7 Romantic Restaurants in Yaroslavl for Wine Appreciators

Soyuz Pisateley, which literally translates to the Union of Writers, is a cozy bistro sitting in the very heart of Yaroslavl. It is named after the old building it's located in, which once served as a gathering place for Russian professional writers. The long history of the edifice has found its reflection in the interior. The modern design, combined with the original details that have absorbed the spirit of this place, makes Soyuz Pisateley an attractive spot for both tourists and locals.

Behind the restaurant's wine cabinets' doors hide 72 world-famous wines and rare local beverages. French Pinot Noir wines stand side by side with Slovenian orange wines and champagne — with sparkling Pét-Nat made from certified organic Lambrusco grapes.

A glass of Belbek Fume Orange will perfectly go with a dish of fish or poultry such as halibut with mashed potato and tomato or duck breasts served with a berry sauce you can find on the menu. The experimental blend of Fume Orange would be a great introduction to orange wines, due to its light body, not typical for this kind of beverage. Fume Orange has a delicate golden color, with the aroma coming from herbs, apricot, pear, and spicy vanilla.

"More than wine," says De Gusto's motto, which completely corresponds to the very essence of this wine project. If you are a person devoted to wine who follows strict traditions of its consumption and appreciation, De Gusto will be the right place for you: a wine bar, wine club, lessons from experts-sommeliers, wine trips, and even a wine casino.

A strong point in favor of this wine bar would be the fact it is run by a professional sommelier, Evgeny Valeyev. He has developed a slew of sommelier courses, from introductory to professional, which you can take either in-person or online.

De Gusto's wide range of wines will please even the most demanding culinary art expert. Here, you can choose a wine at the boutique and enjoy it later at the bar with stunning ambiance. If desired, the bar can offer you classic snacks such as cheeses, meat, and fish to pair with wine of your choice. The project's themed club brings together people interested in fine wine, so you can combine your romantic night with meeting other wine appreciators and learning new things from them.

Located within walking distance of the city's embankment and the amusement park on Damansky island, Rabbit is an haute cuisine restaurant that offers its guests a buffet, banquet, and a la carte menu. The spacious modern building can accommodate up to 80 guests who can enjoy original dishes prepared by chef virtuoso Andrey Kalugin.

A cheese plate that goes with fig jam and consists of a portion of Reggianito and Camembert, blue cheese, cream cheese on crispy crackers, nuts, and grapes would be well-paired with a glass of Australian wine Jam Shed Shiraz. This rich wine brings sweet red berry flavors and has a soft touch of oak, nutmeg, and vanilla for the aftertaste.

What's more, the Rabbit restaurant is equipped with modern sound and lighting equipment and a large LED screen, which serves well when you are having banquets, celebrations, receptions, and seminars.

The very word "Italy" possesses a special magic, which casts its spell on us when we hear it. The charming language, marvelous architecture, excellent wines, exceptional cuisine, seafood, and pasta — this is what comes to mind right away.

The Italian restaurant Griggio in the heart of Yaroslavl calls itself "little Italy," and for good reason. Its perfectly-designed interior with a reference to the Adriatic coast in the Emilia-Romagna region and cozy zoning create a homely atmosphere, accentuated by a wide range of Italian wines and dishes prepared according to the original recipes. 

While you are waiting for your main course to be prepared, like a beef steak or veal scallopini, you can enjoy a plate of middle-aged cheeses paired with a glass of dry red wine Materico Nerello Mascalese. Lately, this wine, characterized by a delicate freshness and a soft red color with notes of red and black fruits, has been gaining appreciation in Sicily.

The Skazka restaurant is known for dishes cooked in a real Russian stove, which has a special place in Russian traditional fairy tales and symbolizes comfort and abundance. This restaurant is for those who are into fine wine, relaxing rhythms of DJ sets played on vinyl, which take over your senses, and theatrical evenings.

Worth noting, in 2021, Skazka’s wine list was recognized by the jury of the independent Russian Wine Awards contest in the category The Best Original Wine List and by Wines of Germany in the category The Best Riesling Wine Offerings in the Regions. Speaking of German Riesling wines, try Heinz Eifel Riesling Kabinett 2020, the aromas of which have notes of lime leaf, herbs, peach, and citrus.

Riesling wines are versatile with food, but, in general, they are best paired with delicate fish, Asian food, chicken, salmon, and tuna. On the restaurant’s menu, you will find a slew of relevant dishes, such as prawns and calamari with tomatoes in a creamy sauce, chicken thighs with potatoes and a pepper sauce or salmon with baby beans, mashed potato, and marinated tomatoes cooked in the Russian stove.

A panoramic window restaurant sitting on the bank of the Volga river, Vanilnoye Nebo is an oasis of peace where tradition and modernity harmoniously intertwine. The color scheme of the interior is sustained in soft tones, with an emphasis placed on natural materials and warm lighting.

For a romantic pastime, choose a table with a magnificent view of the Volga river or near the burning fireplace that brings it closer to nature, strengthens the atmosphere of comfort, and charges everyone with positive energy. You can make your night even cozier by picking Austrian Berg Konig Zweigelt Rose wine that will help you surprise your loved one with unique flavors and aromas. The wine has an exceptionally elegant structure and its delicate aroma reveals tones of ripe strawberries and wild berries, accompanied by slightly spicy notes. That said, this wine is paired well with dishes of poultry, so Uglich quail stuffed with chicken liver and porcini and served with mashed potato and a morels sauce would be a nice choice.

Located near the Drama Theater named after F. G. Volkov, DUDKI is a two-story gastro bar that offers haute cuisine and hosts vivid parties on the veranda. The interior design of the restaurant represents a combination of the contemporary loft style and neoclassical features. The walls of a pleasant sea wave color harmonize with the light shades of wood and dark leather lounge chairs and sofas.

The atmospheric veranda on the second floor is an excellent venue for a romantic date: lush greenery, light bulb garlands, hammocks, and a music area set the right mood. The menu of the gastro bar DUDKI lists dishes of European cuisine, with appetizers including tomato carpaccio with a honey sauce, crispy bruschetta with salmon and onion pesto, and quiche Lorraine with mushrooms and bacon, among others.

You’ll probably like to order a glass of the Chevalier Bois Jalere Cotes du Rhone AOP Rouge dry red wine produced from Grenache and Syrah grapes grown in the Côtes du Rhône region. This wine reveals notes of jammy black fruits, cherry, licorice, and spices, with a finish dominated by candied, spicy, and, above all, peppery notes. A juicy rib-eye steak would go great with this French wine, as it requires full-bodied red wines, including Syrah.

Whether you are planning a city break with close friends or celebrating an anniversary with your partner, Yaroslavl would be an affordable destination that lends itself to romance. You can spend a weekend exploring the iconic landmarks – from the Vvedensky Tolga Convent to the Church of Saint Nicholas of Nicolo-Mokrinsky Parish, to the Kilometer Zero of the Golden Ring.

For some, this ancient Russian city will represent an entirely new experience. But what is traveling without eating at locally owned restaurants, when the food itself could be a determining factor in designing memorable things? Restaurants in Yaroslavl could become a lovely part of your romantic trip, as well as help you replenish energy after a quiet hand-in-hand walk discovering this wonderful city together.