Where to Eat and Stay in St. Petersburg

When it comes to restaurants and hotels, the city is no less inspiring with a wealth of excellent eateries and fantastic stays to choose from. 

Take a step back in time and try Soviet-era stroganoff, then relax in an elegant hotel, to turn your stay in one of Europe’s most eye-catching cities into a regal experience. Check out our favorite places to eat and stay in St. Petersburg.

Where to eat in St. Petersburg

For Upmarket Dining: Literary Cafe

If you want to bring the regal spirit of St. Petersburg with you to dinner, there’s nowhere better to eat than the Literary Cafe. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant lives and breathes 19th-century finery and history. It was here that poet Alexander Pushkin dined before heading to his fateful duel in 1837.

To dine in the restaurant is to relax as the czars once would have. The entire dining room is decked out like a 19th-century living room, complete with pretty period paintings and opulent lampshades. Peek out of the window and you’ll be met with fantastic views of the Moika River.

And of course, the food in such an establishment is as delicious as its decor. Menu highlights include venison in pinecone sauce, duck breast in honey-mustard sauce and classic Russian Borsch.

For a Taste of the Past: Erivan

Surprise your tastebuds with something a little more rustic at Erivan. Offering up authentic Armenian cuisine, the restaurant will transport you through time to an era of Soviet rule, boasting a rich menu packed with scarcely remembered Armenian dishes.

Opt for the fish, meat or dessert tasting menus to sample a variety or classic dishes from chef Armen Pinachyan. Or share a banquet dish with friends, such as whole sturgeon or a baked leg of lamb – whatever you choose, it’s sure to be delicious.

Stepping inside the restaurant is akin to walking straight into Armenia itself. From the heavy oak furnishings and stunning stained-glass windows to the curious candlesticks and napkin holders, everything has its origins in the hands of Armenian craftsmen.

For Italian with a Twist: Francesco

You’ve probably eaten Italian food before, but you’ve never had Italian food quite like Francesco’s. The menu is populated with entirely original flavors, dreamed up by chef Guiseppe Priolo, who stirs originality and the spirit of Sicily into every unique creation. From the time-honored traditions of the cozy, comfortable interior to the antique furniture filling the dining room, here you’ll feel right at home.

The bourgeoise Italian family dining experience is enhanced by the unobtrusive staff and discreet luxuries, serving up seafood, risotto, pasta and more. Dine on the terrace in summer to enjoy the views or cozy up in the warm and welcoming interior for winter dining.

For Style and Ambience: L’Europe Restaurant

Among the most famous eateries in St. Petersburg, L’Europe Restaurant is perhaps one of the most opulent offerings. Situated in the Grand Hotel Europe, this is a restaurant that boasts lavish interiors and a menu stuffed with indulgent options.

There are few places to eat in St. Petersburg as eye-opening as L’Europe. The dining room, complete with balconies and an arched glass ceiling, retains the air of a ballroom fit for Russia’s elite. The fact that Charlie Chaplin and Queen Elizabeth II, among others, have dined here, is a testament to its quality.

Chefs bring together Russian and European cuisine seamlessly with live music adding a tantalizing twist to the art nouveau stylings. Enjoy Sunday brunch to the accompaniment of live jazz and make the most of food and beverage credits when you stay at the Grand Hotel Europe.

Places to Stay in St. Petersburg

For Flamboyant Style: Domina Prestige

Located only a few minutes from St. Isaac’s Square and Cathedral, Domina Prestige Hotel is the perfect base for exploring St. Petersburg. Its five-star design is so beautiful, you’ll hardly want to leave your flamboyant bedroom.

The 18th-century stately home that houses the hotel is a stunning example of period architecture. But inside, it’s the variety that really brings the hotel to life. Rooms are colorfully curated into five themes – nature, family, fantasy, adventure, and romance – and are replete with stone walls and ornate, heavy wooden furniture.

For those looking to kick back and relax, the wellness area of the hotel offers a Finnish sauna and Turkish steam room, among other excellent facilities.

For Ultimate Grandeur: Kempinski Hotel Moika 22

Perched on the banks of the Moika River, Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 showcases some of the finest views in the city. But it’s the hotel itself that your eyes are most likely to be drawn to. A shining example of a Romanov mansion, this grand building exudes elegance and classic Russian style.

Inside, the rooms are both large and exquisitely decorated. Carefully selected antiques adorn each room, creating an air of luxury throughout. For those exploring the city, the hotel is located just a stone’s throw from the Nevsky Prospect and all the best St. Petersburg attractions, including the main shopping district.

For a Modern Twist: NasHOTEL

It can sometimes feel everything in St. Petersburg is pulled from the past, but one hotel that’s not based around days gone by is NasHOTEL. This friendly, modern lodging is located within the heart of Vasilyevsky Island, near to the ArtMuza modern art gallery.

Here, the focus is on comfort, with clean contemporary rooms designed to make the most of the space that’s on offer. This is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and the hotel’s love for everything floral only helps to give it a summery vibe that’s often hard to find in St. Petersburg.

La Botanique, the onsite restaurant, serves dishes from around the world for brunch, lunch and dinner, and a complimentary breakfast buffet for hotel guests.

For the Unusual: Alexander House

Away from all the pomp and aristocratic atmosphere of St. Petersburg, Alexander House is a charming boutique hotel that’s off the beaten track. Family-run and situated in a small 19th-century house, this is a stay that’s all about attention to detail.

Each one of the 20 rooms is uniquely decorated with aesthetics derived from a different world city – whether that’s Paris, Venice, Marrakech or St. Petersburg itself. It’s a kitsch design quirk that makes every visit fun and memorable.

Conveniently located close to attractions such as Trinity Cathedral, the Mariinsky Theatre and Nevsky Avenue, Alexander House has standard rooms, suites and apartments for all occasions.

Now you know our favorite places to eat and stay in St. Petersburg, it’s time to start planning your trip. Check out our ideal itinerary for a three-day trip to St. Petersburg on the Hertz blog.