Restaurants No Longer About Impressions, Novosibirsk Debate

Residents of Novosibirsk are actively discussing in comments the publication by NGS about changes in the dining market. We have collected the most interesting comments left under the article.

Readers are sure that the main problem for consumers has become high prices. Hence, the low level of attendance at establishments.

“A cup of coffee — 500 rubles (about $6 at current rates). What restaurants? To have dinner for two — 30,000 rubles (about $333), who can afford that?” a Siberian resident wonders.

“In other countries, a person can find an establishment that won«t hurt their wallet. But here, a restaurant is a cult of affluence, a cafe is a cult of opportunity, and a food court is a hangout spot for teenagers,” reflects Guest.

“My income has fallen threefold compared to last year. Now I go to a restaurant at most once a month,” shared an NGS reader.

Others see the problem in huge markups on food and drinks in restaurants and cafes.

“I worked in one of the establishments. As a rule, management is lacking, equipment is old. Perhaps the closures will contribute to the appearance of new places where they won«t add a 300 percent markup on mineral water,” explained a Novosibirsk resident.

“People aren«t getting poorer, they just don»t want to pay markups of hundreds of percent for food, that«s all,” suggested Guest.

Also among the commentators were those who believe that restaurants and cafes have long lost their special atmosphere that gave positive emotions.

“Restaurants have long not been about impressions, more about surprise from prices: beer from 1,000 rubles (about $11) per liter, snacks are exorbitantly priced. There are no conditions for smokers in establishments. Tables are closely placed,” wrote a Siberian resident.

“There«s no atmosphere in restaurants. But at the country house (dacha) it»s much more soulful: quiet, fresh, a sauna, a river, you cook what you want. Cheaper and more soulful,” shared a reader.

Earlier, NGS reported which establishments closed in Novosibirsk in January. Difficult times have come not only for small coffee shops but also for well-known wine bars.