Mari Vanna

My husband and I made lunch reservations here after reading the stellar review in the New Yorker and absolutely loved it. First of all, the staff was very friendly and helpful. Our waitress was Russian and explained the food to us, and also made recommendations. The restaurant itself is beautiful - you feel as though you're eating in the dining room of an old, fancy house. The decor has an eclectic, romantic feel to it. Most of all, though, we were impressed by the food. We split the carrot cakes and a herring salad to start. Both were DELICIOUS, especially the herring salad. We then split the pelmeni, which are veal dumplings; again, so delicious. The portions were large and the food itself was pretty rich so we took home leftovers. I recommend this place to all of my friends and will be back. If you want to spend a little less, go for lunch and split dishes, like we did. It wasn't a cheap lunch, but it was beyond worth it.

My husband and I had a 6:00 PM reservation. When we arrived, there was only one table occupied (two men at a table for four). We were given a table that was placed between a huge service station and the communal table. When we asked for another table, the nice waitress said she had to check with the hostess. After some time (after the wine had been poured and the bread served), we were told we could have the table next to the espresso machine in the bar area. Had the wine not been poured yet, I would have left and made a reservation for another date. The food (blinis with red caviar, stroganoff) was okay, not excellent. The waitress was very nice. What really bothered me is that after we were seated at the second table, another couple arrived and was given a nice table that sits four; then, another couple was given a table (that was set for four and split so that they could sit) in the main dining room. When we left, most of the tables were still empty. Why couldn't we get a better table? No idea.

Lovely atmosphere, fun music, good food, but pricey. Highly recommend the bliny special they are having every Tuesday in February- $35 all you can eat bliny (crepes) with various toppings (caviar, smoked salmon, salads, Nutella, etc).

im a russian myself (not a brighton beach one) - i know how russian food suppose to taste (nobody cant tell me sh*#) - this place is on point with a lil modern twist to it.. Of course it is pricey, but being on park ave and 20st across Gramercy Tavern, you cant expect it to have Wendy's prices.. a 2 person meal - 2 apptz/2 entrees/dessert /4 shots/tea, coffee ran to 130 $ (tip not included).. the portions were reasonable (not small at all), service was perfect, and the best i've experienced from all other russian restaurants in the city.. no fronting or pretending to be cool from the staff. the music being played there is russian old school from 70s - now.. design is filled soviet-era stuff... cant say nothing bad about this place sofar... i hope it stays this way...

The place is cute, the music old school Euro trash, the food is solid, the vodka infusions are stupid. They taste like Smirnoff with random essences. It just is no big deal to put beet juice into cheap vodka, just don't sell it for so much money. This place clearly lives large of bad drinks. That never was a good concept.

I have returned several times since the opening and I will continue. The way the chef/kitchen prepares each item just tastes fabulous. It is great to see that the restaurant is doing well- atmosphere is great.

The food is delicious, decor is interesting and the service is above average. The only serious downside to this place is that it is quite pricey.