Smelt season is open

Did you know that, according to the legend, the citizens of St. Petersburg appreciated smelt at its true value immediately after the foundation of the city on the Neva River?

It is said that Peter I especially liked the fish. The tsar often asked to cook it for dinner, and in 1708 he ordered a holiday to honor the beloved fish. At the feast people had fun, sang songs and treated themselves to smelt in all forms. Now, the fish, which has a distinctive smell of fresh cucumber, has become a symbol of St. Petersburg.

Cafe "Rasputin" respects the tradition. Come and taste smelt fried to a golden crust!

We are waiting for you!