Saint Petersburg is known for its cultural diversity, and its food scene is no exception. While Russian cuisine holds its rightful place, the city is also home to some outstanding Mediterranean restaurants that offer fresh, flavorful, and authentic dishes. From the rich, olive-oil-infused meals of Greece to the seafood-heavy delights of the Mediterranean coast, Saint Petersburg has a variety of Mediterranean eateries where you can indulge in a taste of the sunny South. Whether you crave Greek, Italian, Turkish, or a mix of Mediterranean flavors, here’s a guide to the best Mediterranean restaurants in Saint Petersburg.
1. Café Pesto
Location: Mikhailovskaya Street
Café Pesto is a popular choice for those craving Italian-inspired Mediterranean cuisine in a chic, cozy atmosphere. Known for its stylish décor and relaxed ambiance, the café specializes in traditional Italian dishes with Mediterranean influences.
- What Makes It Special: The menu offers a variety of pastas, risottos, seafood dishes, and wood-fired pizzas that are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The seafood risotto, with its tender calamari, shrimp, and mussels, is a standout dish. They also serve a variety of Mediterranean-style appetizers, such as bruschetta and caprese salad.
- Vibe: With its contemporary design and warm, inviting atmosphere, Café Pesto is perfect for a casual meal or a romantic evening out.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Seafood risotto with calamari and shrimp
- Wood-fired pizza with fresh mozzarella
- Bruschetta with tomatoes, basil, and olive oil
- Tiramisu for dessert
2. Café Liana
Location: Nevsky Prospect
Café Liana offers a delightful blend of Greek and Mediterranean cuisines. The menu is full of classic Mediterranean dishes, all prepared using authentic ingredients, and their approach to food emphasizes the use of fresh, local produce and seafood.
- What Makes It Special: Café Liana’s moussaka, souvlaki, and Greek salad are well-loved by patrons. The moussaka is a rich, flavorful dish made with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce. For seafood lovers, their grilled fish dishes, such as lavraki (Mediterranean bass), are highly recommended.
- Vibe: The restaurant’s cozy yet chic interior, along with a relaxed atmosphere, makes it ideal for both a family outing and a romantic dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Moussaka with eggplant and béchamel sauce
- Souvlaki with tzatziki sauce
- Greek salad with feta and Kalamata olives
- Grilled Mediterranean bass
3. Mimino
Location: Bolshoy Prospect, Vasilievsky Island
If you’re craving the flavors of Armenia and Georgia, Mimino is the place to go. Named after the iconic film, this restaurant celebrates Caucasian Mediterranean cuisine, offering a variety of savory dishes with bold, smoky flavors.
- What Makes It Special: Mimino’s kebabs and khachapuri (Georgian cheese-filled bread) are some of the most popular items on the menu. The shashlik (skewered meat) is perfectly marinated and grilled, while the lentil soup and lavash bread make great starters. Their Georgian wines are an excellent complement to the rich flavors of the food.
- Vibe: The restaurant offers an authentic, rustic setting, with traditional décor that evokes the spirit of Caucasian hospitality. It’s a great choice for a relaxed, hearty meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Shashlik (grilled skewers of marinated meat)
- Khachapuri with cheese and eggs
- Lentil soup with fresh herbs
- Georgian wine for pairing
4. Al Dente
Location: Nevsky Prospect
Al Dente is a charming Italian restaurant that brings the flavors of Mediterranean Italy to Saint Petersburg. The restaurant serves simple yet delicious Italian and Mediterranean dishes, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, traditional cooking techniques, and homemade pasta.
- What Makes It Special: Al Dente’s pasta dishes, like pappardelle with seafood and linguine with shrimp, are must-tries. The frittura mista, a plate of lightly battered fried seafood, is another popular dish. The burrata salad and the pasta al pesto are perfect lighter options.
- Vibe: The interior is cozy and warm, with an inviting atmosphere perfect for casual dining or a family gathering.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Pappardelle with seafood and olive oil
- Frittura mista (fried mixed seafood)
- Burrata salad with arugula and cherry tomatoes
- Tiramisu for dessert
5. Baku
Location: Gorohovaya Street
Baku is an elegant restaurant offering a fusion of Mediterranean and Azerbaijani cuisine. The restaurant serves a combination of Turkish, Persian, and Caucasian-inspired dishes, with a focus on grilled meats, fresh seafood, and aromatic spices.
- What Makes It Special: The plov (a traditional Azerbaijani rice dish) and shashlik are among the best in the city, with perfectly cooked meat and a smoky flavor that comes from the grill. The eggplant with walnut sauce and dolma (stuffed grape leaves) are also popular starters. Pair your meal with a traditional Azerbaijani tea or yogurt drink.
- Vibe: With its cozy and refined atmosphere, Baku provides a luxurious dining experience with an inviting and warm interior, complete with traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean décor.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Shashlik (grilled skewered meats)
- Plov with lamb and saffron
- Eggplant with walnut sauce
- Dolma with lamb and rice
6. Sicilia
Location: Vasilyevsky Island
For a truly authentic Sicilian dining experience, Sicilia offers an excellent menu of Mediterranean and Italian dishes. The restaurant specializes in bringing the flavors of Sicily to life, with fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and Sicilian specialties.
- What Makes It Special: The seafood risotto, pasta alla Norma (pasta with eggplant and ricotta), and Sicilian cannoli for dessert are all highly recommended. Sicilia also offers a wide range of antipasti, like bruschetta with fresh tomatoes and swordfish carpaccio.
- Vibe: With its bright, modern décor and casual yet intimate ambiance, Sicilia is ideal for a laid-back meal with friends or family, offering a warm Mediterranean atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Seafood risotto with prawns and squid
- Pasta alla Norma with eggplant and ricotta
- Swordfish carpaccio with lemon
- Sicilian cannoli for dessert
7. D’Artagnan
Location: Nevsky Prospect
For a mix of French and Mediterranean influences, D’Artagnan offers sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine with a French twist. The menu includes both Mediterranean and French-inspired dishes that feature fresh local ingredients and classic Mediterranean flavors.
- What Makes It Special: The menu features seafood pasta, grilled lamb chops, and crispy duck with Mediterranean spices. They also serve a variety of Mediterranean salads with ingredients like feta, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. The cheese platter and baklava for dessert provide the perfect sweet finish to the meal.
- Vibe: D’Artagnan has an elegant and contemporary feel, with soft lighting and a relaxed yet upscale ambiance. It’s perfect for a refined, romantic dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Grilled lamb chops with Mediterranean spices
- Seafood pasta with saffron and herbs
- Mediterranean salad with feta and olives
- Baklava with honey and pistachio for dessert
8. Elki-Palki
Location: Nevsky Prospect
Elki-Palki is a Mediterranean fusion restaurant that blends the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, Greece, and Turkey. The restaurant offers hearty dishes and bold flavors that are inspired by the diverse Mediterranean region.
- What Makes It Special: Their Greek salad with feta and olives, as well as their chicken kebabs and baklava, are all popular. Elki-Palki also serves a unique twist on traditional Mediterranean dishes, like moussaka with a rich, creamy béchamel sauce.
- Vibe: The décor is bright and colorful, evoking a Mediterranean seaside atmosphere, and the restaurant’s warm ambiance makes it great for families or groups of friends.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Chicken kebabs with rice and grilled vegetables
- Greek salad with feta and Kalamata olives
- Moussaka with béchamel sauce
- Baklava for dessert
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg’s Mediterranean dining scene offers a diverse and exciting array of restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Mediterranean dishes, from Greek and Italian to Middle Eastern and Sicilian influences. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, casual eats, or a fusion experience, these restaurants provide a range of flavors and atmospheres to suit every palate. From fresh seafood and pasta to bold grilled meats and savory appetizers, these Mediterranean spots will transport you to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean, right from the heart of Saint Petersburg.
