Kafe Grot, St. Petersburg

Better get a Russian-speaking pal to come along with you to this place, or brush up on the language yourself, for there's no getting around these true-blue natives! No gourmet meals here - you'll find only heavy meats and tummy-filling side dishes on the menu. Juices are freely available too, and the décor, with its dim lighting and fish tank, makes it feel like you're munching on a quickly put together meal at home. This joint is favored by the working class of modern Russia, who come looking for a quick bite and banter with friends, so you're not likely to run into many tourists.