© DA bureau / Photography: Sergey Melnikov

Originally from Turkmenistan, one of the former Soviet republics, Arslan Berdiev honed his culinary skills during his military draft, having to create tasty food with hardly any good ingredients. Fast forward to 2018, and Berdiev finds himself literally a world away, opening restaurant Birch in St. Petersburg which eventually became one of the preferred pitstops of the city’s movers and shakers. As of late, the lauded hospitality entrepreneur manages a second outpost in the city, and needless to say, people are lining up here as well. As its name already implies, Osteria Betulla is all about simple and original Italian fare, but exclusively made from high-quality ingredients. The interior design, created by award-winning local architecture practice DA bureau, is concepted as an ‘Italian dining hall’, but one with a pure and minimalist aesthetic.

The restaurant’s location is in the 86 sqm. (926 sq.ft.) basement section of a nondescript 20th-century building in the city’s Smolninskoye district which has seen a dramatic transformation into a serene dining establishment. Interestingly, architectural elements of Catholic churches have been blended in to amp the desired atmosphere, and it all starts with Osteria Betulla‘s entrance. A discreetly ensconced curved staircase leads to two separate halls, one dimly lit, and the other flooded with light. Inside, a rectangular space with unfolds, divided in two by a well-stocked open bar. The space sees a vaulted ceiling with striking curved corners which follow the contours of six existing windows, while a single one in the corner has been concealed.

Only the windows’ upper sections have been retained, creating a light-filled yet secluded ambiance that’s often found in churches and monasteries. Furnishings are simple and crafted from blonde timber and is paired with flooring of both wooden planking and large stone tiles. Guests first encounter a pasta work station with a large table, where five guests can be seated, and additional seating situated right behind. Beyond the bar, two elongated benches are placed back-to-back and paired with tables and chairs. The window niches provide additional seating or room for storage. Further boosting the Italian or ecclesiastical vibe is the presence of a potted olive tree and a chunky stone sink in the restroom. As said, Osteria Betulla serves simple Italian dishes, ranging from focaccia with tomatoes to various pasta dishes, soups and desserts.

Osteria Betulla
Dyevyataya Sovyetskaya ulitsa 1 (Smolninskoye)
191036 St. Petersburg
Telephone: +7 921 1819460
Daily 12pm-11.30pm

© DA bureau / Photography: Sergey Melnikov