"Aram Mnatsakanov's founding Italian wine bar — book Probka in St Petersburg for classic pasta, an open kitchen and 100-plus wines."
About Probka
Probka sits on Zoologicheskiy pereulok in the Petrogradsky District of St Petersburg, near the Neva. It is the founding restaurant of Aram Mnatsakanov — restaurateur and host of the Russian versions of Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares — whose Probka Family group now spans St Petersburg, Moscow and beyond. Opened in 2001, originally on Belinsky Street, it gave the whole group its name.
It sits among the city's leading tables. Compare the modern Kokoko, the tasting-led Hamlet & Jacks and the Russian Severyane, or browse the full St Petersburg dining guide.
The Kitchen
The kitchen cooks a classic Italian menu, sent out from a large open kitchen built so diners can watch their food being made. Expect house-made pastas, antipasti and grilled and roasted mains, with the wine list the other half of the draw — more than a hundred labels from around the world, plus the group's own AM-label Prosecco and Bordeaux. The cooking is honest and produce-led rather than showy.
It is an upper-mid St Petersburg spend: pastas and mains run roughly 900 to 2,000₽, with most diners spending around 2,500 to 3,500₽ a head.
The Room
The room is warm and buzzy, anchored by that open kitchen, with a separate café and a private 'apartment' space alongside for groups. Service is polished and well-versed in the long wine list. The mood is grown-up and convivial, equally suited to a date, a celebration or a working dinner. Booking ahead is wise at weekends.
Best for a classic Italian dinner in St Petersburg
Probka suits a classic night out — the Italian cooking and the deep wine list make it a fine first date or anniversary, and a comfortable room to host a guest in St Petersburg. For more of the city's tables, see Kokoko or browse the full St Petersburg dining guide.
Not for
Not for a quick, casual or budget meal — Probka is an upper-mid Italian wine-bar restaurant built for an unhurried dinner with a serious list, not a fast bite.
Frequently Asked
What is Probka known for?
It is the founding Italian restaurant and wine bar of Aram Mnatsakanov's Probka Family group in St Petersburg, open since 2001, known for classic Italian cooking from a large open kitchen and a list of more than a hundred wines.
Who is behind Probka?
Restaurateur Aram Mnatsakanov, host of the Russian versions of Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares; Probka was his first restaurant and gave his group its name.
How much does Probka cost?
It is an upper-mid spend: pastas and mains run roughly 900 to 2,000₽, with most diners spending around 2,500 to 3,500₽ a head.
What should I order at Probka?
The house-made pastas and grilled and roasted mains are the core; pair them with the deep wine list, including the group's own-label AM Prosecco and Bordeaux.
Where is Probka?
On Zoologicheskiy pereulok 2-4 in the Petrogradsky District of St Petersburg, near the Neva.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Probka
Book via the restaurant or the Probka Family site; weekend tables go first.
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Practical Information
AddressZoologicheskiy pereulok 2-4, Petrogradsky District, St Petersburg
NeighbourhoodOn Zoologicheskiy pereulok in the Petrogradsky District, near the Neva in central St Petersburg
CuisineItalian
PriceÀ la carte; pastas and mains roughly 900–2,000₽, most diners spend around 2,500–3,500₽ a head
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingA dining room with an open kitchen, a café and a private space; booking wise at weekends
ReservationBooking wise at weekends; à la carte, lunch and dinner, breakfast on weekdays
