Saint Petersburg’s vibrant and diverse dining scene offers something for every taste, and the growing popularity of Asian fusion cuisine has created a wave of restaurants blending the bold flavors of Asia with local and international culinary influences. These restaurants are redefining the concept of fusion, blending classic Asian ingredients with global techniques and presentations. Whether you’re craving Japanese sushi with a contemporary twist, Thai-inspired dishes, or a unique blend of Chinese and European flavors, here’s a guide to some of the best Asian fusion restaurants in Saint Petersburg.
1. Sakana
Location: Vasilievsky Island
Sakana is one of the top places in Saint Petersburg to experience Asian fusion cuisine. Offering a wide range of dishes inspired by Japanese, Chinese, and Thai cuisines, Sakana stands out for its innovative approach to traditional Asian flavors, along with a modern dining experience.
- What Makes It Special: The menu includes fusion options like sushi with spicy tuna and avocado, dim sum with truffle oil, and a selection of Japanese-inspired salads. Their signature sushi rolls feature a creative combination of ingredients like tuna, mango, and wasabi aioli, providing a refreshing twist on the classic.
- Vibe: The stylish and contemporary interior, combined with sleek wooden finishes and artistic touches, creates a relaxed yet upscale dining environment. Sakana offers a sophisticated atmosphere, making it perfect for a night out or a special celebration.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Spicy tuna rolls with avocado
- Dim sum with truffle oil
- Korean-style BBQ short ribs
- Mango sticky rice for dessert
2. Sushi Room
Location: Nevsky Prospect
Sushi Room is known for its innovative sushi rolls and Asian fusion cuisine, offering a modern take on Japanese food. The restaurant combines fresh ingredients with European culinary influences, resulting in a unique and exciting dining experience.
- What Makes It Special: The restaurant’s fusion sushi rolls are a standout, with combinations such as salmon with lemon zest and basil or shrimp tempura with avocado. The sashimi and tartare dishes are also excellent, with an emphasis on fresh fish and creative presentations.
- Vibe: Sushi Room has a chic, modern design with a casual vibe. The cozy ambiance, coupled with friendly service, makes it a great place for a laid-back meal or a dinner with friends.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Fusion sushi rolls with shrimp tempura and avocado
- Salmon tartare with truffle oil
- Sashimi with chili lime dressing
- Matcha cheesecake for dessert
3. Moriarty
Location: Nevsky Prospect
Moriarty is an upscale Asian fusion restaurant that blends traditional Chinese and Japanese flavors with contemporary European techniques. The menu offers a diverse range of dishes, from sushi rolls to wok-fried noodles, incorporating global influences and local ingredients.
- What Makes It Special: Known for its artistic plating and sophisticated flavors, Moriarty’s menu includes dishes like spicy tuna tartare with avocado and duck with hoisin sauce. Their wok-fried seafood and sushi are some of the best in the city, offering a balance of flavors and textures.
- Vibe: The restaurant’s modern, minimalistic décor and intimate atmosphere make it a popular choice for fine dining. It’s ideal for those looking for an upscale experience in a relaxed environment.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Spicy tuna tartare with avocado
- Duck with hoisin sauce
- Wok-fried seafood with Asian vegetables
- Chocolate fondant for dessert
4. Asian Republic
Location: Moyka Embankment
Asian Republic is a stylish Asian fusion restaurant that combines Southeast Asian influences, including Thai and Vietnamese, with a touch of modern European flavors. The result is an exciting, bold menu that is both familiar and innovative.
- What Makes It Special: The menu offers a creative selection of fusion dishes like Vietnamese pho with beef, Thai green curry with shrimp, and sushi rolls with grilled vegetables. The use of fresh herbs and spices adds depth to the dishes, making each bite unique and flavorful.
- Vibe: Asian Republic has a chic, contemporary ambiance, with stylish furnishings and an inviting atmosphere. The relaxed yet vibrant setting makes it an excellent spot for a leisurely lunch or a dinner with friends.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Vietnamese pho with beef
- Thai green curry with shrimp
- Grilled vegetable sushi rolls
- Coconut sorbet for dessert
5. Dawa
Location: Petrogradskaya Side
Dawa is a sophisticated fusion restaurant that focuses on the combination of Asian and European culinary traditions. The restaurant offers a menu full of surprises, with fusion sushi, noodles, and grilled meats that incorporate both traditional and modern techniques.
- What Makes It Special: Dawa’s fusion sushi rolls, like tuna with chili sauce and avocado, and crispy duck with orange sauce, offer a great balance of flavors. The wok-fried noodles with chicken or beef are another highlight, featuring fresh vegetables and bold spices.
- Vibe: The contemporary design with dark wood accents and subtle Asian-inspired décor creates an intimate yet stylish atmosphere. Dawa is perfect for those looking for a chic dinner or a relaxing brunch.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Tuna with chili sauce and avocado rolls
- Wok-fried noodles with chicken and vegetables
- Crispy duck with orange sauce
- Mango sticky rice for dessert
6. Buddha-Bar
Location: Vasilievsky Island
Known for its high-energy atmosphere and exceptional fusion dishes, Buddha-Bar is a part of the famous international chain offering a blend of Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern flavors. The restaurant offers a variety of fusion dishes, cocktails, and a vibrant environment perfect for an exciting night out.
- What Makes It Special: Buddha-Bar offers a unique menu that combines the rich, aromatic spices of Indian and Thai cuisine with Japanese influences. The tandoori lamb chops, wok-fried tiger prawns, and spicy sushi rolls are popular choices that showcase the depth of flavors found in the fusion cuisine.
- Vibe: The restaurant’s chic, lounge-style interior with ambient lighting creates a lively and vibrant atmosphere, making it ideal for a night out with friends or a special occasion.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Tandoori lamb chops with yogurt sauce
- Wok-fried tiger prawns with chili
- Spicy sushi rolls with tuna and avocado
- Exotic fruit salad for dessert
7. Kedrovaya Sloboda
Location: Vyborgskaya Side
Kedrovaya Sloboda is a unique fusion restaurant that offers a blend of Russian and Asian cuisines. Its menu reflects a creative approach to combining flavors from across the world, resulting in some truly original dishes.
- What Makes It Special: Kedrovaya Sloboda features fusion dishes like Russian-style pelmeni with Asian-inspired fillings, spicy beef stir-fry, and duck with Asian spices. The restaurant also offers a selection of fusion sushi rolls with local ingredients such as smoked eel and dill.
- Vibe: With its warm and inviting décor, Kedrovaya Sloboda provides a relaxed dining experience where guests can enjoy bold flavors in a cozy atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Pelmeni with Asian-inspired fillings
- Spicy beef stir-fry with vegetables
- Duck with Asian spices
- Rice pudding with coconut for dessert
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg’s Asian fusion scene offers a fantastic array of dining experiences for those looking to explore the vibrant flavors of Asia while enjoying local ingredients and culinary traditions. From Sakana and Moriarty to Buddha-Bar and Asian Republic, these restaurants provide exceptional dishes that merge traditional Japanese, Thai, Chinese, and Indian flavors with global influences. Whether you’re in the mood for fusion sushi, wok-fried noodles, or creative curries, these restaurants will satisfy your cravings for exciting, bold, and innovative Asian fusion cuisine.
