Saint Petersburg, Russia’s cultural capital, is a city that exudes grandeur and history at every turn. Walking down its streets, listening to Tchaikovsky on my headphones, felt nothing short of magical. It was March, and the cold was still biting, but the city’s charm was undeniable. We warmed ourselves with hot tea spiked with various vodkas – chokeberry, quince, raspberry…and many more.

Ever since reading Anna Karenina, visiting Russia had been a dream of mine. The most enjoyable film adaption of Tolstoy’s masterpiece for me was the 1997 version with beautiful Sophie Marceau… and Saint Petersburg exceeded my expectations. The city is grand, with impressive architecture and a vibrant cultural scene. But what left us most impressed were the restaurants. Every meal felt like a celebration, from the décor and service to the impeccable presentation and taste. We enjoyed traditional Russian food immensely. Blini with caviar, pielmieni, and colorful pickles were some of the highlights. Pielmieni, often described as the heart of Russian cuisine, are dumplings filled with meat, fish, or mushrooms, wrapped in thin dough. When done right, they are insanely good. One of the most memorable experiences was dining at Katyusha, where the live music show added an extra layer of enjoyment to our meal.

Saint Petersburg is a city that leaves a lasting impression. The food, the culture, the atmosphere – it all comes together to create an experience that is both enriching and unforgettable. We were thrilled we chose to visit, and every moment spent in this charming city was a pleasure.