SAVIV Bistro
SAVIV BISTRO is located in the very center of St. Petersburg, on Bolshaya Konyushennaya Street 9, in the beautiful old Sleptsov mansion.
I advise you to also take a look inside the building. There is a beautiful staircase entrance, and you can find small author shops on the second and third floors.
It's definitely worth taking a look at and feeling the old Saint Petersburg vibe.
Saviv has this warm, chill and stylish Art Nouveau atmosphere with a high ceiling and big windows. We see they paid attention to details, mixing aged wood tables and bar counters, stone floor, marble fountain, vintage chandelier, antique piano and fresh flowers.
It's a place that looks chill and fancy at the same time.
Watching the menu and the price (already not the Saint Petersburg price, more Moscow), they definitely place themselves at a high standard.
The chef, Antonio, who is Italian-born, comes from a small city in Tuscany and owns two other places in town: a Sea fish restaurant named Signora, and a trattoria named Marso Polo.
It's a kitchen mainly based on spices, nuts and tahini.
They have an original breakfast available until 16:00. You can also take the champion breakfast set, which includes a glass of prosecco, or the after-party set, which includes a croissant, coffee and fresh juice. I am not so sure that it's what I would like to eat after a party, but the idea is definitely original.
They also have their own shop, which offers to bring home their kitchen's ingredients, my recommendation will be to take away a Babka, Jewish delicacy.
MY FAVORITE DISHES
The menu offers a large choice of dishes, and most look pretty interesting. If it's the first time you come here, you will probably not know what to choose, so here is a list of the top dishes I found the most exciting.
SHAKSHUKA : For those who don't know what a shakshuka is, it's a dish of eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions, spiced with cumin. In Hebrew, it means "all mixed up" and it's a dish for starting the day with protein like a champion. Apparently originating from Tunisia, it was brought to Israel by Jewish immigrants.
EGGS BENEDICT WITH RED CAVIAR : the most original eggs Benedict I have ever eaten. Something Russian, something for the extravagant soul. Of course, I took it. You need to be a fan of caviar; it's a question of taste, not for everyone.
HUMMUS WITH CRISPY CHICKEN : This iconic dish has its roots back to 13th-century Egypt, from where it gradually spread across the Middle East and the Mediterranean, chickpea being a crop that has been a dietary staple in these regions for over 7,000 years. The most hummus-eating countries nowadays are Israel, Palestine and Lebanon. In this version, it's served with crispy chicken, and the combination is damn good.
STEWED LAMB WITH NEW POTATOES : This is a masculine dish of course meat with potatoes, but when I tried it, i even myself regret i didn't take it too. The lamb is so tender and with potatoes of course it will be always a wining choice.
BAKED PUMPKIN WITH BLACK TRUFFLE : I don't recommend taking simple salads in Saviv, so for women who want to try something light and tasty, this is a perfect dish that will fulfill your senses. Of course, this includes the fact that you like sweet potatoes and truffles... the contrasts of taste is perfect, i love this dish, it's nearly too small.
PITA CROC-MADAM : This is such a cool idea, and I was one hundred percent convinced as soon as I saw it. Tasty, slightly spicy, and not very heavy, very satisfying.
MY FAVORITE DESSERTS
I should not admit it, but all the desserts are pretty damn tasty and original, so I decided to list 3 of them in my favorite order.
TRADITIONAL ORIENTAL DESSERT from kataifi dough with young cheese, saffron syrup, a scoop of pistachio ice cream.
I loved it ! I've never tried such a dessert in my whole life; it's even undescribable. Saffron gives an oriental taste, honey loves pistachios, and the crunchy top in combination with the soft, cheesy dough and with the caramelized melting lower layer, it's just WHAOU. This is a dessert with a balance of consistency and taste. Pure Harmony. It's a success. The most surprising dessert. It's been a long time since I tasted such a dessert.
FRENCH TOAST with halva ice cream :
As a French woman, you can trust my judgment, and I say congratulations. French toast is something so easy to do (if you truly know how to prepare it), but in general, as we say, the easiest thing can be the most complicated, and it's true. This French toast nevertheless is worthy of it; just try, and you will understand by yourself. I love the contrast between hot and cold ice cream.
BABKAMISU, a mix between babka and tiramisu :
My aunt has lived in Italy for many years now, and she taught an Italian grandma's recipe for tiramisu. I can prepare the best tiramisu; it's one of my special secret skill, and it's true. When I was a kid, we used to compare our tiramisu with any of the others we could find in restaurants, even overall Italy, and there was nothing better than this Italian grandma's recipe. Antonio, being Italian, does understand what everything should taste like. Instead of staying classical, he proposes an original and unexpected option with Babka paste. Just for this ambitious risk, it's a must-try.
BON APPETIT !
I hope it gives you a taste in the mouth and the desire
to discover this place
by yourself.
