Finift

A unique menu featuring local products crafted by a chef specializing in modern Russian cuisine. All this is set within vibrant interiors that echo the legendary brand of Russian crafts, right in the heart of Rostov.

The "Finift" restaurant is located in the heart of the ancient Russian city of Rostov the Great, in the Gostiny Dvor, a restored 19th-century architectural monument. "Finift" translates from Greek as "to mix." This name not only reflects the local identity (Rostov finift is a unique and well-known craft throughout the country), but also clearly positions the concept of the establishment. Finift is the art of painting on hot enamel, and our establishment's concept is the same: bright, never fading, leaving unforgettable emotions in the hearts of our guests.

The idea behind the restaurant is based on a modern approach to traditional Russian crafts and cuisine. Using technology and experience, we have created a new and vibrant interpretation of traditional Russian ornaments in the design of the establishment, and local recipes and products in the gastronomy and bar menu.

DESIGN: Hand-painted, colorful enamels in the interior are framed by strict and laconic silver and brass. Bright elements are surrounded by strict white walls and ceilings, yet not boring. Glossy panel surfaces are juxtaposed with matte walls featuring handmade bas-reliefs by local artisans, depicting plant motifs reminiscent of traditional Russian "mazanka" (lime plaster) techniques. The floor features a parquet pattern that complements the bright floral marble. Mirrors on the ceiling and walls add light, while a tiled stove, fireplace, and large chest add a touch of homey warmth to the interior. The project uses traditional elements of Russian style, but in a modern interpretation. These are painted chests and stoves decorated with tiles. The restaurant's connection to Rostov the Great is further emphasized by the presence in the lobby, in the welcome area, of a large statue of a deer, which is a symbol of the city and is featured on its coat of arms. The statue, installed in the lobby, also serves as a photo opportunity for restaurant guests. The use of mirrors in the shape of stylized kokoshniks (traditional Russian headdresses) in the restroom area further reinforces the "Russian" style and the concept of Finift.

MENU: Since the restaurant is located in the heart of an ancient Russian city, the menu is based on national cuisine. However, within the framework of a "modern interpretation of Russian traditions," the chef has used local products and recipes, reworked based on modern gastronomic trends. We cooperate with more than 20 farmers and suppliers from the surrounding areas. In particular, local fishermen supply the restaurant's kitchen with 7 types of fish caught in Lake Nero, the largest lake in the Yaroslavl region, on the shore of which Rostov is located.

Example menu: Flatbread with smoked "lin" (a type of fish) from Rostov, with a cream made from egg yolk, glazed with kvass. Almost 20 rivers and streams flow into Lake Nero. It's no surprise that fishing is not only one of the oldest crafts in the region, but also the most popular. For example, Catherine the Great granted the residents of Rostov a monopoly on fishing in the Sara River (the largest river flowing into Lake Nero). "Lin," pike, perch, and roach are just a few of the fish found there. Smoking with alder wood not only adds flavor to the "lin," but also imparts a cozy aroma of campfire smoke.

Salt-cured cucumbers from Porechye-Rybnoye with pumpkin. Porechye-Rybnoye is a village located 11 km from Rostov. In 1719-1720, at the direction of Peter the Great, the villagers went to Holland to learn about gardening. Later, commercial gardening became the main source of income for the residents of Porechye. Lake Nero provides them not only with fish, but also with fertilizers for gardening. Local residents grow melons, including pumpkins, chicory, and, of course, cucumbers. Every year, in mid-July, Porechye-Rybnoye celebrates "Cucumber Day."

BAR MENU: The wine list is exclusively based on Russian wines. Our sommelier was guided by the 2023 author's guide by Arthur Sarkisyan. The restaurant's cocktail menu consists of 12 drinks, each of which is named and associated with a landmark or iconic place in Rostov, and serves as a "flavor navigator" for guests. By trying the cocktails from the "Finift" menu, guests learn about the city's attractions and plan what to visit. For example, the "Nero" cocktail is blue and served in a "chalet" glass, reminiscent of the lake. Or the "Sysoy" cocktail, named after the largest bell in the Uspensky Cathedral. It is served in a glass resembling that bell and has a greenish color. The menu also features traditional Russian strong drinks, such as "polugar" (a type of vodka) from Yaroslavl producers. The use of local products has also allowed us to include homemade infusions made with local berries and fruits, such as blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, apples, and gooseberries, in the bar menu. Some of these are grown in the apothecary garden of the Rostov Kremlin.