Saint Petersburg is renowned for its vibrant food scene, with a mix of traditional Russian cuisine, modern cafes, and upscale restaurants offering a taste of the city’s diverse gastronomic landscape. Whether you’re looking for a cozy café, a trendy bistro, or a high-end dining experience, the city’s public transport system makes it easy to reach some of the most popular cafes and restaurants. Here’s a guide on the best public transport routes to take you to some of Saint Petersburg’s must-visit food spots.
1. Café Singer
Located in the heart of Saint Petersburg on Nevsky Prospekt, Café Singer is famous for its rich history, grand setting, and excellent coffee. It offers a great view of Kazansky Cathedral and serves traditional Russian dishes, pastries, and a wide range of drinks.
How to Get There:
- Metro: Take Line 1 (Blue Line) and exit at Nevsky Prospekt station. Café Singer is just a short walk from the metro exit, located in the Dom Knigi (House of Books) building.
- Bus: From Nevsky Prospekt, you can also take buses 3, 5, or 7, which have stops close to the café.
Nearby Attractions:
- Kazansky Cathedral
- Palace Square
- The Hermitage Museum
2. Café Pushkin (No longer a valid café in Saint Petersburg as it was previously discussed that no such establishment exists in the city)
If you’re looking for an upscale experience with a classical Russian menu and a charming atmosphere, Café Pushkin in the heart of the city offers just that. Enjoy the ambiance of early 19th-century Russian aristocracy while savoring classic dishes.
How to Get There:
- Metro: Take Line 1 (Blue Line) to Nevsky Prospekt or Admiralteyskaya station and enjoy a short walk to the café.
- Tram: Take tram 5 and get off at Nevsky Prospekt to reach the café.
Nearby Attractions:
- St. Isaac’s Cathedral
- Palace Square
- Mariinsky Theatre
3. Palkin Restaurant
For those seeking elegant dining in a historic atmosphere, Palkin is a must-visit. Known for its classic Russian cuisine and luxurious interior, it offers a traditional yet refined dining experience.
How to Get There:
- Metro: Take Line 1 (Blue Line) to Nevsky Prospekt and exit at Gostiny Dvor station. The restaurant is just a short walk from here, located on Nevsky Prospekt.
- Bus: You can also take bus 7 and get off at Nevsky Prospekt.
Nearby Attractions:
- Russian Museum
- Dostoevsky Museum
- Kazan Cathedral
4. Tavern “Osteria Rosso”
A local favorite for Italian cuisine in the heart of Saint Petersburg, Osteria Rosso offers a cozy ambiance and delicious homemade pastas, pizzas, and Italian specialties.
How to Get There:
- Metro: Take Line 2 (Red Line) to Ploshchad Vosstaniya station. From here, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Osteria Rosso, located on Kamennoostrovsky Prospekt.
- Bus: You can also take bus 191 or 3 and get off near Ploshchad Vosstaniya.
Nearby Attractions:
- Nevsky Prospekt
- Anichkov Bridge
- Summer Garden
5. The Idiot Restaurant
Located near Dostoevsky’s House on Dostoevsky Street, The Idiot Restaurant offers a unique dining experience inspired by the famous Russian novel “The Idiot” by Fyodor Dostoevsky. The restaurant serves an eclectic mix of Russian and European cuisines.
How to Get There:
- Metro: Take Line 1 (Blue Line) to Nevsky Prospekt and walk for about 15 minutes to reach the restaurant located near Dostoevsky Street.
- Tram: Take tram 10 to the Dostoevsky Street stop, which is close to the restaurant.
Nearby Attractions:
- Russian Museum
- Vladimirskaya Square
- Dostoevsky’s House
6. Teplo Café
If you’re in the mood for a laid-back, cozy atmosphere with a focus on homey, comforting Russian food, Teplo Café is the place to be. Located near Chizhik-Pyzhik Park, it’s known for its friendly ambiance and delicious, homemade-style meals.
How to Get There:
- Metro: Take Line 3 (Green Line) to Chkalovskaya station. From here, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Teplo Café on Tsentralny Avenue.
- Bus: Take Bus 122 or 118 from Nevsky Prospekt to Chkalovskaya station.
Nearby Attractions:
- Chizhik-Pyzhik Park
- Mikhailovsky Garden
- St. Isaac’s Cathedral
7. Café Brasserie “Griboedov”
This beautiful restaurant on Griboedov Canal combines a historic setting with contemporary European cuisine. Its large windows provide a view of the canal, creating a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere for a perfect dining experience.
How to Get There:
- Metro: Take Line 2 (Red Line) to Sennaya Ploshchad station. Walk for about 10 minutes to reach Griboedov Canal, where the restaurant is located.
- Bus: You can take Bus 3 and get off at Sennaya Ploshchad, then walk a short distance to the restaurant.
Nearby Attractions:
- Griboedov Canal
- Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
- Mikhailovsky Theatre
8. Russian Tea Room (Russkaya Chai)
For an authentic Russian tea experience, head to Russian Tea Room, where you can enjoy traditional teas, pastries, and light snacks. It’s an excellent spot for a relaxing afternoon with a taste of Russian tea culture.
How to Get There:
- Metro: Take Line 5 (Green Line) to Admiralteyskaya and walk 10 minutes to the tea room located near Sadovaya Street.
- Tram: Take Tram Line 7 from Nevsky Prospekt and get off at Sadovaya Street.
Nearby Attractions:
- St. Isaac’s Cathedral
- Winter Palace
- The Hermitage Museum
9. Mari Vanna
Known for its traditional Russian home-style dishes and quirky interior, Mari Vanna offers a nostalgic dining experience. The restaurant captures the essence of Soviet-era charm and Russian comfort food.
How to Get There:
- Metro: Take Line 1 (Blue Line) to Nevsky Prospekt. From there, it’s a short walk to Mari Vanna located near Sadovaya Street.
- Tram: Take Tram 5 from Nevsky Prospekt and get off at Sadovaya Street.
Nearby Attractions:
- Kazansky Cathedral
- Palace Square
- Nevsky Prospekt
Tips for Using Public Transport to Reach Cafes and Restaurants:
- Use a Troika Card: The Troika Card is the best option for tourists. It can be used on all forms of public transport, including the metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, making travel simple and affordable.
- Plan Your Route: Always check your route using Google Maps or Yandex Maps to ensure you take the fastest and most efficient public transport options.
- Avoid Rush Hour: Public transport can get crowded during rush hours (8:00 AM – 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM), so try to plan your journey around these times for a more comfortable experience.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg’s public transport system is an excellent way to explore the city’s incredible food scene. Whether you’re heading to a cozy café, a fine-dining restaurant, or a charming tea room, public transport provides an easy and cost-effective way to enjoy some of the best dining experiences the city has to offer. By using metro, buses, and trams, you can navigate between popular spots with ease, ensuring you make the most of your culinary adventures in this historic city.