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Vegetarianism appeared in Russia in the 14th century through the followers of the Lenten mode of life. In the beginning of the 20th century St. Petersburg had a blooming vegetarian culture. However, the revolution of 1917 stopped all that as it was considered to be a reflection of bourgeois ideology. Nowadays it’s again slowly becoming popular. Despite this St. Petersburg can still be a very challenging city for vegetarians, partly due to the lack of fresh produce during a considerable part of the year. Vegans particularly are strongly advised to be patient: not thinking too much about the daily fur fashion parades on the streets is a good test of the serenity provided by a meatless diet. While your friends may think that eating only potatoes and mushrooms for a couple of weeks will do, for a pleasant meat free stay in St. Petersburg you need more nutrition.

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  • Idiot

    Idiot
    With numerous rooms filled with comfortable and cosy antique furniture, eclectic titbits and reading material in English and Russian, Idiot is worth visiting
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St. Petersburg | Restaurants and cafes | Vegetarian

Botanika
Excellent vegetarian food including outstanding salads (try the tabouleh), great pasta and filling soups. Reminiscent of a Victorian dining parlour with greenery scattered  with a touch of a 70s wholefood cafe. The interior sports three calming tones of green, there are pumpkins and flowers strewn around and the sofas are soft. The walls are adorned with hip large-scale photographic prints.
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Ul. Pestelya 7

tel. (+7) 812 272 70 91

Open 12:00 - 24:00,
Fri 12:00 - 01:00,
Sat 12:00 - 01:00.
Metro station:

Chernishevskaya
Idiot
With numerous rooms filled with comfortable and cosy antique furniture, eclectic titbits and reading material in English and Russian, Idiot is worth visiting just for the atmosphere. Here you can taste a variety of traditional Russian dishes, with a decent selection of vegetarian food and a reasonable kids menu. Many people though come to Idiot simply to absorb the atmosphere, and to drink. Guests are given a complimentary mini-shot of vodka, while the cordial english speaking staff hand you the Dostoyevsky inspired menu; then, during happy hour (18:30 - 19:30), you get two draught beers or glasses of house wine for the price of one, plus the complimentary vodka. Quite the deal!
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Nab. reky Moiky 82

tel. (+7) 812 315 16 75

Open 11:00 - 01:00 Metro station:

Sadovaya
Don’t come here expecting your classical Indian cuisine. It’s far too hippy for that. They do esoteric Indian vegetarian fare, all exquisitely presented, complete with fresh fruit garnish! They’ve got samosas and dahl, raita, soy steaks and a lot of dishes we can’t pronounce (even though there is an English menu). They serve French, Chinese and Chilean wine and a range of Chinese teas. [...]



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Ul. Bolshaya Moskovskaya 7

tel. (+7) 812 575 63 69

Open 10:30 - 03:00 Metro station:

Vladimirskaya
Restaurant to the right, and cafe dining to the left. Go through to the restaurant bit, but get in fast to nab one of the low Indian style cushion areas. Portions are generous (must be that inner glow they get from not eating meat), freshly prepared, lots of rice and vegetables in Indian inspired surroundings. Masala tea (a mix of hot watery milk and masala spice) is recommended for those looking for a memorable, yet strange taste sensation. No beer. Also at C-3 VO, 6-ya Liniya 27, tel. 327 46 22. [...]



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Zagorodny pr. 38

tel. (+7) 812 312 68 10

Open 13:00 - 23:00 Metro station:

Pushkinskaya