Lovely atmosphere, the waitress made us feel like we were eating at our aunt’s house! Definitely would come back!

wonderful! came here for my birthday dinner last night, our server was fast knowledgeable and very friendly, the food was absolutely delicious and the interior of the restaurant is gorgeous! the cherry infused vodka is out of this world. we also got the red caviar with blinis 😍 and ordered a bunch of small plates to share, we loved everything. it was overall a great experience and i will definitely be back!

I had a team work dinner at Mari Vanna and it was a great ambiance with really good food. This place felt very Russian with all the decor and authentic food along with it. Also, the bathroom was really cool and they had this interesting fig vodka that I may have had too much of haha. 5 stars. I really love this place. I’ve been here twice and will keep coming back.

Celebrated my birthday here and it was such a magnificent experience for all of my girlfriends and me! We are all Russians, so we all fell in love with the wholesome fresh made food and interior design with the attention to details: matryoshka dolls, Russian music and paintings on the walls. Service was incredible especially the birthday song very nostalgic for us 🥰 So cozy just like grandma’s place!

+2

The food does taste like a true Slavic cuisine! We made a last minute reservation and the restaurant was very accommodating. I will be back for the dessert.

Mari Vanna Russian Restaurant in New York City truly delivers an authentic Russian dining experience. My friend and I, both seeking something genuine, were not disappointed. We ordered the Chicken Kiev and Borsch with beef cheeks, and both were exceptional. The Borsch, served as a starter, was hearty and flavorful, and they were kind enough to split it into two portions for us without us even asking, which was a lovely touch. The Chicken Kiev was a standout, served with mashed potatoes that were simply unforgettable. They had that perfect homemade quality—creamy yet slightly chunky, with just the right amount of seasoning, evoking the comforting taste of home-cooked meals. I also asked for a side of green mustard, which was incredibly strong and likely one of the best I’ve ever had. It’s even available for sale at the restaurant. We paired the meal with cranberry juice, which was refreshing and clearly made with care. The fennel bread was another highlight, adding a unique flavor to the overall experience. Though tempted by the Napoleon dessert, we decided not to overindulge this time but tried the cherry dumplings. I forgot the name but it was a fun tart / sweet entree. Definitely to try with some sour cream. The service was excellent, and it was fun being surrounded by people speaking Russian, which added to the authenticity. It was a perfect evening, and while I’m sad that Mari Vanna in L.A. closed a few years ago, I’ll definitely be returning to the New York location.

Really friendly staff and the decor was great. The food was incredible, especially the meat blinis and borscht. My favorite was the horseradish infused vodka- the best shot I’ve ever had.

+1

Mari Vanna is my number one place to go in NYC with my girlfriends! The ambiance is always warm and inviting, with beautiful attention to detail—fresh flowers, a basket of bread before the meal, and the nostalgic charm of classic movies playing on the projector, making it feel like a time machine. The music was amazing this time, creating the perfect vibe. The food was absolutely delicious—everything I ordered, from holodets to branzino and Napoleon cake, was exceptional. A special touch was the complimentary Medovik cake from the chef. Always a fantastic experience!

+6

Amazing Russian restaurant. Everything we ordered met or exceeded the expectations in terms of taste and flavor. Authentic Russian dishes. Best ones were Borscht, Olivier salad, beef tongue, Kotelett Kiev and beef stroganoff. I would not recommend to go for infused vodka shots. Instead - take normal vodka. A bit pricey, but worth it. Also a very cozy atmosphere with a lot of Russian interior elements. Very similar design as other Mari Vanna location (e.g. in London)

Beautiful restaurant, the minute you step in you get this cosy warm friendly and romantic atmosphere. Old fashioned decoration Victorian era style, with chandeliers, paintings etc, u felt as if u were traveling back in time. The pink fuchsia light in the bar was awesome, my favorite color actually. We sat with my friends in the rounded table, enough space around us and we enjoyed our excellent dinner - it was the first time I was trying Russian cuisine. All the dishes we ordered were very tasty, esp the stroganoff and the chicken which was so tender.

+2

Cozy authentic Russian cuisine restaurant in the heart of Manhattan! Nice decorations, authentic russian music and Soviet comedies on the screen. It is like a time machine witch brings you forty years backback in time. I tried borscht, mushroom cream soup, kiev katletta, heiring under fur coat, olivier, marinated mushrooms, stuffed eggplants, chicken cutlets, shashlik, vareniki with cherry, honey cake, cranberry drink (mors) and peach soda - everything was exceptionally good and I'll definitely come back to try more! Yum! 😋 my impression was like I came for a dinner to my mom 😀

+1

One word - Delicious! My friends took me out here for my birthday and it was perfect! The service is super fast and friendly. Location is very close to subway and path station. The food is delicious,the infused vodka shots add a nice kick to the meal and the desserts are heaven. We ordered - Starters: Egg plant rolls Belini with red caviar Tomato salad with sour cream Everything was fresh and went perfect with the infused vodka shots ( personal favorites were the Horseradish shot and the Pepper &Honey shot, they pack some heat in them and go very well with the food) Mains: Beef Pirojki Hinkali- My personal favorite of the evening! Potato vareniki Pan fried potatoes with mushrooms For dessert : Chocolate kilbasa Napoleon cake -Do not pass on this one! So so good Black tea

+5

Best Shuba, pickled tongue, and foie gras. Incredible Russian food and infused vodkas, going back there asap. Edit: Came back for Shchi, borsht, herring, pelmeni, khachapuri, and duck pie. Perfection!! The music is lit and the service staff there are kind. Love you Mari Vanna!

Mari Vanna is one of the best places I had ever went to for a Russian food. I’ve got Duck, Borscht, Khinkali and some drinks. Khinkali didn’t impressed me( I generally don’t like it) but all the rest was delicious. Highly recommend! Left 4⭐️only because we were waiting for a check a bit of time.

Wonderful, whimsical and mouth-watering. What a fun atmosphere--I could've looked at the walls for days. Service wasn't speedy, but in a good way, because you don't come here to rush--you should come to enjoy. The brunch menu was simple and the dishes we had were super tasty, and we'll portioned! An excellent cup of coffee to boot!

+2

The dining environment/decoration just stunning!! We ordered some dishes were all good, especially for beef stroganoff and desert Napoleon! Napoleon just soo good! Recommended!!

+6

Very surprised on Kamchatka, which is a creamy pasta, it taste super good on creamy sauce. Another MUST ORDER is the Chicken Kiev, Pelmeni and Ajarski Pie Chicken Kiev has stuffed butter, whenever you cut the fried chicken meat, the butter come out and melted into mashed potato. Pelmeni is a lamb dumpling, I like it contained in a little jar. Ajarski Pie also taste good with the dough and melt cheese. The highlight here is the decoration and vibe. Awesome Russian decoration for friends hang out. I’ll super recommend you to come if you hangout with friends and looking for fancy places.

+6

This is the first restaurant that truly reminds me of my late grandmother’s cooking. Truly outstanding Russian food, incredible lively atmosphere, and fast service. The flavored vodka shots are also a highlight.

As a big fan of Russian cuisine (and a very picky one), I saved Mari Vanna for the grand finale of my NYC Russian food tour, after stops at Veselka, Russian Tea Room, Russian Vodka Room, and more. From the moment I stepped in, the atmosphere stood out - a delightful mix of traditional Russian charm and modern sophistication, with nice music and an inviting vibe. The staff were warm and friendly, adding to the experience. While I only had the chance to try a few dishes this time, everything I tasted was absolutely wonderful - authentic, fresh, and full of flavor. Mari Vanna left a great impression, and I can’t wait to come back to explore more of the menu!

Great place, tasteful decor and a warm welcome. Good-sized portions, tasty and varied Eastern European food (Russian, Polish, Georgian, etc.), and good prices for the quality. Worth it. +1 for the Georgian wine!

I went here a little while ago with a group of friends for orthodox Christmas and we had a great time. While we relied on the Russians in our group to order, I enjoyed everything that was put on the table. The food was rich, well priced, and came out quickly. The drinks were strong and tasted good. The only complaint I have is that this random girl (not staff) from the bar kept coming to our table and we clearly were just being polite and didn’t want to talk to her but the staff did nothing and didn’t kick her out despite multiple tables having this incident with her. However I know that isn’t a common occurrence.

+6

I have travelled the world extensively over 40 years. I ate at all restaurants ranging from pop & mom’s to Michelin three stars. This is my honest review of the Russian restaurant Mari Vanna in NYC. I like the decoration with old style pictures etc. There are all kind of good food options that you always want to order extra to take away back to home.

+2

It was the best Saturday night, and we had an absolutely amazing experience! The bartender behind the bar — she was amazing! — attentive, punctual, and fast. Everything ran so smoothly that we didn’t even feel how busy it was. The drinks were simply fantastic — you won’t find cocktails like this anywhere else in New York! The food was incredibly delicious — it was our first time trying this type of cuisine, and we were completely impressed. We especially loved the blinchiki with meat and the filet mignon — both were just outstanding! And the Napoleon dessert — wow, wow, wow! The atmosphere in the restaurant was lively yet cozy, and the staff made the evening feel truly special. And the way they celebrate birthdays here — it’s a real party! Thank you for such a wonderful evening — we’ll definitely be back!

It was a great experience in NYC! Delicious food, cozy nostalgic atmosphere, friendly and professional staff. Thank you all for beautiful dinner!

My friends from Los Angeles recommended we visit Mari Vanna, a Russian cuisine restaurant, and we were absolutely delighted with the experience. My husband and I are big fans of Russian and Georgian food, so we made sure to try some of the classic dishes. We had Olivier salad, herring under a fur coat, tongue with horseradish, and borscht. From the Georgian menu, we ordered khinkali and khachapuri, accompanied by two glasses of red wine. Our friends opted for beef Stroganoff and shashlik. Every single dish was absolutely delicious, just like a meal at a traditional Russian grandmother’s house. The festive Christmas and New Year atmosphere added a special charm to the experience. The restaurant was beautifully decorated, cozy, and playing Russian music, which made it feel even more authentic. Our server (unfortunately, I don’t recall her name) was incredibly kind and attentive, making sure we had everything we needed. As for the prices, for New York City, I’d say they are fairly reasonable. The total for our meal for four came to around $400. Of course, in Russia, these dishes would cost significantly less, but for NYC, this felt normal and worth the experience. I highly recommend Mari Vanna! Advance reservations are a must, but their booking system works seamlessly, and you can easily reserve a table through the link on their website. If you’re looking for a cozy, authentic Russian dining experience in New York, this is the place to go!

+2

Food 8/10 I’ve never had Russian food before so this was a very delightful new experience for me. We ordered the salad, beet soup, dumplings, beef stroganoff, and this amazing layer cake that I have no idea what the name is. Nevertheless, I especially liked the dumplings, beef, and cake. All the flavors felt very homey and cozy. The dumplings were hefty, full of soup, and had a lovely chewy skin. The beef stroganoff came with buckwheat, a pairing that I’ve never had before but enjoyed as well. The cake itself really blew me away, it was with honey, yet not too overly sweet. Their cocktails are also pretty amazing, I got the Czar, a twist on the moscow mule, and the ginger tasted sooo fresh, Definitely recommend!! Atmosphere 9/10 Super cute interior decor, I am obsessed. It was quite loud inside, as mostly all tables were booked and everyone was having a good time. It was a bit warm though for my sweater, so I know now to be more prepared next time. Service 7/10 Decent service.

+6

Oh man if you to have a good time, eat well and drink well you must come to this place! Food was fantastic, from my understanding the food is pretty authentic. The cocktails are delicious and have a numerous amounts of them. The place is decorated like a dollhouse from the 1800s but make it a party. Service was incredible, overall amazing place!

+6

Mari Vanna in New York City is a gem of a Russian restaurant that delivers an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to a cozy, vintage Russian home with its beautifully authentic décor, complete with intricate wallpaper, antique furniture, and charming atmosphere. The food is nothing short of extraordinary – every dish is prepared with care and bursting with flavor, from the hearty borscht to the delicate pelmeni. The service is impeccable, with staff who are warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, making you feel like a cherished guest. Whether for a special occasion or simply to savor authentic Russian cuisine, Mari Vanna is a must-visit.

+1

Thank you for the feeling of home 🫶🏼 Everything was delicious and great vibe inside. Feels like eating at a museum and constantly looking around at all the details. Where ever you’re from, you need to come here. The staff will help you with dish selection to try all the best and unique things.

+4

Love coming here, specially with Slavic people who live out of town. Always a great time. This time we ordered a few salads, beef tongue, borscht, Chicken Kiev, lamb chops, chicken kotletki, pelmeni, potato vareniki, Napoleon and Medovik. Everything was delicious and service was great! Loved the wine too

+2

Cozy & nostalgic vibes inside. The waitress was so kind and the service was speedy. The food tasted homemade and comforting — truly delicious Russian dishes. The blinchiki with meat were my favorite, and the borscht reminded me of my mother’s. The kvass was a bit flat and tasted bottled, but oh well — everything else made up for it. I’ll definitely be back! Such a cute and cozy spot in NYC.

This is one of my family’s favorite places in the city. The ambiance is wonderful and food will keep you coming back. The potato filled dumplings and borscht are my favorites. Also the meat filled pastries are excellent.

+6

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ MariVanna is exactly what Russian cuisine and hospitality should be. The place is a total stunner—from the breathtaking design to the beautiful dishes, crystal, porcelain, and an abundance of fresh flowers everywhere. It’s like stepping into a little Russian fairytale right in the heart of NYC. This spot is an absolute must-visit, right up there with Times Square. Their homemade infusions are a true art form, and the brunches? Next level. Every time I visit, I make a wish to come back and already start picking out dishes for my next visit. My go-to favorites are the vinaigrette, Olivier salad with red caviar, and blinchiki - absolute classics done right. Plus, their delivery game is on point. Super convenient website, and they’ll bring it straight to your hotel. Don’t sleep on this gem! Run, don’t walk, to experience it for yourself! 💯

+4

We stumbled across the Mari Vana in DC that has since closed, so this trip to NYC, we made it a point to put it on the must-eat list and make a reservation. We had a cocktail, Eastern European beer, zucchini fitters, lamb shank, stragonoff, a dessert (that was delicious, huge and I don’t remember the name) and everything was wonderful. The whole dinner was an experience and the decor was absolutely on point. Get the stragonoff. Had it twice now and I’ll be back for that.

I didn’t take a lot of pictures of the food, but it was delicious! Blini… yes, they are making them fantastically good. With caviar, with beef… love them. Beef stroganoff with buckwheat was also very good. Honey cake was great! Atmosphere there is also good and be ready for a lot of Russian speaking people 😀

I invited my old friends and clients for lunch on Christmas Eve. They wanted to try Russian food and found this place to be super interesting, elegant, classy, we loved the food. I have been there a few times in the past, the place still continues to be one of the best Russian themed restaurants in the city..

+6

Most likely the restaurant of Russian cuisine in the world. Come here and you won’t be disappointed. Amazing service. But you would need to book a table.

+3

I’ve been to this restaurant twice, and both times were amazing. You definitely need to make a reservation—there are never any free tables, and for good reason! The food is incredibly tasty. Whatever you do, make sure to order the borscht—it’s a must. The blinis and salads are also delicious. All in all, it’s a solid spot that I highly recommend!

Traditional Soviet food and vibe. Reminds me of home and Brighton beach but slightly elevated. Great drinks.

Awesome Russian spot in the Flatiron district. The infused vodkas were incredible - the fig one especially! The environment is really cool. The Russians working there humored me as I practiced my very below-average Russian skills on them. Hope to be back one day!

The food and service were great. Chicken cutlets and mushroom soup were rich in flavor, the potato mash was prepared well. Beetroot salad was good.

Let me tell you!! Everything just was amazing! From authentic food & ambience to our beautiful and kind server! First time in a Russian restaurant and we loved! Thank you!! Highly highly recommended for people who open yo try smth new and for Russian food lovers. We had Solenya, eggplant rolls, Olivier salad, borscht, kotleta po Kievsky, and golubci! And a napoleon for a desert! Bravo guys!

Such a nice place with authentic Slavic food. Everything tastes homemade and delicious

We loved it there. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was so unique. We had a bump in the beginning with our sitting, but then it went smoothly. If you'd like to emerge into Soviet times, this is the place!

+6

an amazing experience at Mary Anna yesterday! From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting, with a cozy yet elegant atmosphere. The staff was exceptionally attentive and made sure every detail of our meal was perfect. The food was outstanding each dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavor. The Borsch was the highlight for me, and the wine and Vodka selection complemented our meal perfectly. Service was prompt but never rushed, allowing us to enjoy a relaxed and enjoyable evening. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a celebration spot, or just a great meal, Mary Anna delivers on all fronts. I’ll definitely be back! Would highly recommend!

+2

A wonderful, atmospheric place with charming themed decor. Special thanks for the playlist of Soviet-era and ’90s songs it all felt so familiar and nostalgic. I have to deduct a point for the okroshka: the bowl was mostly kvass (though the kvass itself was delicious), and the actual ingredients were so scarce that it was hard to catch them with a spoon basically just a bowl of kvass. The dumplings were tasty. I really enjoyed the overall vibe and highly recommend it to anyone looking to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

+2

First time to try Eastern European tasty food. First time to try chilli drink😁 nice and friendly services

Amazing food. Every dish we had was so delicious. The ambience adds to the place. Will definitely be back!

+2

Amazing atmosphere, courteous service, and all the familiar flavors. So worth it!

+1

If I can give 6 stars for this place, I will do that. Delicately decorated; great vibes; most importantly, superbly delicious food!! Even the Napoleon cake was tasty and authentic. The lamb chop I had was big; what a feast with meat! Oh yes and the price was also good. Very suitable for a romantic date if you are tired of French or Italian style restaurants.

+1

This place is so cute!!!! Love the decoration! And amazing service from the bartender 💕 the best dish so far that I tried was the duck leg wow amazingggg and I usually dont like red cabbage but wow this is the first time I have loved it reaaaally good!!!! Will def come back again!

My “go to” Russian restaurant. First of all the design is like “grandmas house”, so it feels very cozy. Playing old school Russian music. And they have all the Russian classics borscht, pelmeni, beef stroganoff, Olivier etc. I go there at least once a month!

+3

rob kasinow

One of the best interiors / atmospheres I’ve seen in NYC. You are truly transported into a Russian grandmother’s home. Lots of care went into this place Service was attentive and kind. Food was good and not many places serve this type of cuisine

Michelle Case

Stepping into Mari Vanna feels like being transported straight into Babushka’s cozy kitchen—what an incredible atmosphere! The decor is charming and warmly inviting, creating the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience. The food is absolutely delicious and served in generous portions, leaving you more than satisfied. The servers add to the authenticity with their adorable outfits and are fluent in both Russian and English, making the experience seamless and enjoyable. If you’re celebrating your birthday, they go the extra mile by singing a classic Russian song, which is such a thoughtful and delightful touch. Overall, Mari Vanna offers a perfect blend of great food, warm hospitality, and a unique atmosphere. Highly recommend for anyone looking to enjoy an authentic Russian dining experience!

+1

Dining at Mari Vanna is like being transported into Russia. A strong variety of decadent dishes in a beautifully decorated space

+4

H Cef

Our hostess Anastasia was welcoming and helpful. My buddy and I sat at the bar after the lunch rush. Karina was our bartender and she was attentive and nice. We ordered the Homemade Blinis with House Cured Salmon and the Pelmeni Siberian (yummy, light dumplings). Both served with the velvet sour cream. You make your own blini and that was fun! We were more than full from the two dishes to share. Our wines were terrific. The restrooms are clean and adorned with fun items and signatures on the walls. The decor is comforting and old school. If you want a treat and to have lovely memories with friends, put this on your list!

+6

Miao Hu

Charming restaurant that serves East European food. The service is top notch. We ordered Borscht, Siberian Pelmeni and Beef Stroganoff. I don’t usually eat Eastern European food but I do enjoy all the items I ordered!

HAN YU

Had a wonderful meal at Mari Vanna NYC! We ordered the Fried Eggplant Salad, Borscht, Mushroom Soup, Lamb Shank, Beef Stroganoff. Napoleon, and the Onegin as dessert, everything was delicious. The flavors were rich and authentic, and each dish felt thoughtfully prepared. The Lamb Shank was incredibly tender, the Beef Stroganoff was creamy and comforting, and finishing with the Napoleon was perfect. Great atmosphere and warm service, too. Highly recommend!

Marat Shalagin

A cozy Slavic gem in the heart of New York Mari Vanna has an unforgettable atmosphere that instantly transports you to the warmth and comfort of Slavic culture. Every corner is full of charming details — vintage decor, handmade ornaments, and that cozy, homelike energy you rarely find in NYC. The food was absolutely delicious — rich flavors, authentic recipes, and beautiful presentation. Honestly, for the prices they have here, the quality is way above expectations. You can tell every dish is made with care.

+4

M.

A fantastic restaurant with delicious Russian cuisine! We traveled from Hamburg to NYC to celebrate my mother's birthday. It was delicious, the staff was welcoming, and at the end, my mother was sung a birthday song. It was simply fantastic. Thank you for an unforgettable evening! ❤️

Evgenia Ermolina

Atmosphere definitely makes you feel home. The service was exceptional as was the food.Very authentic and absolutely delicious. Hearing under the coat was perfect, well balanced flavors, kotletki - very moist and tender, desserts are top notch as well. I’m definitely coming back when in NY. Highly recommend.

bubbles 4570

So delicious. I made a reservation earlier that day and we were seated just as we walked in. The interior is such a dream, the food tastes like home, and everything feels warm. I can't wait to come back.

Very beautiful place to experience an authentic Russian dinnning experience, the food was amazing, especially the deset. Staff was nice. Really loved the interior decoration.

Tatiana Vlasova

Delicious cuisine. The service was very good and genuinely friendly, but the highlight is the atmosphere, it instantly takes you back to your grandmother’s house. The music, the pictures on the walls, the table runners, the dishes, every small detail feels thoughtfully curated. The menu is also a real comfort-food journey across the ex-USSR: classic Russian New Year salads, Ukrainian borscht, and Georgian favorites like khinkali and khachapuri, all done properly and tasting homemade. A special note for the Napoleon cake: unforgettable, with perfectly crunchy layers and a rich vanilla cream.

Evialina Fedchyk

Lovely place with great food and a beautiful atmosphere. The chicken Kiev cutlet was delicious, and the Onegin dessert with fresh mint tea was a perfect finish. The music and overall vibe were very pleasant. Paulina was kind, attentive, and made the experience feel especially welcoming. Highly recommend.

Olena “OleOle”

This restaurant offers an authentic taste of Russian cuisine with a strong nostalgic atmosphere that feels like stepping back into the post-imperial or Soviet era. The décor and music perfectly capture the spirit of old Russia, making it an excellent place for anyone interested in Soviet culture and history. The service is friendly, attentive, and impressively fast. Overall, it’s a fantastic spot to bring friends who want to experience genuine Russian food and a unique cultural vibe.

+6

Marharyta

I chose this restaurant to celebrate my dad’s birthday 🎂 And we loved everything!!! As Belarusians, it was so nice to feel the atmosphere of «home»❤️ The restaurant’s interior is beautiful, and every single dish we ordered was delicious. The service was excellent, and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. Обязательно вернусь ещё 🤗

We really loved our experience at the Restaraunt. The bartender Zina was so lovely and sweet and welcoming and kind! She introduced us the menu and explained everything in details! My family and I really enjoyed our experience. The food was delicious, the drinks were se good! Will definitely come back and try even more drinks and food! Thanks for the welcoming experience only because of Zina! 🙏🏼🩵

+1

The authentically delicious Russian dishes were the real highlight. Every bite felt true to tradition — rich, flavorful, and expertly prepared. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Russian cuisine or trying it for the first time, the menu offers classics done right, with bold flavors and satisfying portions. Beyond the food, the service was friendly and made the whole evening feel personal. I also loved how the space draws you in with its thoughtful decor and lively yet inviting vibe — it’s one of those places that stays with you long after you leave. We had both a lunch here and a takeout experience, and both were absolutely exquisite. It’s rare to find a place that delivers the same level of quality and care whether you’re dining in or enjoying it at home — but they truly do. Highly recommend for anyone craving authentic Russian cuisine in a beautiful setting!

+6

Fabulous Russian Eatery in NYC... Alex, our server, was super friendly and attentive, making suggestions and guiding our experience. Decor is like being in your families old world home where time stands still....its always 12:20, as the clock on the wall says!!! Food was exceptional, we ate pickled veggies, stewed tomato salad, Herring with red onion, grilled lamb, roasted Duck, napoleon and coffee A splendid time was had

+6

Volha Tong

I loved this place! We were with my husband and all food we ordered was top notch! We tried dumplings, solenia, hachapuri, fried potatoes on skillet with wild mushrooms, blini with beef, desert Onegin, and cocktails! Food came fast! I recommend pomegranate bracelet cocktail! Overall 1 pelmeni 2 place pancakes 3 hachapuri! Absolute must have is dessert Onegin! Our waiter Oleksandr was great! Place is amazing with atmosphere and decor . Pricy but is worth it !

Katerina Kapustina

Great atmosphere, beautiful interior, and friendly staff Thanks to our waitress Karina, she was super attentive and helped us pick some amazing dishes Vareniki were really good

Maya Osmolskaya

Very good authentic food just like in Russia. Very cosy atmosphere, fast and friendly service. Love it!

+1

Angela Chetina (Psychology and sexology)

A nostalgic and elegant Russian dining experience in NYC Mari Vanna is more than just a restaurant — it’s a portal into a cozy, nostalgic version of Russian home life, elevated with elegance and attention to detail. Located in the heart of New York City, it manages to create a peaceful, almost fairy-tale atmosphere that immediately transports you. The lace tablecloths, porcelain dishes, and soft lighting make you feel like you’re dining in a romantic old-world salon. The food is truly comforting and beautifully presented. I started with a classic borscht served in a red pot with rye bread and sour cream — rich, well-balanced, and deeply satisfying. The layered “Herring under a Fur Coat” salad was also excellent: delicate, vibrant, and perfectly seasoned. The Maslenitsa menu was a lovely surprise — I tried the homemade blinis with black caviar (Golden Osetra), served with onions, eggs, and sour cream, and every bite felt indulgent yet familiar. Their cocktail list is impressive. I had the Figaro — a fig vodka cocktail with vermouth and bitters — and it was balanced, complex, and very unique. The playful names and creative ingredients show real thought and humor. Service was gracious and warm — the staff were attentive and genuinely kind. It felt like visiting a close friend’s luxurious dining room. Mari Vanna offers a rich sensory experience rooted in tradition, and it’s absolutely worth visiting whether you’re rediscovering flavors from childhood or exploring them for the first time.

Michael P

A hidden gem for Russian food in NYC! I came to Mari Vanna on a client’s recommendation and was pleasantly surprised. I wasn’t expecting much due to past experiences with Russian cuisine, but this place completely changed my mind. We started with the blinis with salmon and caviar—a perfect intro. The Herring Under a Fur Coat was the standout dish. We also tried several flavors of their homemade infused vodkas—smooth, flavorful, and no hangover the next day! I had the Beef Rossini for my main, which was tasty, though cooked a bit more than I requested. The vibe is cozy, full of vintage Russian charm, with friendly service and quick turnaround. Highly recommend if you’re curious about authentic Russian food in NYC!

+3

The restaurant was stunning and immediately transported us to Eastern Europe. While certainly on the pricier, smaller portion side, the food was delicious. The pelmeni in particular were phenomenal. We also really enjoyed the cabbage rolls, although they were a bit on the smaller side. The bread on the pirozhki wasn't my favorite, although I know that wasn't the common consensus. We ordered the medovik for dessert - which was dense, but absolutely delicious. We would definitely go back.

Russian themed restaurant with good russian dish selection but inconsistent seasoning of food. Out of 3 dishes we ordered 2 were not seasoned properly at least in my opinion. Lamb shank was cooked perfectly but needed some more salt. The duck breast and leg were too salty. Lamb chops were perfect. Side dishes were ok. Salads were good but not as good as I had in Russian Vodka Room. Drinks were ok. Over all I think it is pretty good place to visit if you want to try Russian food.

I've been to this restaurant at least a dozen of times. Food is always good but the service is lacking. On my most recent visit on a Tuesday night the restaurant was half empty and the biggest table they had was ours. We ordered wine 3 times to finally learn from the manager that they were out of all Georgian wine, would have been easier if they notified us first. The food came out pretty fast though our plates were never cleaned and switched before the main course. They sing Russian Happy Birthday song if you request it beforehand and it makes a birthday celebration quite special.

+5

Went to Mari Vanna for late brunch with a small group of friends. Overall, we had a great experience. The restaurant is an absolute winner when it comes to atmosphere and ambiance. From the decor to the eclectic music selection, it nails that cozy Eastern European vibe. They also know their way around a cocktail (with the names to match) and their coffee does a great job at delivering that much needed morning stimulant. When it comes to the food, the potato varenikis were good and so was the potato, mushroom and onion hash. The mushroom soup was enjoyable albeit a bit weak on the mushroom flavour. I also felt that the Borsch wasn't sufficiently sour although others liked it. A few of our group had the cheese pie, and although they all liked it, none could finish.

+2

Beautiful, old world looking, interior with Russian cuisine thatvis really welcome when you need it. Pouring rain outside, a flight of vodka shots started the evening. Chicken Kiev was very nice. So glad I visited and dined with gusto.

+2

Came here for dinner, ordered the beef stroganoff and lamb shank. I just want to start by saying the food can be a little heavy and it is very filling; not a bad thing! Got full very quickly and took some home as leftovers and it was just as good reheated up. The beef stroganoff was delicious; it was served with buckwheat which tasted amazing by itself but even better when mixed with sauce. The lamb shank just slid off the bone. Absolutely delicious but I wished there was a bit more sauce. Service was good; it was very very busy that night so it was a little too crowded. All in all, I highly recommend this place for Eastern European cuisine.

Good atmosphere and first time eating Russian food, beets somehow not bad, pelmeni similar to dumplings juicy and thicker skin, overall interesting flavors pretty unique and good exploration, slightly pricey ($66pp including drinks), nice decor looked somewhat grand (2/15/25).

Mikey Rivera

Really good Russian food. The appetizers and entrees were good (we had the dumplings, chicken Kiev, beef stroganoff, borsch) but for me, the desserts were the highlight- especially the Napoleons. They also make very good vidka cocktails

+2

Celebrated my birthday here recently—excellent service and really delicious food. But the 3% credit card fee left a bad impression. I wish it was more clearly disclosed.

Been coming here for more than a decade. Food used to be very good and it seems to have changed a bit. Blinis are still probably the best in town but everything else was just okay. Still recommend if you’re craving Russian / Eastern European food as it’s the better in town and has a large variety of menu options.

+1

Doah Kwon

The food here felt a bit too authentic for our taste. The flavors were quite strong and the dumplings were our least favorite. But the desserts were amazing and I even bought some pastries to take home.

I chose this restaurant as my birthday dinner because I really love their interior decoration. First of all, I DO NOT LIKE THE SERVICE. Food was alright… but the service needs improvement. I don’t know if it’s because we’re Asians. But we were not treated equally as we should. We had to ask the lady to refill our water. Also, I asked for a candle on the napoleon cake and the lady’s attitude was extremely awful. I’m really upset that I had a bad experience on my birthday. But I still gave a 20% tip, meanwhile the host stared and I felt pressured. Overall, I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE. I rather go to a restaurant where we get respected.

This place used to hold a special place in my heart. I’ve been coming here for the past 12 years and have always cherished my experiences. Even at their other locations, like the one in DC, I’ve had nothing but great times. As a fan of Russian cuisine, dining here has always been a delight, and I’ve often gone all out to savor every moment. Unfortunately, tonight’s experience has completely changed my view. I met a few friends, and we ordered generously—over $300 worth of food, some of which we ended up taking to go. Towards the end of our meal, I asked the waitress if she could split the bill a certain way. Out of nowhere, the hostess approached us and, in plain Russian, asked us to leave because, according to her, we had been sitting for over 2 hours and 30 minutes and they had other customers waiting. I was stunned. I had made a reservation, ordered a significant amount of food, and was simply enjoying the evening with friends. Her approach was abrupt, completely lacking tact or basic customer service. What’s worse is that as we left, I checked the time and realized we had only stayed 15 minutes past the 2-hour mark—not the exaggerated time she claimed. It’s disappointing to see how this restaurant now treats loyal customers. After years of fond memories, I never thought I’d say this, but I won’t be coming back. This experience has left me deeply disheartened, and I can no longer recommend this place to others.

I’ll start by saying this isn’t my first time here. The food is amazing — real, authentic Russian cuisine, and I truly enjoy it. However, the service has been disappointing. I came here for my birthday, and while other guests were being congratulated, I was completely ignored, even though it was mentioned that it was my birthday. Later, I was refused alcohol service despite being over 21 and having all my valid ID with me. The reason given was that my friend didn’t have her ID — even though she wasn’t drinking. I went again today, and at first everything seemed fine. But then I was asked to close my tab and, if I wanted to continue ordering at the bar, to open a new one. That was not a problem — I closed my check, left a tip, and moved to the bar. However, when paying at the bar, I didn’t see the need to tip a second time for the same visit. The bartender then spoke to me very rudely, explaining that the tip is not included and that I should know that. This completely ruined the evening.

I’ve been coming to Mari Vanna for over 15 years — more loyalty than most places could ever dream of. It used to be phenomenal. Really special. Tremendous atmosphere. But now? What a fall. Honestly, it’s one of the most remarkable declines I’ve ever seen — and I’ve seen a lot. The reservation system with OpenTable is a total catastrophe. Completely dysfunctional. You try to book a table and it feels like you’re applying for security clearance. Absolutely ridiculous. They’ve made the simple act of dining here an obstacle course. Zero flexibility. Zero understanding. A disaster run by people who clearly have no idea what they’re doing. And the staff… wow. The arrogance is off the charts. They walk around with this inflated sense of importance — very pompous, very smug — as if they’re running the most exclusive place in New York when, frankly, they’re not even close. The condescension is unbelievable. They treat regulars — the people who built this place — like an afterthought. Mari Vanna has become the perfect example of what happens when an establishment starts believing its own hype. They forgot the core principles: respect the customer, appreciate loyalty, and offer actual hospitality instead of attitude. Instead, you get ego, pretension, and a complete lack of awareness. It used to be one of my favorites. Now it’s overrated, overconfident, and completely off the rails. Very sad to watch a place lose its way so badly. Would not recommend. Not worth the trouble, the attitude, or the nonsense.