Saint Petersburg, with its proximity to the Baltic Sea and rich maritime history, is the perfect place to indulge in smoked fish—a staple of Russian cuisine. Whether you’re craving smoked salmon, herring, or sturgeon, the city’s finest delis, fish markets, and restaurants offer a variety of options that showcase the traditional Russian art of smoking fish. From elegant dining spots to casual markets, here’s where to find the best smoked fish in Saint Petersburg.
1. Ryba Myaso: A Delicacy Hub for Smoked Fish Lovers
A Specialty Shop with Fresh Fish and Smoked Delights
Ryba Myaso is a popular destination in Saint Petersburg for lovers of high-quality smoked fish. Known for its fresh and smoked fish selection, the shop combines a modern twist with traditional Russian delicacies.
What to Expect
- Variety of Smoked Fish: Ryba Myaso offers a wide selection of smoked fish, including the much-loved salmon, herring, sturgeon, and mackerel. The fish is prepared using time-honored methods that bring out deep, rich flavors while maintaining a fresh texture.
- Freshness and Quality: The store prides itself on sourcing only the highest quality fish, ensuring each piece is perfectly smoked and ready to enjoy.
- Prepared Fish Dishes: In addition to buying whole smoked fish, you can also find prepared fish dishes, such as smoked fish salads and smoked fish platters, ideal for quick bites or a flavorful lunch.
- Insider Tip: Try the smoked sturgeon or smoked salmon—both are highlights and offer a taste of Russian fish-smoking tradition.
2. Krasny Oktyabr: A Legendary Market for Smoked Fish
Authentic Russian Smoked Fish and More
Krasny Oktyabr is a historic food market in Saint Petersburg, and it’s known for its excellent variety of local and smoked fish. The market is a food lover’s paradise, where visitors can find traditional Russian smoked fish prepared with the utmost care.
What to Expect
- Wide Selection of Smoked Fish: From herring and salmon to more specialized options like smoked sturgeon, Krasny Oktyabr offers an incredible range of smoked fish. You can find fish in both whole and filleted forms, ready to eat or take home.
- Family-Owned Stalls: The market has several small family-owned stalls where fish is smoked on-site or sourced from trusted local producers.
- Russian Fish Delicacies: In addition to smoked fish, Krasny Oktyabr is also famous for other Russian seafood delights, such as pickled herring and salted fish.
- Insider Tip: Be sure to sample some of the smoked herring paired with fresh black bread and onions—this combination is a true Russian treat.
3. Fish Market at Podyezd: Fresh Fish and Smoked Delights
Fresh and Smoked Fish Directly from the Source
Fish Market at Podyezd is one of Saint Petersburg’s best-kept secrets when it comes to buying fresh and smoked fish. Located in the heart of the city, it offers a fantastic selection of locally sourced smoked fish.
What to Expect
- Authentic Smoked Fish: The market specializes in a wide variety of smoked fish, from salmon and herring to more premium choices like smoked sturgeon and trout. Each fish is prepared using traditional smoking techniques, giving it a unique, bold flavor.
- Fresh Seafood: Along with smoked fish, the market offers a selection of fresh seafood, making it a one-stop shop for all your fish needs.
- Friendly, Local Vendors: The market is known for its personable and knowledgeable vendors who are more than happy to guide you to the best smoked fish options.
- Insider Tip: If you’re a fan of smoked salmon, don’t miss the cold-smoked salmon fillets—they’re a particular highlight and perfect for any occasion.
4. Rybny Bazar: A Fish Lover’s Paradise
The Ultimate Spot for Smoked Fish Enthusiasts
Rybny Bazar is a bustling fish market in Saint Petersburg that has become a favorite among locals for purchasing smoked fish. The market features a wide variety of fish, with an emphasis on quality and freshness.
What to Expect
- Vast Selection of Smoked Fish: Whether you’re craving smoked salmon, herring, or smoked mackerel, Rybny Bazar has it all. The market offers an incredible selection of smoked fish that has been carefully prepared using the best techniques.
- Traditional Smoking Methods: Many of the vendors at Rybny Bazar use time-honored smoking methods to produce rich and flavorful fish, so you can experience authentic Russian smoked fish.
- Local Specialties: In addition to smoked fish, the market offers a variety of other seafood and fish-based products, such as fish caviar and fish salads.
- Insider Tip: The smoked herring at Rybny Bazar is a must-try—it’s incredibly flavorful and one of the market’s most popular items.
5. The Baranovka Shop: Russian Fish and Smoked Delights
Authentic Smoked Fish and Russian Fish Dishes
For those who want to experience the true taste of Russian smoked fish, The Baranovka Shop is an excellent option. This traditional shop specializes in high-quality smoked fish and offers a variety of fish products that capture the essence of Russian culinary tradition.
What to Expect
- Premium Smoked Fish: The Baranovka Shop is known for its premium smoked fish selection, including salmon, herring, sturgeon, and trout. The fish is delicately smoked to perfection, preserving the natural flavors and creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Russian Fish Specialties: Along with smoked fish, the shop offers other Russian fish delicacies, such as pickled fish, fish salads, and caviar, making it a great place to explore the full range of Russian seafood.
- Charming Atmosphere: The shop’s traditional atmosphere adds to the authentic experience, and the friendly staff are always willing to help you select the best fish.
- Insider Tip: Don’t miss the smoked sturgeon—it’s a delicacy that’s perfect for a special occasion or a treat for yourself.
6. Dacha Bar: A Modern Twist on Traditional Smoked Fish
Contemporary Take on Russian Smoked Fish Dishes
Dacha Bar is a stylish and modern restaurant that takes traditional Russian smoked fish and gives it a contemporary twist. Located in the heart of Saint Petersburg, this trendy spot serves a variety of smoked fish dishes alongside an innovative menu.
What to Expect
- Smoked Fish Dishes: The menu at Dacha Bar features a range of smoked fish dishes, including smoked salmon served with cream cheese and fresh herbs, smoked sturgeon with a zesty dressing, and herring in sour cream.
- Fusion Cuisine: The restaurant blends traditional Russian ingredients with contemporary presentation, offering an exciting dining experience for those seeking something new.
- Chic, Relaxed Setting: With a modern and stylish interior, Dacha Bar offers a relaxed yet upscale setting for enjoying smoked fish and other Russian dishes.
- Insider Tip: Pair your smoked salmon or smoked sturgeon with a refreshing glass of Russian vodka for an authentic Russian dining experience.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg is the perfect destination for anyone looking to savor authentic Russian smoked fish. From bustling markets like Krasny Oktyabr and Rybny Bazar to modern eateries like Dacha Bar, the city offers a variety of places to enjoy rich, flavorful fish. Whether you’re seeking a classic smoked herring, sturgeon, or salmon, these locations provide the best of Russian smoked fish in a variety of settings. So, head to one of these excellent spots, and immerse yourself in the delicious, traditional flavors of Saint Petersburg’s smoked fish scene!
