Borscht, the iconic Russian beet soup, is a beloved dish that holds a special place in the hearts of many. Made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and often meat or vegetarian stock, borscht is typically served hot with a dollop of sour cream, garlic bread, or a side of pickles. While the soup is popular throughout Eastern Europe, Russia has its own variations, making it a must-try dish when visiting Saint Petersburg. Whether you’re craving a traditional version or something more modern, this city offers plenty of options to experience the comforting flavors of borscht.
Here’s a guide to the best places to enjoy Russian borscht in Saint Petersburg, where you can savor this classic dish prepared with care and flair.
1. Café Pushkin: Traditional Elegance
As one of the most famous and sophisticated restaurants in Saint Petersburg, Café Pushkin offers a refined and authentic experience for those seeking a classic Russian meal. Their borscht is a celebration of traditional Russian flavors and one of the highlights of their extensive menu.
Why Visit?
- Classic Russian Borscht: Café Pushkin’s version of borscht is made with a rich, flavorful broth, tender beef, and plenty of beets, served with a generous dollop of sour cream. The taste is comforting, hearty, and authentic.
- Elegant Atmosphere: The restaurant’s elegant, aristocratic setting transports diners to the grandeur of Russia’s imperial past, making it a perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal.
- Impeccable Service: The top-tier service and attention to detail ensure a memorable dining experience.
Tips for Visiting:
- Pair with Russian Vodka: Enhance your borscht experience with a glass of Russian vodka, a common pairing with traditional Russian meals.
- Make a Reservation: Café Pushkin is a popular dining destination, so be sure to book ahead, especially during busy times.
2. Russian Vodka Room No. 1: Classic Comfort
For an authentic Russian borscht experience in a casual yet elegant setting, head to Russian Vodka Room No. 1. This restaurant is renowned for its classic Russian comfort food and, of course, its expertly prepared borscht.
Why Visit?
- Hearty Borscht: The restaurant serves a hearty and flavorful borscht, made with traditional ingredients like beetroot, cabbage, and potatoes. It’s served piping hot, perfect for a satisfying and comforting meal.
- Russian Traditions: Known for serving authentic Russian food and offering a wide selection of vodkas, this restaurant delivers a complete Russian dining experience.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: While upscale, the atmosphere is still welcoming and comfortable, making it ideal for a relaxed meal.
Popular Dishes:
- Borscht with Sour Cream: The classic borscht served with a generous dollop of sour cream, accompanied by fresh rye bread and pickles.
- Caviar and Blini: Pair your soup with a traditional starter of blini (thin pancakes) topped with caviar.
Tips for Visiting:
- Try the Vodka Pairing: As the name suggests, don’t miss the opportunity to try one of the many Russian vodkas that pair perfectly with borscht.
- Casual but Elegant: The atmosphere is stylish and casual, ideal for both a relaxed lunch or a dinner out with friends.
3. Duma: Traditional with a Modern Twist
Located in the heart of Saint Petersburg, Duma is a contemporary restaurant that offers a delicious, modern take on traditional Russian dishes. The borscht here is flavorful, made with seasonal ingredients, and served in a way that combines tradition with a bit of innovation.
Why Visit?
- Modern Twist on Classic Borscht: Duma’s borscht combines the traditional flavors of beetroot, potatoes, and cabbage, with subtle modern touches, making it an exciting and comforting version of the classic dish.
- Relaxed Dining: The restaurant has a trendy, casual atmosphere, perfect for enjoying traditional Russian food in a contemporary setting.
- Creative Russian Cuisine: While Duma is known for its borscht, it also offers a creative menu of other Russian staples, providing a well-rounded dining experience.
Popular Dishes:
- Borscht with Beef and Sour Cream: A rich, flavorful borscht served with tender beef and a dollop of sour cream, with freshly baked bread on the side.
- Homemade Dumplings: Pair your borscht with a side of Russian pelmeni (dumplings), another traditional favorite.
Tips for Visiting:
- Check for Daily Specials: Duma frequently offers seasonal specials on its menu, so be sure to ask about unique borscht variations that might be available during your visit.
- Pair with Kvass: Try a glass of kvass, a traditional Russian fermented drink, for a unique beverage pairing.
4. Moyka 5: Innovative Russian Dining
For a slightly more modern interpretation of Russian cuisine, Moyka 5 offers a fantastic version of borscht that incorporates fresh, seasonal ingredients, with a focus on high-quality produce and meats. Located near the Moyka River, this restaurant is a hidden gem that offers creative dishes in a cozy, stylish atmosphere.
Why Visit?
- Creative Borscht: The borscht at Moyka 5 is a modern twist on the traditional version, made with locally sourced ingredients and prepared with contemporary techniques. The result is a flavorful, fresh, and vibrant bowl of soup.
- Seasonal Ingredients: The menu at Moyka 5 changes with the seasons, ensuring that only the freshest, most flavorful ingredients are used in the borscht and other dishes.
- Intimate Setting: The cozy, intimate ambiance makes it a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal away from the crowds.
Popular Dishes:
- Vegetarian Borscht: A light yet satisfying version of borscht made with seasonal vegetables and served with sour cream.
- Lamb with Beets: A unique pairing of lamb with beetroot, offering a refreshing and flavorful contrast to the borscht.
Tips for Visiting:
- Pair with a Local Wine: Moyka 5 offers a selection of local Russian wines that pair beautifully with the fresh flavors of the borscht.
- Try the Appetizers: Alongside the borscht, don’t miss the chance to sample their innovative Russian appetizers, such as herring under fur coat or smoked fish.
5. Bering: Traditional with Contemporary Influences
Located in one of Saint Petersburg’s most historic areas, Bering offers a contemporary take on Russian cuisine with dishes that focus on seasonal ingredients and creative twists. The restaurant’s borscht is a standout, offering a refined version of the classic soup.
Why Visit?
- Refined Traditional Borscht: Bering’s borscht is a refined version of the classic, featuring high-quality ingredients and modern techniques that create a beautifully balanced and flavorful dish.
- Modern Russian Menu: The restaurant’s menu offers traditional Russian fare with contemporary influences, allowing diners to enjoy classic dishes in a fresh new way.
- Sleek and Modern: Bering has a modern yet cozy atmosphere, ideal for those looking to enjoy traditional Russian food in an updated and stylish setting.
Popular Dishes:
- Borscht with Pork: A rich and hearty borscht made with pork and served with a side of sour cream and herbed bread.
- Pirozhki with Meat: Try pirozhki (Russian pastries) stuffed with meat as a perfect accompaniment to your borscht.
Tips for Visiting:
- Ask About Seasonal Variations: Since Bering works with seasonal ingredients, their borscht may vary depending on the time of year, so ask the staff about any unique twists they might offer during your visit.
- Pair with Vodka: Don’t forget to try the selection of Russian vodka, which pairs excellently with the hearty flavors of borscht.
Conclusion
Saint Petersburg offers a fantastic selection of restaurants where you can enjoy the beloved classic of Russian borscht. Whether you’re seeking a traditional experience at Café Pushkin or a modern interpretation at Moyka 5, there’s a perfect place to indulge in this rich, comforting soup. From elegant, historic settings to cozy, casual spots, Saint Petersburg’s borscht scene provides a delicious journey into the heart of Russian cuisine.
