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Russian Samovar Reviews List

Russian Samovar

This Theater District gem is decorated with a charming collection of eponymous samovars. The banquette-lined main room adds an air of grandeur while maintaining a comfortable and welcoming vibe. Known for its flavored vodkas—at least a dozen herb and/or fruit infused varieties are available. There is also a full menu of Russian and Georgian classic comfort fare like borsht, pelmeni, and of course caviar. We are a pleasant place to visit while away for a few hours with friends or perhaps to romance a new interest, Russian style.
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39 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
(39 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 39 reviews
5 stars
(15)
4 stars
(15)
3 stars
(4)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(3)
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Ambiance 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Noise Level
2.6 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • good for groups(18)
  • neighborhood gem(16)
  • fit for foodies(14)
  • special occasion(11)
  • vibrant bar scene(8)
  • romantic(7)
Russian Samovar Reviews List
Review 1 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

St. Petersburg Nights

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Traditional Russian fare, RS will transport you to Russia with its great food and musical talent that plays nightly, Saturday is the night you want to take part in with live band and singers."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 2 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I come here often and being

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I come here often and being every one ican I love this place"
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2011
+4points
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Review 3 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent traditional dishes

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Excellent traditional dishes prepared very well. If looking for something different than your typical restaurant fare, try Russian Samovar and you will not be disappointed. We have visited for dinner after a matinee twice in the last few months and enjoyed it both times. Nice people and great atmosphere."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
+3points
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Review 4 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This is not a romantic hideaway.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This is not a romantic hideaway. Loud and boisterous, Russian music (live), a table of what looked liked Russian oligarchs with the most amazing women rubles could buy, and surprisingly good food. We'll go back."
Dined on 04/18/2013
 2005
+7points
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Review 5 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Cozy and tasty

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"We had a wonderful lunch in this cozy restaurant. The service and the food were impeccable. Very cozy, with a strong Russian presence. The only thing that I noticed is the fact that they don't have a menu in Russian, which is a little unusual."
Dined on 03/29/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
+9points
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Review 6 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Warm and smart. The famous

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Warm and smart. The famous historical place - the very important for Russian culture"
Dined on 03/26/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
+12points
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Review 7 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

It is unfortunate what management

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"It is unfortunate what management shakeup can do to a once-great restaurant. It saddens me to write such a bad review..."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2008
-15points
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Review 8 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Love this place!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"What a fun and authentic experience. The staff and food were terrific. We were there on Valentine's day before theatre and the experience was terrific save for some guy vacuuming the stairs which is just a no-no once you have customer's in! But even that had a decidedly Russian vibe sort of like a hostess who is still setting a table when you arrive for a dinner party."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
+15points
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Review 9 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

The musical group was so loud

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The musical group was so loud that we decided to go somewhere else.We were very disappointed."
Dined on 02/28/2013
 2007
-12points
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Review 10 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

It was our first visit to

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"It was our first visit to this restaurant, it turned out great. Food & service was top notch. But what stand out the most was the live performances from their musical group- very energetic and lively!!"
Dined on 02/21/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
+13points
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Review 11 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

My wife picked this place

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"My wife picked this place out before going to a show. The menu had so many different things to try that it was hard making a choice. The waiter did an excellent job recommending the best selections. The appetizers and main courses were well prepared and served hot. I have to say that everything we tried was very tasty. I would suggest sharing an appetizer because the portions were generous for those. We were seated next to a lively group of people that made the visit a little noisy, but it wasn't as bad as an obnoxious Italian restaurant. The infused vodkas were interesting, but I'd rather just have a classic Belvedere martini or a Chevas Regal and water. I wish we had time to try some deserts. We'll try them on our next visit."
Dined on 02/21/2013
 2008
+12points
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Review 12 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

From Russia with love !!

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"While dinning a Russian Samovar last week I posted in my Facebook wall: "There are a few unique places in this city where you go and, regardless of the sentimental state you brought in, you leave happy. This one of these places". I hope my words do justice to how good this place is. I have been a regular here for over 20 years."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2005
Special Features: good for groups
+13points
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Review 13 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

this was a very good restaurant

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"this was a very good restaurant with very good food for a reasonable price, the staff was good, and they were very helpful"
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2007
Special Features: good for groups
+11points
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Review 14 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

My wife and I dined here on

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My wife and I dined here on a Valentine's Day "date". The decor was really great. The service was very attentive and responsive. The first thing they asked us was whether or not we were attending a Broadway play and if so, what time was it so that they could adjust service in time to meet the opening time. The menu was great and reflected the Russian culture that we expected. My wife, who is from Lithuania, loved the food and the authentic decor. So we were very pleased with our experience."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
+11points
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Review 15 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Food ok, Service not so great.

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Although was pretty good, the service left much to be desired.
More than once we wanted to order more drinks and our waiter was nowhere to be found.
Never once were we checked on to make sure everything was ok.
Unfortunately I can't say I will be visiting this restaurant again."
Dined on 01/19/2013
 2010
-11points
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Review 16 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Off the chain

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was delicious and the music was great. Quite an assortment of Russian classics from the last 100 years. Great for a group meal or a date. People got up and danced periodically, including Alan Alda, which was random to see. You could tell everyone was having a great time. I will definitely be going back for special occasions. Its a little pricey! But worth it."
Dined on 01/25/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
+14points
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Review 17 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Interesting and fun Russian

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Interesting and fun Russian atmosphere and food. Excellent vodka list. Live music way too loud."
Dined on 01/24/2013
 2012
+9points
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Review 18 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I really enjoyed my dinner

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I really enjoyed my dinner here, it was filling and not very expensive, went with a group of 4 other people and we were all satisfied with both the food and shots."
Dined on 01/16/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
+12points
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Review 19 for Russian Samovar
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Russian fun

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I made a late reservation, but always easy after 730p as this restaurant is in theater district. A very friendly hostess greeted us and the fun began. A fun place to people watch, great infused vodka, food especially my hen was cooked perfectly. Our waiter was friendly, good at suggestions. We have been to Russia, and this restaurant competed with the places we ate there. A great find, we will definitely go back."
Dined on 01/18/2013
 2007
Special Features: kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, romantic
+14points
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Russian Samovar
Based on the average of (20) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Service 
3.7 / 5
(Very Good) 3.7 / 5
Ambiance 
3.6 / 5
(Very Good) 3.6 / 5
Noise Level
2.6 / 3
Energetic