Russian Samovar Restaurant and Piano Bar – Russian
Stepping into this Midtown landmark feels like entering a storied literary salon, where the air is thick with soulful piano melodies and the warm, golden glow of vintage samovars. Guests toast with jewel-toned house-infused vodkas while indulging in silken blinis topped with glistening caviar and hearty, vibrant bowls of beet-rich borscht. It is a theatrical celebration of old-world Russian hospitality, where every meal feels like an intimate performance shared amongst velvet banquettes and flickering candlelight.
256 West 52nd Street +1-212-757-0168 https://www.russiansamovar.com/Rating: 4.2/5 (1267 reviews)
Cuisine: Russian
Price range: $$$
Dietary options: high-protein, nut-free, vegetarian, low-carb, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, keto, sugar-free, pescatarian, mediterranean, whole30, paleo, diabetic, heart-healthy, plant-based, low-fat, atkins, anti-inflammatory, south-beach, clean-eating, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, gerd, volumetrics, tlc, detox, alkaline, carnivore, aip, mayo-clinic, slow-carb, pegan, candida, macrobiotic, lectin-free
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday
- 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM
- Tuesday - Thursday
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 AM
- Friday - Sunday
- 12:00 PM - 4:00 AM
What diners are saying
Diners celebrate Russian Samovar as an unforgettable destination for authentic Eastern European cuisine and electric celebrations. Guests rave about the vibrant, cozy atmosphere, often highlighted by live music and a welcoming, "family-like" vibe that keeps parties going until 3 AM. Standout dishes include the phenomenal beef stroganoff—praised for its perfect preparation and presentation—along with fresh Salmon Blini and flavorful Chicken Kiev. Reviewers consistently highlight the exceptional service, noting attentive staff and knowledgeable bartenders like Zishan who craft unique drink pairi
Menu
Appetizers and Starters
Traditional Russian starters and small plates
- Khachapuri: Georgian savory spiced cheesy bread Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Mushroom Vol-Au-Vent: Puff pastry filled with savory mushrooms Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Russian Charcuterie Plate: Assorted Russian cured meats Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Carnivore
- Eggplant Caviar: Traditional roasted eggplant spread Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Pickled Vegetables: Assorted house-pickled vegetables Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan
- Pelmeni: Traditional Russian dumplings Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Seafood Blinchiki: Crepes filled with seafood Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Soups and Salads
Fresh salads and traditional soups
- Borscht: Traditional beet soup Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic
- Salad Trio: A selection of three traditional salads Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Detox, Mayo-Clinic
- Shrimp & Avocado Salad: Fresh shrimp paired with avocado Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
Main Courses
Signature Russian and European entrees
- Beef Stroganoff: Classic beef in sour cream sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Atkins
- Chicken Kiev: Breaded chicken breast stuffed with herb butter Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Karski: Delightfully spiced, grilled lamb lollypops Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Branzino: Freshly prepared Mediterranean sea bass Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, GERD-Friendly, TLC, Detox, AIP, Mayo-Clinic, Pegan, Candida, Lectin-Free
- Pozharsky: Traditional Russian ground chicken cutlets Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Mushroom and Potatoes: Hearty combination of wild mushrooms and potatoes Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Candida
Desserts
Sweet endings and traditional cakes
- Smetannik: Traditional Russian sour cream cake Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Napoleon Cake: Layered puff pastry with custard cream Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Medovik Cake: Classic Russian honey cake Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Apple Strudel: Warm apple strudel Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Beverages and Cocktails
Infused vodkas and signature drinks
- Flight of Organic Infused Vodka Shots: A selection of house-infused organic vodkas
- Bloody Dasha Cocktail: Signature house cocktail
- Borschtini Cocktail: Beet-infused martini
- Moscow Mule: Vodka, ginger beer, and lime
- White Russian: Vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream
- Espresso Martini: Vodka, espresso, and coffee liqueur
Special Events
Ticketed events and gala dinners
- Speakeasy Samovar Ticket - $65: Includes flight of six vodka shots, mini blini with smoked salmon, and live jazz Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- New Year’s Eve Gala - $450: Six-course banquet dinner, vodka, wine, champagne toast, and live entertainment Dietary tags: High-Protein
- New Year’s Eve Early Entry - $250: Entry before midnight
Frequently Asked Questions about Russian Samovar Restaurant and Piano Bar
- What are this restaurant's hours of operation?
- The restaurant's specific opening times are not provided, but reviews mention that celebrations often continue until 3 AM.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Reviews focus on the authentic cuisine, vibrant atmosphere with live music, and standout dishes like beef stroganoff and chicken kiev.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- 30% of the menu works for these diets, featuring Mushroom and Potatoes, Karski, and Branzino as vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb options.
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- Rated 4.2/5, this expensive ($$$) Russian restaurant is distinguished by its authentic cuisine, live music, and vibrant late-night atmosphere.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- Russian Samovar offers 15 highlighted dishes and accommodates 36 dietary preferences including keto, vegan, gluten-free, and high-protein selections.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- Dietary options include keto, gluten-free, vegan, and paleo, featuring dishes like Karski, Branzino, Mushroom and Potatoes, and Beef Stroganoff.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- With an expensive ($$$) price level and 4.2/5 rating, diners consider the exceptional service and phenomenal food an unforgettable experience.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- Reviewers highlight a welcoming, "family-like" vibe and electric celebrations, though the atmosphere includes live music and parties until 3 AM.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- This expensive ($$$) restaurant offers an upscale, theatrical dining experience featuring live piano music and a vibrant, cozy atmosphere.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking authentic Russian cuisine, live piano music, and a vibrant, late-night atmosphere in an expensive, theatrical setting would enjoy this restaurant.