Duo GastroBar
I am very happy to have discovered Duo GastroBar during one of my long walks around the city. This itty-bitty restaurant opened not long ago and it’s already a success amongst locals, judging by how hard it can be to get a table. (Just last night I was there, and I had to sit at the bar, because they were full). The food: simple but with a touch of soul. Yes, soul. As a food lover, I see that they put a lot of effort and love into their menu.
Located within a 5-minute walk from Chernishevskaya metro station, Duo Gastrobar is easy to find. Once you enter the restaurant you are greeted by a casually dressed waiter (who might very well be one of the owners – they both work as waiters and cooks) and asked if you have a reservation. You are then seated at one of the few simple wooden tables, after having your clothes put in the wardrobe, and provided with a menu (available in English). Prepare to be puzzled with a selection of tempting and curious appetizers, starters, salads, soups, main courses and desserts – and then surprised by the modesty of prices. Main courses start RUB 210.00 and don’t go over RUB 500.00, so you can have an amazing meal for less than RUB 1000.00 per person. The wine list also offers some interesting and affordable options. Having taken your order, the waiter will put a wooden box with cutlery and napkins on your table, and no longer than 15 minutes later, even if the restaurant is full, you can expect your first course. By the way, you can witness the preparation of your starter or salad, as they are done at the bar. The portions are not big, which to me only sounds like a great reason to order another culinary masterpiece while I am there.
The waitpersons at Duo Gastrobar are very courteous and attentive, and will make sure you are enjoying your meal – as I said, there is a high chance of being served by one of the owners of the place.
To sum up, I would say that Duo Gastrobar brings together the hominess and simplicity of a little city restaurant and the exquisite style of fine dining cuisine. A restaurant like this is hard to come by in Saint Petersburg. Visit it once and you will want to come back to try something else. My best advice is to not show up unexpectedly; make a reservation the day before, just to be safe.
If you would like to see some more, please go to their website: http://duobar.ru
Address: ул. Кирочная, 8 лит. А (Kirochnaya street, 8a), Чернышевская metro station, open from 13:00 to 00:00 every day, phone: +7 (812) 994 54 43. Don’t forget to make a reservation!
