Tchaikovsky

Kaliningrad’s unique geographical location is reflected in the gastronomic diversity of local restaurants. Some specialize in European cuisine, while others serve predominantly Russian dishes. But wherever you go, the best of Baltic seafood will likely be on the menu.

Location: 43 Tchaikovsky Street, Kaliningrad

Average bill: PPPP

Cuisine: Russian

Tel.: [phone]

Open: Monday-Sunday 9 am-midnight

The restaurant and the boutique-hotel of the same name are both on Tchaikovsky Street. So, it is hardly a surprise that music is the central leitmotif of the decor. The interiors, the hotel rooms, the piano-shaped dining tables, the chairs and the summer terrace – literally everything calls to mind the great Russian composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Even the menu is styled after scenery to his ballets.

“Tchaikovsky” is a family business to which all members of the family contribute something of their own. Olga Ageyeva runs the restaurant. She develops and taste-tests dishes and oversees food quality.

The establishment serves predominantly Russian cuisine. Customers are particularly fond of the fresh-made dumplings stuffed with pike and the veal borsch. The latter comes served with cured pork fat, onions, croutons and a pinch of salt on a wooden plate. Another highlight is the veal liver with mashed potatoes and caramelized onions. The lemonade is fresh-squeezed, and the sprat is exclusively Baltic-caught.

For football fans there are burger options, though with a Russian flare. For instance, the Wrong Sort of Burger has a chopped minced veal patty instead of the traditional beef, and instead of standard French fries the restaurant serves its own distinct potato chips.