Russian Samovar

Might be my favorite place in NYC. I’ve been visiting for years. The vodkas are awesome, the people are wonderful, the vibe feels like home. Live music is always a treat.
I’ve met a lot of great bartenders here over the years, tonight Herman took it over the top. Favorite bartender in NYC!
I usually visit for drinks but we had the duck salad tonight and it was delicious!!
I hope this place stays just the way it is forever. ❤️

This was my first time to this restaurant and they did not disappoint! The look and side from the exterior is very deceiving! The place is rather large! Let’s put it this way, the restroom is normal size stalls and not just 1 stall but 3! I know! Unheard of in NYC! Very clean I might add!

We opted for the prix fix meal which included, an appetizer, soup, entree, dessert and coffee or tea. Our appetizer was the Vinegret which is roasted beets, potato, onion (not mentioned on menu) and pickle salad in sunflower oil. I’m not a fan of beets and the onions were rather strong with this. I would go with another choice. Soup was the borscht which was delicious. Served with sour cream on the side. Yes, this is beet soup but this kind of beet, I enjoy! In addition to the prix fix meal I also ordered the Deruny which is pan fried potato pancakes. The serving is 2 large potato pancakes with sour cream on the side. They are rather large and dense with potato. Very tasty! The entree was beef stroganoff which is strips of tenderloin in a mushroom cream sauce served with buttered egg noodles. The sauce is rich and very good. It is nicely presented in a cast iron pan with the noodles on the side. The portion looks small, but believe me it isn’t! We actually had left overs. For dessert we had the Smetannik Cake which is traditional layered cake with sour cream! Absolutely amazing! There was flavor of vanilla, chocolate, spice, orange zest, raisins and more that we couldn’t figure out! One of the best cakes I’ve ever eaten! Similar texture of a carrot cake but better! Tea is served with cherry preserves! Put that in the tea and it makes a world of a difference! I’m not sure if I will ever drink tea without preserves in it again! After you drink all the tea, don’t waste those cherries, they are delicious! Just watch for the pits! All this for $45 with the exception of the potato pancakes!

Service was perfect! Julia was our server and she was attentive, friendly, helpful and totally deserving of a 25% tip, which I left!

Atmosphere was so enjoyable. Several samovars were on display in the restaurant. Staff spoke Russian and English very well! Made the restaurant more authentic hearing the language being spoken. The music was modern set to a jazz beat which was so enjoyable. I never heard Ariana Grande so jazzy! I truly enjoyed it. Around 6:30pm a piano player began to play.

Very enjoyable dining experience! Right next to the Neil Simon Theatre! Parking garages right across the street.

I will definitely return and recommend to others!

Covid-19 protocols: Vaccination proof and ID. Masks not required at this time!

Great experience. Authentic Russian food. Was there on a Saturday night, they had live music and many Russians dancing and having a great time. Extensive menu. Salo, borscht and Oliver salad. Great variety of Vodkas. Will definitely return, this is my new place in midtown.

This is the BEST authentic Russian restaurant! If you go on Friday night there will be a few gentleman playing instruments and singing traditional Russian songs. The food is delicious and so is the tea and dessert. If you want to experience how the Russians party this is a must! I do recommend making a reservation because they get filled quick.

Was my first time here and I thought it was a good overall experience. Food seemed authentic so it does live up to its name. Staff may not be the most warm, free flowing, but they mean well. And frankly I think it’s more of a cultural thing. Anyway, if you’re interested in some authentic Russian food, this is your spot.