Dominique’s Café

The first café in Russia to be called after its owner, Dominique Ritz-a-Port, opened at 24 Nevsky Prospekt (1841). It soon grew into an unofficial social and literary club, a haunt of minor bureaucrats, students and writers. Lovers of chess, draughts, dominoes and billiards also gathered at Dominique’s, which remained open until 1917. Its popularity was largely due to its democratic policies and inexpensive menu.