| Address: | 52, Nevsky Propspekt, Metro: Gostiny Dvor, St Petersburg, Russia |
| Contact: | +7 (812) 331 9090, http://waytorussia.net/moscow/restaurant/ili-restaurant.html |
| Similar Worldwide: | Ilmen Cafe and Bistro Cafe (Novgorod), Teikhen Restaurant (St Petersburg) |
Sure, the food is pretty ordinary but it fills if it doesn't titillate the taste buds. Likewise, the alcohol is very cheap making this a great 24 hour drinking hole. A young student clientele might make it an even better one depending on your interests. DJs keep the atmosphere upbeat at night time and the interior looks rather trendy for a bistro, although the tables and chairs are quite uncomfortable. There's no table service at the bistro - you have to order at the counter. Upstairs at the restaurant there is table service and the food isn't much more expensive. Which is a good thing because it doesn't taste much better either. Dishes on the menu range from Asian soups to pasta and cost a maximum of 300R ($12). Ili has its purpose: It's a cheap place to fill up on food or alcohol amongst a young, vibrant crowd. Possibly best as a pre-party place or somewhere to meet friends when you're short on cash.
