59. St. Petersburg Food #5 - Stolovaya
A stolovaya is a basic Russian cafeteria: inexpensive, without table service, offering a smorgasbord of options in display cases at the front counter. The canteen at my office is more or less a stolovaya (indeed, "canteen" or "diner" is the literal translation of the word). These are a common sight all over St. Petersburg. I've only been to a few of the more traditional stolovayas - I think these are a vestige of the Soviet era and some look like the furniture, decor, and perhaps even the less popular food choices have been there for years. Food quality has been fine but unexceptional at the ones I've been to in the more centrally located tourist areas. The price for a full meal is generally only a few hundred rubles (USD $2-$5). It's really kind of amazing how inexpensive stolovayas are - you will pay more at a fast food restaurant for a smaller, less healthy meal.
There are a few higher-end cafeteria-style fast casual restaurants in tourist areas that are not called a stolovaya on the sign out front but seem to me to be a similar concept, albeit with open kitchens. These are among my favorite places to go for a quick, inexpensive meal in the city center. A variety of Russian foods are available behind the counter and you select what you'd like (sometimes by pointing, if you don't know the Russian word). This works great for people with a limited Russian vocabulary, and it's also a great way to know in advance what you'll get as compared with ordering from a menu. The typical price excluding a drink or other beverage is 500-800 rubles (USD $9-$14). Much more expensive than a basic stolovaya, but still a bargain compared with a regular restaurant that offers table service.
Either category of stolovaya can be a great choice for the traveler, locals on a budget, or for anyone tired of cooking but not looking to spend a bunch of time or money in a fancier restaurant. The bargain prices of either style of stolovaya are comparable to or cheaper than cooking at home, so they can be a great way to save money and avoid a sink full of pots and pans.
There are a few higher-end cafeteria-style fast casual restaurants in tourist areas that are not called a stolovaya on the sign out front but seem to me to be a similar concept, albeit with open kitchens. These are among my favorite places to go for a quick, inexpensive meal in the city center. A variety of Russian foods are available behind the counter and you select what you'd like (sometimes by pointing, if you don't know the Russian word). This works great for people with a limited Russian vocabulary, and it's also a great way to know in advance what you'll get as compared with ordering from a menu. The typical price excluding a drink or other beverage is 500-800 rubles (USD $9-$14). Much more expensive than a basic stolovaya, but still a bargain compared with a regular restaurant that offers table service.
Either category of stolovaya can be a great choice for the traveler, locals on a budget, or for anyone tired of cooking but not looking to spend a bunch of time or money in a fancier restaurant. The bargain prices of either style of stolovaya are comparable to or cheaper than cooking at home, so they can be a great way to save money and avoid a sink full of pots and pans.
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