The Repa, serving Russian cuisine, has opened on the site of legendary restaurant Backstage, once a favourite haunt of St. Petersburg’s bohemian theatre community. The name is no accident: “repa” is Russian for turnip, a staple in the diet of ancient Slavs, and a distinct feature of Russian cuisine.

The restaurant’s interior was created by Russian designer Alena Akhmadullina. The design combines seemingly disconnected features, such as Scandinavian minimalism, theatrical fantasy, and modern elements. The concrete walls are adorned with murals inspired by the work of artist Andrey Remnev, and works of modern art are on display throughout the space. The furniture design also reflects this style: simple items sit beside complex, whimsical pieces, and elements of the wall art are repeated in the embroidery on the chairs. Historic autographs of brilliant figures from the arts world, such as Maya Plisetskaya, Placido Domingo, Diana Vishneva, and Mihail Chemiakin have been preserved on the walls.

With a focus on produce and provenance, the restaurant’s short menu features interesting ingredients from different regions of Russia and other Eurasian Customs Union countries.

Head chef Igor Zorin takes his guests on a unique gastronomic journey, inviting them to rediscover long forgotten tastes and try something new. Every dish on the menu is made using authentic produce and seasonal ingredients, making them truly unique.

When it comes to wine, it is worth noting that Ginza Project’s sommelier, Denis Mikhaylov, has put together a unique collection of Russian wines and spirits for The Repa that may be regarded as one of the largest in the city.

The Repa is a distinctive restaurant with an inspiring atmosphere, where time passes imperceptibly.