Vasileostrovsky Market

• Bolshoy Prospect VO, 16/14b

In 2019, this typical Russian market, where babushkas sold vegetables and homemade pickles, was transformed into a pioneering food hall. Since then, it has held the title of the gastronomic hotspot of Vasilyevsky Island.

From 8 am daily, the market welcomes early birds with hearty breakfasts (Eggcellent), fresh baked goods (Ôpetit), and specialty coffee (MET, Человек и пароход). With a variety of restaurants, you can go on a gastronomic journey to Italy (PioPizza), Vietnam (Bổ), Georgia (Georgiani), Uzbekistan (Plov Lagman), and many other countries. In addition, there’s a corner where you can buy groceries, including produce, spices, and fish. In the summertime, visitors can enjoy their meals in the courtyard, sometimes accompanied by movie screenings and live music. 

Moskovsky Market

• Reshetnikova Street, 12

If you’re exploring the Moskovsky District, where cafes are not as abundant as in the city center, this one is a lifesaver when hunger strikes. Don’t overlook it; just take a right turn right near the Elektrosila metro station. A smaller sibling to Vasileostrovsky Market, established by the same founders, it has a similar list of eateries and a grocery zone. On a sunny day, here you can indulge yourself with unusual drinks like matcha (Love you so Matcha) or bubble tea (PIMS). Simple spacious interiors flooded with natural light create a cozy and picture-worthy atmosphere.

VOKZAL 1853

• Obvodny Canal Embankment, 118

The biggest food mall in Europe has taken up residence in the building of the former Warsaw Railway Station. Its modernized interiors preserve the historical atmosphere of the station, complete with a locomotive on display. As for dining, the choice is worth the size of the building (here’s the full list), offering everything from falafel (Babaganush) and bowls (Oh, My Bowl!) to the iconic St. Petersburg smelt fish (Чисто Питерский Хот-дог). On the ground floor, you'll find chain fast-food restaurants.

Backyard

• Khersonskaya St., 43/12

A new food market (not to be confused with the eponymous boxing studio) near Aleksandra Nevskogo Square boasts intricate designs reminiscent of luxurious restaurants, yet maintains affordable prices. The cozy space accommodates 13 residents who have already made a name for themselves in the city, like OSSU noodle bar, Kuta bakery, or Bolshe Coffee. In addition to gastronomic delights, there’s an aesthetically pleasing flower shop.

Balagan

• Maly Prospekt PS, 54-56

The three-story food market gets its name (which is slang for “utter chaos”) from the fact that part of the building used to be a warehouse for a traveling show. This chaotic (in a good way) vibe is also captured in the design, with the most striking feature being the cabins of a Soviet-era ferris wheel. Like any other vibrant market, it offers early breakfast options (All Grain, Tytto), cuisines from around the world (GThai, Osh, Bibi), and various bars to enjoy.

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