09/25/09

Terrible place if you want to be treated with respect

by Happytimes

I called to make a reservation for my birthday. The lady that answered the phone was really rude and unprofessional. If you like good service, I suggest that you pick a different restaurant. I will never visit this place. And none of my family and friend will ever go either. I would advise an attitude adjustment, if you'd like to see new clients.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Bad, bad service

07/01/09

charming russian experience

by ChocolateSnob

I didn't know I was leaving NY and stepping into a little Russian realm complete with the art and music. The cranberry vodka was too good! (I guess they infuse them there) Live music on the grand piano was a nice touch -a young russian couple spontaneously got up and danced, even. (I also sneaked a peak upstairs where the S-- and the City scene with Carrie and Mikail Barisnikov was filmed- lovely!) Really a refreshingly different dining experience in this day of over-fancy food and super loud restaurants!

• Pros: better russian food than in Russia!

12/23/08

Overall, the best Russian restaurant in NYC, and one of the best places to enjoy a romantic evening, or to meet friends.

by russianfoodlover

From the wide selection of vodkas skillfully scented in house, to the welcoming and experienced staff to the cozy and friendly decor and atmosphere, beautiful Russian music played by professional musicians, to mouthwatering food - what else can I say? The menu is not overwhelming - just the right selection of the most popular Russian and Georgian dishes - cooked to perfection, and well deserving either Russian vodka or french champagne. Try the horseradish vodka with your starters and order a selection to share (this is why it is worth coming with friends). The Karski lamb is marinated in a special Georgian sauce which makes it so tender that it actually melts on your tongue... The pelmeni is a lighter dish, looks like ravioli, but tastes like nothing else and goes equally well with vodka or beer. The traditional tea with cherry preserve and one fo the several dessert dishes will definitely make this a well rounded and worthy experience.

• Pros: Everything
• Cons: Crowded but is this bad?

10/24/08

below expectations

by Critic828

Food is quite bland, the decor is mediocre, prices pretty high...and this is coming from a Russian. wouldn't come back again. the bill came out to $200 for 3 people, all 3 of us left feeling hungry (we didn't order any drinks!). Their $30 something dollar entrees don't come with a side. That, you must order separately. The food isnt memorable and makes you want to go to McDonald's after to indulge in a dollar menu.

• Pros: attentive waiter
• Cons: blahhh

10/28/07

Amazing Restaurant!!!

by eynatcitychick

This restaurant is great overall experience. From the minute you walk in you know you are in for something different. The atmosphere in this place is extremely easy going and welcoming. The decor reminds me of a Russian dinning room from the beginning of last century. The food is very good, and the pre-theater dinner is an amazing full portion dinner for an unbeatable price. I highly recommend this restaurant.

• Pros: Great Food, Great Service, Great Atmosphere
• Cons: None

08/06/07

incredible experience

by stephencole

I spent an unconventional and terrific evening dining at the Russian Samovar Friday evening with some New York Friends. The food, the hospitality of the waiters, and the unique live music made for a most special experience.

Thank You!

• Pros: great food and the waiters were very hospitable

07/26/07

Great Food and Atmosphere

by eugenef

The Russian Samovar is an amazing place to eat. I took my family there after a show and i definitly did not regret it. The service was great and the food was very hearty. The musician played great songs and the mood was awesome when everyone sang along. I really enjoyed it and will definitly stop by next time in the neighborhood.

• Pros: great food, great service
• Cons: cant really think of any

11/01/05

Great Food, Great People

by scriv

Having time to spare before going to the Neil Simon Theatre, we found the Russian Samovar close by. What good luck! Small enough to feel intimate, large enough for variety, but heavily patronized by Russians - the language was predominant. Wonderful, real food - lots of protein, seriously delicious. Watch out for the flavored vodkas - you'll want to try them all. . . and they have quite a few. Thing I learned: singers will expect $20 bill per song to the jar on the piano, - ask for the singer you want. Spend a while watching and listening and you'll get the idea. Despite being in tourist mecca of theatres it draws a large contingent of Russians of all generations and so feels like a local 'pub' - for Russians. Just let them do their thing - and don't try to be Russian if you aren't. Great, great fun!!

• Pros: Atmosphere, Food, Music
• Cons: Gets crowded, Can't think of any

06/15/05

Excellent Russian food.

by mr_meursault

I had dinner at the Samovar the other night. The experience could not have been better. The place is beautiful, the service is courteous and effective, and the food is outstanding. I had the rabbit and my companion had the lamb for entrees. We were both very happy with them. My companion had the cold borsch for an appetizer and was very satisfied. I had the vinegret, and thought it was pretty good but not as nice as everything else at the restaurant. Overall, the night was a success and the bill was $100 for two (appetizers, entrees, glass of wine each, tea/coffee).

• Pros: Good food, Beautiful, Great Service

05/18/04

Go for the crowd and not food

by psycheflame

Good russian food outside the home is hard to come by. RUssian restuarants are more about getting big groups together, getting drunk, and having a blast. I had a good time and the vibe was very jovial, but the food was pricey and less than fresh. downstairs was lively, upstairs was overly extravagant, big and empty. go with good people, and not to be blown away by cuisine.

• Pros: fun crowd, live music
• Cons: , pricey for quality