St. Petersburg

It seems as if you could touch the cupola of the Kazan cathedral from the open-air terrace of this stylish and glamorous "place to be seen. — Fodor's

The food, as you might expect, is highly traditional: beef Stroganoff, which comes highly recommended; ukha (fish soup), served with homemade bread; olivye salad. — Frommer's

Originally opened in 1785, Palkin was where the richest Russian aristocrats and the most famous intellectuals preferred to dine in prerevolutionary St. Petersburg. — Frommer's

A haven for local Armenians, and named after an ancient region in modern-day Turkey, this restaurant serves sizzling beef stew and a tempting variety of expertly cooked kebabs. — Fodor's

The name evokes the last days of Imperial Russia, and the era is celebrated in low-key, comfortably elegant surroundings. — Fodor's

Recently, many meat and seafood options have been added by popular demand: there are now lots of grilled-fish options, as well as classics like beef Stroganoff and meat dumplings. — Frommer's

Wicker furniture, handwoven napkins, and a birdcage with canaries and finches add to the flavor of an early-20th-century Russian country house. — Fodor's

Dimly lit café, whose appealing food attracts hipsters and others; the gourmet burgers, including a vegetarian falafel version, are a highlight. — Frommer's

You'll pay a slight premium for classic dishes such as borsch and pelmeni but it's all done so well you probably won't care. — Lonely Planet

The larger plates are simple and filling: borscht, beef Stroganoff, and chicken Kiev, the restaurant's specialty. — Frommer's

Meals are exquisitely prepared, with such choices as duck breast, accompanied by pan-fried foie gras with white beans and black truffle, and black-cod fillet on a cushion of saffron and fennel. — Fodor's

Its prime location on the corner of Palace Square and the Moika River makes it rather touristy, but the fare is decent and filling and the prices are not as high as they could be in this locale. — Frommer's

Sumptuous décor and beautifully presented international menu, not to mention the fantastic city views from the two-hour cruise. — Lonely Planet

At this soothing place to take a break with a good view of Nevsky prospekt, you can enjoy coffee, ice cream, and scrumptious cakes, or a whole range of traditional Russian and European dishes. — Fodor's

The city’s best place for traditional Jewish cooking, which is served in hearty portions. Profits go towards food for elderly and needy. — Lonely Planet

The three-course-plus-a-drink business lunch is an excellent value, and accordingly popular. — Fodor's

This haven for vegetarians and those seeking lighter dishes serves excellent soups, pastas, sandwiches, and dips. — Fodor's