Russian Renaissance
Russian Renaissance is one of the most formal restaurants in all of the Russian district. The interior is decked out in elegant tones of gold and burgundy with a atmosphere reminiscent of pre-communist Russia, when the wealth and opulence of the upper classes was reflected in every detail of their beautiful restaurants and clubs. For a memorable dining experience, it is recommended to try the caviar sampler if money is no expense. If looking to not spend too much, diners should then try the borsht, a cornerstone of any Russian meal and one of the restaurant's specialties, served with a light, puffy pastry. For dinner, the roast duck is popular, but those who want something more Russian should try the chicken Kiev, a breaded chicken dish served with rich, buttery sauce.
Russian Renaissance
5241 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 752-8558
Katia's Russian Tea Room
While the name may lead guests into thinking the restaurant is little more than a cafe and is only open for breakfast, lunch and tea, Katia's Russian Tea room is actually a complete restaurant open for lunch, tea or dinner. Whichever time of day guests visit, they should be sure to enjoy some of the house specialties, such as the blini crepes with salmon caviar, smoked salmon and smoked herring, or the vareniki dumplings filled with potato and served with caramelized onions and a rich mushroom sauce. Diners should also take advantage of the tea service with authentically beautiful Russian presentation.
Those who come for dinner should order these treats as an appetizer to share with their party and then enjoy any of the excellent classic Russian dishes on the menu. To taste the authentic version of a common treat in the states, it is recommended to try the stroganoff. For something distinctly Russian, there is the poached sturgeon served in a lemon dill sauce with dice hard boiled eggs.
Katia's Russian Tea Room
600 5th Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 668-9292
Moscow & Tbilisi Bakery Store
While this hole-in-the wall bakery does serve strictly baked goods, that doesn't mean it's only suitable for desserts and breakfast like American-style bakeries. Vistors come throughout the day for meat- and cabbage-filled piroshkis, cheese-filled blintzes, poppy seed cakes and cream-filled cake rolls. The best bet is to order something savory for an entrée and then enjoy a sweet treat for dessert. Best of all, unlike the other restaurants listed, the Moscow & Tbilisi Bakery Store is cheap; two piroshkis, a drink and a dessert will cost under $10.
Moscow & Tbilisi Bakery Store
5540 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94121
(415) 668-6959
About The Author
Jill Harness has written on a variety of subjects for more than 10 years. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including "San Diego City Beat," "Mental Floss," Rue The Day! and Neatorama. Harness has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from San Francisco State University.
