

The menu is quite rich: among main courses, you can find beef tartare, gnocchi with truffle oil and scallops with buckwheat. The top recommended desserts are chocolate ganache and gorgonzola shavings over a passion fruit mousse. There are some vegan and vegetarian options and organic non-alcoholic beverages as well.

All in all, it’s a great place to enjoy innovative dishes and a nice bottle of wine. The ambiance and attentive waiters will make it really special. But, again, as this place is in high demand, book the table ahead.

Coffee 22 – Kazanskaya St., 22

In contrast to previous places, here you won’t find molecular gastronomy or unusually mixed ingredients. This is a perfect place to chill and enjoy a light dinner or breakfast with a cup of coffee after or before a busy day in Saint Petersburg. Cozy stylish interior with rugs and comfy chairs and friendly staff will make you feel at home. They serve All Day Breakfast: fresh yogurt with granola, scrambled eggs with salmon and truffles, and orange juice – worth trying!

There is a pretty wide range of beverages, mostly coffee, and lemonades.

In the evenings, you can enjoy great DJ-sets here. It’s a great opportunity to relax, enjoy your meal and meet some locals.

Otherwise, you can always contact your local advisor in Saint Petersburg, who can not only keep you company but also book tables for you and help you with any other everyday issues.