Dinner at Probka Is Always a Good Idea

Yesterday, for dinner, I chose Aram Mnatsakanov's flagship and most decorated Italian restaurant on the Petrograd Side. I wanted some stability, some classics, and expectations met exactly. Probka is a rare, unquestionably safe bet. Despite its age and status as a legendary restaurant, the interior looks fresh and stylish: calm tones, imposing wine cabinets, and plates signed by celebrities on the walls. The welcome was warm: the menu came quickly, we were offered a table, and our order was taken. From the first impression, the team wins you over with its politeness and well-timed smiles.

What did I try?

• Parmesan mousse — a complimentary cheese mousse with crispy Carta di Musica flatbreads, thin crackers somewhat comparable to focaccia. 
• Vitello tonnato, 890₽ — the dish appeared on the table in a flash. Perfectly thin-sliced pieces of marinated veal, dressed in a creamy tuna sauce. All of it accompanied by capers, olive oil, and arugula. I'll say it officially, without exaggeration: better than in Italy. 
• Chianti Classico Il Maggio, 1000₽ — a decent red wine, full-bodied, without pronounced acidity. 
• Fresh vegetable salad, 780₽ — a salad that arrived a bit late, with cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and lettuce leaves. Olive oil for dressing. A perfect base, if not for the tomato quality. 
• Tagliolini with shrimp and zucchini, 1220₽ — homemade pasta with a generous portion of shrimp and sauce. The pasta is made right here, by hand; it's not al dente the way I like it, but for homemade pasta, this is the benchmark.

This is exactly one of those cases where there's nothing to criticize the restaurant for. Minor complaints about the tomato quality don't count. Attentive service, moderate gaps between courses, classic Italy that you want to come back to. The place joins the guide in the dinner category, with a solid 8 and an obvious bid for a 9.