It’s finally summer! Well, at least in theory. Saint Petersburg usually seems to be widely unimpressed by this meteorological fact, but sometimes the sun does show mercy and shines its light on our beautiful city. My first instinct in this case: go outside and grab a coffee! However, I find the matter of outside seating in Saint Petersburg quite unsettling. Apparently, it is not such a common thing for Russians. The patios on Nevsky are uncomfortable and always heavily overcrowded. That’s why I share my top 5 places for enjoying food and drinks under the clouds with you:
Like so many other places in Saint Petersburg, Camorra is located in a backyard. The house faces a catholic church called Prikhod Lurdskoy Bogomateri. It has a small, but very delicious selection of hand-made pizzas and offers a variety of craft beer. It has a spacious outside area and a very cozy room upstairs. Their vegetarian pumpkin pizza is amazing!
Metro Station Ploshad Vosstaniya, Kovenskiy Pereulok 14
Serves Russian food and ice cream for dessert. Its interior design resembles a living room, which makes the place incredibly comfortable. Their outside area reminds me a bit of a German beer garden. Bonus: the check comes in envelopes on which guests doodled. Some people produce real gems there: I once received one that read “Spring is here, but love is not”. Had to keep it!
Metro Station Admiralteyskaya, Bol’shaya Morskaya Ul. 45
Judging by the façade and the logo design, Solaris Lab from the outside looks more like a (admittedly, very shabby) club than a café. However, after you successfully climbed up the stairs, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of the city, great cakes and a bunch of different sorts of tea.
Metro Station Admiralteyskaya; Sennaya/Sadovaya/Spasskaya, Pirogova Pereulok 18
The beer here is mediocre, but if you’re into pizza or looking for one of the few places on Gorokhovaya that are not entirely vegetarian/vegan, this is your bet. Inside they have a pool table, but I confess I have never seen it unused. Although it is quite hidden it’s usually a crowded place. Outside they have some benches and beer crates. Make sure to come early!
Metro Station Sennaya/Sadovaya/Spasskaya, Gorokhovaya Ul. 47
Finally, New Holland obviously needs to be on the list. I don’t have a particular place for food here in mind, but the area generally is good for picnicking and simply hanging out in the sun and enjoying the hipster-y atmosphere. It also features well known eateries like Bekitzer and aforementioned Camorra, so go outside and get your vitamin D (but don’t forget your umbrella)!
Metro Station Admiralteyskaya
Now that you know where I love to go, what are your favorite places to sit outside and enjoy the sun? Tell me in the comments or on our facebook page!
Also, if you’re looking for more places to satisfy your cravings for coffee, check out this article.
Posted by Alexandra Heidsiek
Hi! My name is Alexandra, and I'm an intern at Liden & Denz in St. Petersburg, where I try to accustom to Russian language, their culture and This Darn Rain.
Students will be happy to learn that the Russian Government has today announced plans to make Russian language easier in an effort to simplify greater international engagement. …
In a previous post, we revealed that Russians don't really say “na zdarovje” when they toast. While the phrase has been popularised in English language media – and a lot of Russians will nod politely and clink glasses with you if you use it – it’s not something a native speaker would ever…
Improve your Russian while working as an expat? Mission possible! …
What could be a better way for Russian immersion than reading, especially when you read the books that you find interesting and that can give you a better idea of the culture of Russia? Co-founder of Liden & Denz, Walter Denz shares his experience on how reading Russian literature can improve your…
When people think about fashion I would bet they associated with places like Paris, Milan or New York. It’s undeniable that fashion is a big thing in those places. A place to visit by any fashionista. Nonetheless, there are many talented designers in Russia worth discovering. If you are passionate…
If you are afraid winter in Russia would be too much to stand – only four hours of daylight, temperature reaching -30 degrees Celsius, slippery snow everywhere – just keep in mind that, despite the minuses, there are countless things you could do in winter here. Ice skating being one of the most…
You may have noticed that Russians are highly superstitious people, and incorporate little rituals into everyday life to influence their fate. One common ritual is «загадать желание» (to make a wish). And what better place to do this than in St Petersburg, a city of magical beauty,…
Get a Quote
Online test
Request Info
More
