A hidden gem of Central St Petersburg, Pyshechnaya is one of the oldest cafes in the city. Known best for the delicious, traditional Russian doughnut, pyshki, they offer, Pyshechnaya is a total hit with locals as well as tourists. The menu is limited but utterly delightful, comprising of only basic local snacks and coffees. The old cafeteria still retains its half-a-century-old nostalgic decor and feel and is a far cry from the upscale, swanky eateries that have cropped up around it in recent years, but still manages to hold its own in terms of popularity and value-for-money eats.
If you are a feline lover, then Cats Republic (Республика кошек) will be an interesting visit. It is considered to be the first cat cafe in the country and opened its doors in 2011. It comprises of a cafe, display room, play room, souvenir shop and library. You can cuddle, pet or just look at any of the 20 in-house kitties. Six are from the Hermitage Museum and the remaining 14 are from various breeds. Get to know their behavior and their distinct personality, fall in love with them. There is an entrance fee and since it's a democracy of cat world, you will be issued a visa. You can also ask for an extension once the visa expires. The charges on weekdays for single visit is RUB200 and during weekends it is RUB300, while for kids below three years old, it is of no charge. The exhibition hall features some of the amazing cat objects from the Hermitage Museum. Buy some interesting souvenir from their gift shop.
Housed in an 18th century monument that is now a tourist hotel, this restaurant-cum-bar serves Russian cuisine with a twist - how does Duck with Baked Apple, Whortleberry Sauce and Mushrooms sound? No Russian meal is complete without the local staple - potatoes - and you'll certainly get plenty of them here! Boiled, baked, fried...you name it, and it'll be on your plate. Guzzle the local poison, vodka, while you watch a range of sports on the big screen. Friday nights feature live music, where you can try out the exuberant traditional Russian dance. There is a meager English menu too, and thankfully, an English-speaking staff, but when in Russia, it's advisable to do as the Russians do!