Most fine dining restaurants in Saint Petersburg are so classical you feel that you have stepped back in time. Fortunately there are places such as Grand Cru where you can enjoy a more creative and current cuisine.

Grand Cru is actually a chain of wine boutiques in Russia but to take it further they have combined a wine boutique and restaurant in both Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The one in Saint Petersburg has a beautiful view over the Fontanka river and is situated just a bit south of the famous Nevsky Prospekt.

The menu for the restaurants is designed by Spanish Adrian Quetglas, supposedly one of the better Chefs in Russia. Since 2009 Adrian is Concept-Chef of Grand Cru wine bars and as such he helps set a new menu twice per year when new dishes are introduced. Adrian wants to create dishes that are fresh, light, creative and flavourful. Especially the appetisers are creative and flavourful, such as squid risotto or steak tartar with a Russian touch with horseradish. There are some molecular twists, which even, though creative, maybe do not add to the flavour, such as red beet panna cotta or parmesan foam. The main dishes are well cooked, but a bit less exciting in tastes. The type of food is cross-european with Russian touches.

Grand Cru has a modern and relaxed interior which feels fresh especially compared to the more opulent fine dining places in Saint Petersburg. The service is relaxed and professional.

But what sets Grand Cru apart is its availability of wine. There is no wine list, but a great wine store with over 1,000 wines and trained sommeliers who will help you choose something that you will like and match the dish. The selection is excellent, with choices from all over the world with an emphasis on French and Italian wines. The selection is not only diverse in region, but also in price. Best of all is that the restaurant also has a large selection available by the glass so that you can mix and match each course. Also, there are several wine & dine events especially together with wineries from around the world.

Grand Cru is a great place for current cuisine in Saint Petersburg, especially if you are keen on wines, you can understand that Grand Cru has developed a loyal local customer base since its opening in 2009.

Written by Joakim