Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge

4.6

823 Reviews

$31 to $50

Russian

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 21 times today

About this restaurant

Great for live music
Charming
Good for groups

There is only one way to describe it: Classic Russia in the heart of New York.
The history of Russian Samovar starts well before the restaurant itself. Originally Jilly's Canteen, and owned by a friend of Frank Sinatra, Jilly Rizzo, Samovar was the go-to hot spot for Sinatra and The Rat Pack.
In 1986, Roman Kaplan, founder of Russian Samovar acquired the property and was joined in 1987 by friends and business partners: Legendary dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov and Nobel Award Winning poet Joseph Brodsky. Baryshnikov's baby grand piano is still used daily by our performers and guests can still request the Brodsky table, where the legends used to sit and drink away the hours. Guests of private events also enjoy our private dining room, where Baryshnikov filmed Sex in the City.
Samovar has remained a celebrity hangout over the years. We've been lucky enough to feature impromptu shows by Liza Minelli and rumor has it that Mel Brooks adapted The Producers to film while sitting at our bar.

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Private dining

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Russian, Continental, Eastern European
Hours of Operation
Mon 16:00–23:45 Tue–Thu, Sun 12:00–23:45 Fri, Sat 12:00–00:45
Phone number
(212) 757-0168
Website
http://www.russiansamovar.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Catering
We provide catering to your home or office. No order is too small Choose from platters or banquets menus. Or create your own. We have staffing and entertainment for hire for all your event needs. russiansamovar.com
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion. Choose from our banquette menus ($115, $150,$175) with alcohol or a la carte. Minimum spend applies based on the amount of guests. Staffing fee applies. If you can think of it, we can create it.
Private party contact
Vlada Von Shats: (212) 757-0168

Location
256 W 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019
Area
Theater District
Cross Street
52nd street , between Broadway and 8th Avenue
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Closest to 50th Street Station ( C or E train ) 7 Avenue / 53 Street ( B or D train )
Entertainment
Live Piano Music!
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine

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Popular dishes

OlivierUS$14.00
Chicken, Potato, Carrot, Onion And Peas In A Light Mayonnaise
VinegretUS$14.00
Roasted Beet, Potato, And Pickle Salad In Sunflower Oil
ShubaUS$15.00
House Pickled Herring Diced; Layered with Egg, Beet, Potato, Carrot, and Onions
Eggplant CaviarUS$15.00
Puree Of Roasted Eggplant, Tomato, & Peppers
Russian TrioUS$29.00
Olivier – Vinegret – Shuba

Signature Salads

GardenUS$12.00
Fresh Vegetables Tossed In Vinegar And Oil
DuckUS$19.00
Arugula, Sliced Duck Breast And Poached Pear
BabushkaUS$12.00
Cucumber, Tomato, And Dill Tossed In Sour Cream
Prawn & AvocadoUS$19.00
Chopped Prawns In An Avocado And Mango Melange
Tomatoes & BryndzaUS$12.00
Slices Of Feta And Tomato Drizzled In Balsamic
CaesarUS$13.00
Romaine, Cherry Tomatoes And Parmesan
CrimeanUS$19.00
Romaine Lettuce, Basturma, Olives, Feta, Cherry Tomatoes, And Red Onion
Salmon RoseUS$19.00
White Wine Poached Salmon On A Bed Of Mixed Greens

Poultry

Chicken KievUS$29.00
Bone-in Chicken Breast Filled With Herbed Butter, Lightly Breaded, And Baked. Served With Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Duck a la RusseUS$29.00
Crispy Pan-Seared Duck In A Plum Reduction
TabakaUS$29.00
Roasted Cornish Hen, Split; Topped With Garlic Butter, And Home Fries
PozharskyUS$26.00
Breaded Plump Chicken Cutlet, Served With Mashed Potatoes And A Mushroom Gravy

Fish

Seafood BlinchikiUS$28.00
Shrimp And Scallop Wrapped In Blini With A Light, Creamy Saffron Sauce
Grilled Atlantic SalmonUS$29.00
With Seasonal Vegetables
BranzinoUS$32.00
Served Whole Or Filleted With Grilled Vegetables

Appetizers - Cold

Fish PlatterUS$34.00
Assortment Of Smoked Fish And Cured Salmon, Served With Blini
Salmon BliniUS$28.00
Our House-Cured, Thin Sliced Salmon Served On Blini with Chopped Egg, Red Onion, Capers, And Sour Cream
Russian Charcuterie PlateUS$30.00
Homemade Roulette, Bastruma, Beef Tongue, And Smoked Meats
SaloUS$19.00
Thin Slices Of Cured Berkshire Fatback On Toasted Russian Black Bread with Spicy Russian Mustard
HerringUS$16.00
Fillet of Baltic Herring, Boiled Potatoes And Pickled Red Onions
SatsiviUS$20.00
A Georgian Specialty Of Chicken In A Spicy Coriander Walnut Sauce
Pickled VegetablesUS$16.00
Pickles, Cabbage, Cherry Tomatoes, And Apples
Marinated MushroomsUS$16.00
Wild Mushrooms In A Special House Marinade
Beef TongueUS$27.00
Thinly Sliced With A Spicy Horseradish Sauce
KholodetzUS$18.00

Appetizers - Hot

Siberian PelmeniUS$14.00
Homemade Veal And Pork Dumplings Served In A Light Chicken Broth
VarenikiUS$16.00
Potato Dumplings Pan Fried With Mushroom & Onions
KhachapuriUS$18.00
A Savory Georgian Cheese Pastry
Mushroom and PotatoesUS$19.00
Wild Mushrooms, Onions, And Homestyle Potatoes
DerunyUS$15.00
Pan Fried Potato Pancakes
DolmaUS$18.00
Grape Leaves Stuffed With Lamb And Rice
PirozhokUS$6.00
Choice Of Potato & Onion, Potato & Mushroom, Spinach, Or Cabbage
Beef PirozhokUS$7.00
Mushroom Vol-AuventUS$16.00
Creamy Wild Mushrooms In A Pastry Shell
KulebyakaUS$26.00
Salmon Filet With Vegetables' And Herbs Wrapped In Puff Pastry
Pelmeni StroganoffUS$25.00

Meat

KarskiUS$0.00
Grilled, Marinated Double Cuts Of Lamb In Georgian Spices
- MPUS$0.00
Braised Short RibUS$33.00
Tender Short Rib Braised In Port Wine Served With Creamy Mashed Potatoes
StroganoffUS$29.00
Strips Of Tenderloin In A Mushroom Cream Sauce. Served With Egg Noodles
Lamb Country StyleUS$34.00
Simmered In A Red Wine Reduction With Peppers And Herbs, Served Over Kasha
ZharkoeUS$26.00
Beef And Vegetable Stew Served In A Bread Bowl
GolubtziUS$26.00

What 823 people are saying

Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.3Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge offers a "wonderful experience" with "delicious food" and "excellent service." Guests rave about the "authentic Russian cuisine," including dishes like Beef Stroganoff and Chicken Kiev. The "live piano music" and "warm atmosphere" create a "charming" setting. A perfect spot for a "fun cultural experience" in NYC.

823 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
New York City3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our fifth time visiting the restaurant before a show. The food is excellent. We love the piano bar and comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. We’ll definitely be back.
Is this helpful?
D
Debra
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everyone at the table loved their choices - pelmeni, stuffed cabbage, short ribs and Herring. Old NY vibe inside.
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F
Felicia VIP
New York City81 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great corner table. Martini had too much cranberry when I only asked for a splash but the food was delicious. Accommodated our request to be quick as we only had an hour before our show. Piano player was superb.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing! What a fun, perfect night. Great staff, great vibe, great crowd and dinner and a show. Literally just perfect!
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l
lora
New York City20 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We had great time in this restaurant. Food was good and great atmosphere with a little dancing. Would recommend to our friends.
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S
Steven and Irina
Seattle1 review
5.0
Dined on 7 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
The food was excellent, but portions are very small.
Is this helpful?
F
Foodlovrr
New York City9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 7 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Last time I went there was years ago. The head waiter remembered me. He was extremely attentive to every table. He should get the best head waiter award of the year in NYC. His dedication to his profession is truly special. Food was delicious before but now it became bombastic great . Real Russian tea w real cherry jam is served as it should be but other places do not bother to do. I could just keep eating so much food there! Wine selection became more of my taste also. They have Cremant and St. Emilion. ( not vodka drinker. So I can’t say anything about it . But just observing others drinking, vodka must be good ) Music was lively and so much fun. Some people and I were actually dancing. Ambience is very romantic and cute w red lamp like old White Russian emigrants era in 1920’s or something. Very interesting artwork on wall. ( next time I shall take break from eating and observe them carefully) I made myself note that whenever I go to theaters I should always eat there.
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N
Nick
New York City1 review
5.0
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food! We really enjoyed our Sunday lunch here
Is this helpful?
D
David
New York City8 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I really enjoyed the dinner the pelmini and the boracht
Is this helpful?
J
Jann VIP
New York City477 reviews
3.0
Dined on 20 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
We chose this restaurant for its proximity to the August Wilson theater. Chicken Kiev & Beef Stroganoff were OK, nothing special. Apple strudel with vanilla ice cream was disappointing…soggy crust, too many raisins. I couldn ‘t taste the apples. Service was lackluster. Ambiance is quite nice & pianist was a welcome addition.
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FAQs

Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (212) 757-0168.

Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge is rated 4.6 stars by 823 OpenTable diners.

Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 21 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge

256 W 52nd Street, New York, NY 10019

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross Street
52nd street , between Broadway and 8th Avenue
Area
Theater District
Hours of Operation
Mon 16:00–23:45 Tue–Thu, Sun 12:00–23:45 Fri, Sat 12:00–00:45
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Russian, Continental, Eastern European
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Street Parking
Public transit
Closest to 50th Street Station ( C or E train ) 7 Avenue / 53 Street ( B or D train )
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Entertainment
Live Piano Music!
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine

Website
http://www.russiansamovar.com/
Phone number
(212) 757-0168
Catering
We provide catering to your home or office. No order is too small Choose from platters or banquets menus. Or create your own. We have staffing and entertainment for hire for all your event needs. russiansamovar.com
Private party facilities
We welcome you to explore our Private Dining options, perfect for any occasion. Choose from our banquette menus ($115, $150,$175) with alcohol or a la carte. Minimum spend applies based on the amount of guests. Staffing fee applies. If you can think of it, we can create it.
Private party contact
Vlada Von Shats: (212) 757-0168

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Gift card

Pelmeni Stroganoff

Borscht

Cherry

Soups

BorschtUS$13.00

GribnoiUS$14.00

FrikadelkaUS$11.00

Seasonal

Traditional Russian Salads

OlivierUS$14.00

VinegretUS$14.00

ShubaUS$15.00

Eggplant CaviarUS$15.00

Russian TrioUS$29.00

Signature Salads

GardenUS$12.00

DuckUS$19.00

BabushkaUS$12.00

Prawn & AvocadoUS$19.00

Tomatoes & BryndzaUS$12.00

CaesarUS$13.00

CrimeanUS$19.00

Salmon RoseUS$19.00

Poultry

Chicken KievUS$29.00

Duck a la RusseUS$29.00

TabakaUS$29.00

PozharskyUS$26.00

Fish

Seafood BlinchikiUS$28.00

Grilled Atlantic SalmonUS$29.00

BranzinoUS$32.00

Appetizers - Cold

Fish PlatterUS$34.00

Salmon BliniUS$28.00

Russian Charcuterie PlateUS$30.00

SaloUS$19.00

HerringUS$16.00

SatsiviUS$20.00

Pickled VegetablesUS$16.00

Marinated MushroomsUS$16.00

Beef TongueUS$27.00

KholodetzUS$18.00

Appetizers - Hot

Siberian PelmeniUS$14.00

VarenikiUS$16.00

KhachapuriUS$18.00

Mushroom and PotatoesUS$19.00

DerunyUS$15.00

DolmaUS$18.00

PirozhokUS$6.00

Beef PirozhokUS$7.00

Mushroom Vol-AuventUS$16.00

KulebyakaUS$26.00

Pelmeni StroganoffUS$25.00

Meat

KarskiUS$0.00

Braised Short RibUS$33.00

StroganoffUS$29.00

Lamb Country StyleUS$34.00

ZharkoeUS$26.00

GolubtziUS$26.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

Does Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge restaurant rated?

Does Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge offer gift cards?

Is Russian Samovar & Tolstoy's Lounge currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas