Itameshi

The third restaurant by Alexey Alexeev is about breaking down stereotypes and boundaries, about the union of opposites and the harmony of differences. This global trend that combines Italy and Asia is what we call Itameshi.

Like a floral whirlwind, a scattering of hibiscus petals, frozen in clear resin, swirls around, creating a dance of patterns on the plates. It intoxicates with a bouquet of truffle and yuzu aromas, balsamic vinegar, and kaffir lime. It unleashes a torrent of bright flavors and sensations amidst the cold St. Petersburg autumn. This third restaurant by Alexey Alexeev is unlike either Inner or Futurist. Itameshi is about breaking down stereotypes and boundaries, about the union of opposites and the harmony of differences. This global trend that combines Italy and Asia has given the new restaurant its name, so that everyone remembers: this is Itameshi. True to the aesthetic of Alexeev's restaurants, the spirit of Itameshi permeates not only the menu but also the restaurant itself, located in a new, beautiful apartment hotel, Artstudio M103, on Moskovsky Prospekt. Designers from the SUITE N.7 bureau have created a large, bright space with ten-foot ceilings, using a Japanese minimalist style and an Italian warmth. The columns are decorated with oak panels, the room is divided by living trees and linen curtains. The warm terracotta walls with the texture of Italian facades and the blue and ochre majolica on the open kitchen create the atmosphere of a real Sicilian home. And the Japanese philosophy of unity with nature allows light to flow freely through the large panoramic windows, bathing the entire space. It almost feels like you can sense a gentle breeze, carrying with it the "fabric" of a pristine white chandelier, frozen in a moment. Every detail in the restaurant can be admired for a long time, deciphering its history. Custom-made lampshades made of smoked glass from the St. Petersburg studio Handle, pizza stones with copper handles forged by a blacksmith from Krasnodar, glass vases and napkin holders from the Shigliц workshop, resembling hibiscus buds and flowers – a flower that combines two cultures, symbolizing hospitality for the Japanese and happiness and love for the Italians. Even the collection of furniture is symbolic in its own way. Viennese chairs made of hand-bent wood, Italian chairs with designs from the Roman Soho House, white velvet armchairs from America, gray and semi-bar stools made of oak by Moscow woodworkers – the variety of shapes and textures creates a feeling of a cozy home, carefully furnished by several generations of a family. And in the living room, hidden behind glass partitions in the depths of the room, where a round table is surrounded by chairs of different colors, this comparison is most evident. And the table with a rotating center itself seems to embody the style of Itameshi – Italian hospitality in a Japanese style.

Chef Alexeev picks up on the ideas of restaurant owner Alexeev. The menu, which combines the traditions of two such different countries, seems daring and expertly crafted. He virtuously mixes countries, flavors, habits, and ingredients in one dish, not seeking compromise but inventing something new. Kenyan beans are served in a delicate, airy tempura with sriracha and teriyaki sauce, Piedmontese tartare is paired with a smoked eel mousse and kimchi, pasta casarecce is served with a steak from the tongue and sautéed shiitake mushrooms in soy sauce, and even pizza is topped with shrimp and squid in a tom yum sauce. From the first to the last dish, Alexeev makes your taste buds work to their full potential, overwhelming them with new sensations. Unusual combinations, an explosion of flavors, an author's take on classic recipes and techniques – all of this is Itameshi. From the lightest touch, when Italian porchetta suddenly appears in an Asian ramen, or octopus is served with potato puree, wasabi, and lemongrass sauce. To a real fireworks display in the ceviche made with Murmansk scallops, salsa made with marinated pineapple and tomatoes in raspberry vinegar, and romesco, or poke with tuna, mango, and a spicy sesame sauce. Head bartender Roman Kachanov picks up on this game, filling Italian classics and signature cocktails with colorful Japanese notes and exotic flavors. Sake, grappa, amaro, tropical fruits, and citrus fruits combine, telling about the best aspects of each tradition.

While preserving traditions, Itameshi creates its own unique style. And it goes far beyond the boundaries of one project. The costumes designed for the team by St. Petersburg designer Olga Maki are perfect for theaters and vernissages, allowing you to embody not only the image but also the philosophy of the author, who believes that "behind simplicity and apparent fragility lies a fiery desire for true life." The tables with pizza stands and rotating centers equalize gastronomic traditions, returning to the principle that what matters is not how, but what. And on the plates with a bright pattern of hibiscus, yuzu, and bamboo flowers, which are so reminiscent of Sicilian painted ceramics, a fascinating story unfolds, where new symbols hide incredibly intriguing meanings.