Mari Vanna: An Authentic Russian Dining Experience in New York City

Mari Vanna Introduce

In the heart of Manhattan, just a stone's throw from the Flatiron Building, lies a hidden gem that feels worlds away from the city's urban bustle. Mari Vanna is more than just a restaurant; it’s an immersive experience that transports you to a bygone era of Russian hospitality and charm. Named after a mythical grandmother who welcomed all into her cozy home, Mari Vanna embodies a warm, old-world elegance. The interior is a treasure box of nostalgia, adorned with mismatched vintage furniture, lace curtains, family photographs, and countless knick-knacks that evoke the comforting feel of a traditional Russian apartment. Every detail, from the antique samovars to the handwritten notes on the walls, contributes to an atmosphere that is both romantic and incredibly welcoming. This unique ambiance, combined with an authentic and delicious menu, makes Mari Vanna a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in New York.

The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity is reflected not just in its decor but in its cuisine. The menu is a love letter to Eastern European classics, with a focus on fresh, traditional dishes prepared with care. From the moment you walk through the door, you're not just a customer, but a guest in Mari Vanna's home. The service is attentive and friendly, with staff who are happy to guide you through the menu and share a little bit of the culture. Whether you're a connoisseur of Russian food or looking to try it for the first time, the experience is designed to be delightful. Mari Vanna is a place where you can create new memories, celebrate a special occasion, or simply enjoy a quiet, cozy meal that feels like a cherished family dinner.

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Location and Accessibility

Mari Vanna is perfectly situated at 41 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003, USA. This address places it in the vibrant and accessible Gramercy/Flatiron neighborhood, a prime location for both locals and tourists. The restaurant is easily reachable by public transportation, being a short walk from major subway lines, including the 4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, and W trains at the Union Square station. This makes it a convenient spot for dinner, brunch, or a celebratory meal.

The restaurant is committed to ensuring all guests feel welcome, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and seating. While parking in Manhattan can be a challenge, there are both paid street parking and paid parking lots available nearby. The area is known for its beautiful architecture and lively atmosphere, making the walk to the restaurant an enjoyable part of the experience.

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Services Offered

Dine-in: Mari Vanna provides a full-service, upscale dining experience with a cozy, romantic atmosphere.
Takeout & Curbside Pickup: For those who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, the restaurant offers both takeout and curbside pickup services.
Delivery & No-contact Delivery: You can have the delicious food from Mari Vanna delivered right to your door, with no-contact options available for safety and convenience.
Catering: Mari Vanna also offers catering services for events, bringing the unique flavors of Eastern European cuisine to your special occasion.
Reservations: Given its popularity, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and brunch, to ensure a table.

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Features and Highlights

Authentic Russian Cuisine: The menu features a wide array of classic Eastern European dishes, prepared with traditional methods and authentic flavors.
Unique and Cozy Atmosphere: The decor is a major highlight, creating an immersive, home-like setting that is both romantic and upscale.
Excellent Beverage Program: The restaurant is known for its extensive wine list, great cocktails, and a wide selection of hard liquor, including infused vodkas. They also offer a great tea and coffee selection.
Great for Various Occasions: Whether it's a romantic dinner, a group gathering, or a solo dining experience, the restaurant is a perfect fit for a variety of crowds.
Family-Friendly: With high chairs and changing tables available, Mari Vanna is a welcoming place for families with children.
Specialty Menus: The restaurant offers a dedicated brunch menu, a late-night food selection, and even a premium caviar menu for a truly decadent experience.
Dog-Friendly: For those with furry friends, the restaurant allows dogs in its outdoor seating area.

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Contact Information

To plan your visit to this unique establishment, or to make a reservation, you can contact Mari Vanna at the following:

Address: 41 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (212) 777-1955

The staff is known for being welcoming and attentive, so don't hesitate to call ahead to secure your spot, especially during peak dining hours.

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What is worth choosing

Navigating the menu at Mari Vanna is a delightful journey through Russian gastronomy, but a few dishes come highly recommended by regulars and reviewers alike. For a true taste of the classics, the Siberian Pelmeni (dumplings filled with pork and beef) and the Veal Pelmeni are an excellent place to start. They are often served with a "velvet sour cream" that elevates the dish to a new level. Another must-try is the Homemade Blinis with House Cured Salmon, which offers an interactive and delicious experience as you assemble your own small bites.

For main courses, the Beef Stroganoff is a classic choice that is consistently praised for its rich, creamy sauce and tender filet mignon. Another popular entree is the Traditional Chicken Kiev, a perfectly cooked chicken breast stuffed with butter, dill, and garlic. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Herring Under A Fur Coat Salad is a unique and authentic dish that is a staple of Russian cuisine. Beyond the main courses, the desserts are a highlight. The Napoleon and Medovik cakes are wonderful ways to end the meal, and the Cherry Vareniki (sweet dumplings) are a fan favorite. To complete your experience, be sure to ask about their great cocktails and extensive wine list, which perfectly complement the rich flavors of the food.

Mari Vanna Menu

Cold Appetizers
Eggplant Rolls $18.00
Roasted eggplant with cheese, garlic, mayo, cilantro.
Cured Herring $21.00
Served with boiled potatoes, onions and rye bread
Salo Plate $23.00
Assortment of salt cured pork fatback with onions, garlic, and spicy mustard.
Soleniya $16.00
Assortment of traditional Russian pickled vegetables.
Fish Plate $36.00
House Cured Salmon, Hot Smoked Sturgeon, Butterfish, Black Caviar
Meat Plate $31.00
Assortment of beef tongue, salami and roast beef
Marinated Mushrooms $14.00
House Marinaded Shiitake Mushrooms with Onion, Bell Paper & Sunflower Oil
Beef Tongue With Horseradish Sauce $29.00
Vitello Tonato A La Russe $21.00
Tender Roast Beef Slices Paired with Tangy Shproti Sauce and Topped with Savory Borodinsky Crumble. Garnished with Fresh Chives and Parsley
Forshmak $16.00
Savory Forshmak Spread, Crafted with Herring, Egg, Onions, Apples, Cheese and Butter. Served with a Toasted Borodinsky Bread, Crowned with Fresh Microgreens and Dill.
Kholodets $21.00
Beef Aspic Served with Mustard and Horseradish
Foie Gras Pate $24.00
Decadent Foie Gras Parfait, Accompanied by Crisp Toasts, Complemented by Sweet Tanginess of Black Currant Marmalade
Pike Caviar "Po Schuch`Emu Veleniu" $22.00
Delicate Pike Caviar, Served with Smoked Sour Cream, Tangy Pickled Onions and Roasted Bread Slices
Dedushkina Zakuska $17.00
Fermented Cherry Tomatoes, Spicy Dressing, Horseradish and Herbs from the Garden
Khleb Da Sol’ (Bread Bucket) $9.00
Warm Rye Sourdough Bread served the old-fashioned way – with a pinch of Sea Salt, Fresh Green Onions and Crunchy Radishes, accompanied by Sunflower Oil and Creamy Butter
Buterbrod With Red Caviar $36.00
Crisp rye sourdough, whipped butter, red caviar

Salads
Olivier Salad $19.00
Classical melange of roasted vegetables with a choice of bologna, chicken or vegetarian. Dressed with mayo.
Vinegret $19.00
Refreshing salad of roasted beets, potatoes, carrots, sauerkraut and green peas.
Herring Under A Fur Coat Salad $24.00
Layers of chopped herring, roasted carrots, beets and potatoes, with a touch of mayonnaise. Topped with shaved hard-boiled eggs.
Fried Eggplant Salad $21.00
Crunchy Eggplants with Sweet and Sour Dressing, Cherry Tomatoes, Cream Cheese and Basil
Tomato Salad $19.00
Heirloom Tomatoes, Pickled Shallots, Tomato “Rassol”, Chives and Dill
Dachniy Salad $19.00
Radish, cucumbers, dill and sour cream

Hot Appetizers
Homemade Blinis With Beef $24.00
Homemade Blinis With House Cured Salmon $29.00
Veal Pelmeni $24.00
Handmade Russian dumplings in light herb butter. Served boiled or in chicken broth with tartar sauce.
Siberian Pelmeni $23.00
Comes with pork and beef stuffing. Handmade Russian dumplings in light herb butter. Served boiled or in chicken broth with tartar sauce.
Potato Vareniki $21.00
Traditional handmade potato dumplings with caramelized onions.
Pirozhki $6.00
Small Russian pie stuffed with meat, cabbage or potato.
Cheese Pie $22.00
Baked to order with sulguni and feta cheese.
Ajarski Style Cheese Pie $23.00
Baked to order with sulguni and feta cheese with egg on top.

Caviar Menu
Stack Of 10 Blinis With Red Caviar And Cured Salmon $50.00
Blinis served with 60 grams red caviar and house-cured salmon.
Blinis With Red Caviar 60 Gr $40.00
Blinis With Golden Osetra Black Caviar 30gr $120.00
Blinis With Platinum Osetra Black Caviar 30 Gr $200.00
Blinis With Palladium Osetra Black Caviar 30gr $290.00

Soups
Borsht $19.00
Flavorful beet soup with beef. Served with bread, and sour cream. Add salo for an additional charge.
Classic Chicken Soup $17.00
Chicken stock, noodles, chicken, carrots, parsley
Mari Vanna's Okroshka $18.00
A refreshing cold summer soup with chopped summer vegetables, herbs, and your choice of kefir or kvas. Served with a choice of beef tongue, bologna, vegetarian.
Sorrel Green Schii $18.00
Bright, tangy sorrel soup with tender chicken and a perfectly boiled egg. Finished with fresh dill and a dollop of cool sour cream for balance. A refreshing, comforting bowl with a classic Slavic soul.

Entrees
Lamb Shank $39.00
Served with a mix of bulgur, spinach and onions.
Chicken Shashlik $32.00
Served with grilled vegetables and lavash.
Traditional Chicken Kiev $36.00
Stuffed with butter, dill and garlic. Served with mashed potatoes.
Beef Stroganoff $34.00
Strips of filet mignon with mushrooms and onions in creamy mustard sauce, served with buckwheat
Chicken Kotletki $28.00
Chicken patties, served with mashed potatoes and pickles.
Golubtsy $33.00
Cabbage leaves stuffed with ground veal, rice and braised vegetables.
Potatoes With Mushrooms And Onion $24.00
Russian style potatoes with oyster mushrooms, onions, garlic and dill.
Grilled Lamb Chops $42.00
Served with lavash and roasted eggplant roulade stuffed with cheese, cilantro and garlic.
Chicken Tapaka $36.00
Golden-crisp whole baby chicken, pan-pressed with aromatic spices for a juicy inside and crackling skin. Served with creamy mash potato, spicy carrot for a kick, and fresh cilantro for brightness.
Borodinsky Risotto $28.00
Russian Style Risotto, Served with Borodinsky Crumbs and Butterfish
"Kamchatka” Pasta $38.00
Succulent and tender King crab meat, delicate homemade pasta and lobster bisque sauce
Khinkali $26.00
Handmade Georgian Dumplings with Pork & Beef Stuffing
Beef Rossini $45.00
Tender Filet Mignon is Accompanied by Luscious Onion Compote, Decadent Foie Gras and Velvety Truffle Sauce
Salmon Fillet $38.00
Steamed Salmon Served with Caviar Creamy Sauce with Asparagus and Spring Onion
Duck Leg And Breast $39.00
Combination of Roasted Duck Leg and Seared Duck Breast Served with Mashed Potato, Cabbage and Pear, Topped with Port Wine Sauce
Mari Vanna's Burger $24.00
Juicy beef cutlet, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, red onion topped with smoked cheese. Served with truffle French fries and garlic aioli sauce
Sturgeon Shashlik $42.00
Tender skewers of grilled sturgeon, served on lavash bread with charred corn, zucchini and ripe tomatoes. Pomegranate sauce on the side

Sides
Sauteed Mushrooms $12.00
Mashed Potatoes $12.00
Buckwheat With Thyme And Garlic $14.00
Grilled Vegetables $12.00

Desserts
Chocolate Kolbasa $20.00
Dark Chocolate, Cruchy buscuits and Pistachios
Sirniki $17.00
Farmer’s Cheese Pancakes served with Sweet Condiments
Napoleon $17.00
Layered Puff Pastry Cake with Vanilla Cream
Blinis $17.00
Crepes Served with Sweet Condiments
Medovik $17.00
Traditional Russian Honey Layer Cake
Cherry Vareniki $21.00
Traditional handmade cherry dumplings
Kartoshka $17.00
Rich and Chocolatey with hints of coffee and melt-in-your-mouth texture - a nostalgic Soviet dessert

Extra
Condensed Milk 30gr $2.00
Honey 60gr $4.00
Jam 60gr $4.00
Sour Cream 30gr $1.00
Borodinsky Bread 1 Piece $1.00

Souvenirs
Cheburashka $18.00
Is a beloved Soviet-era children’s character. He is a small, furry creature with big round ears & an unknown species. He became famous through cartoons and books, where he befriends a crocodile named Gena and embarks on many heartwarming adventures
Keychain "Matryoshka" $7.00
A Matryoshka is a traditional Russian wooden doll.

Mari Vanna Details

Service options
Curbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Happy hour food
Hard liquor
Late-night food
Small plates
Wine

Dining options
Brunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Upscale

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
Locals
Tourists

Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
Has changing table(s)
High chairs

Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Mari Vanna Photos

Mari Vanna Location

Mari Vanna

New York New York County New York East 20th Street

41 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Mari Vanna Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 1881 user reviews.

russianborschtpelmenibeef stroganoffblinischicken kievpirozhkimedoviknapoleonherring under a fur coat

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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! ❤️
September 14 · M.
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!
August 23 · H Cef
A nostalgic and elegant Russian dining experience in NYCMari 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.
June 16 · Angela Chetina (Psychology and sexology)
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!
March 23 · Michael P
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!
June 01 · Marina Kurnaeva