Mari Vanna

We stumbled across this restaurant and it was fully booked yesterday so we made a reservation for the next day. We ordered the pork and beef pelmani dumplings, beef stroganoff, and beef tongue – all were delicious and the tongue was so well cooked it didn’t have the usually texture of tongue but was melt in your mouth tender. The decor looks 1920s/30s and has an old country charm.

The stories about the decor and atmosphere are true! It's so relaxing and feel like I am eating at my grandma's house. The decorations were amazing and some brought back memories of my childhood. I saw an entire shelf of decorated thimbles!! My first visit left such a great positive impression. The food was excellent and very tasty. The services was awesome and the staff were friendly and knowledgeable. I wish I had gone to visit this place years ago when I first heard about it and its proof that we should not procrastinate but instead embrace visiting new places sooner.

It was a dark and foggy night, so I went to babushka’s house for some food. Mari Vanna serves Eastern European/Russian food. I decided to try the blini and caviar, the beef stroganoff, and the waiter recommended eggplant stuffed with garlic and cheese. For dessert, a tower of pastry and cream called a Napoleon—it was like that dessert with a thousand layers of pastry which I can’t spell. The restaurant is warm and the staff are welcoming. There is an upstairs so larger parties can be had up there. The tables are very close together (less room between them than an airplane aisle) but the lively atmosphere, Russian disco music, and warm food makes for a fun place. I would go for the duck next time. My dishes were fine but nothing super outstanding. #russianfood #blini #caviar #beefstroganoff

Our first experience at Mari Vanna was so lovely. First of all, the restaurant itself is incredible and cozy - you feel like you are at a grandmothers house somewhere in the countryside in Eastern Europe / Russia. Our server was great - answered all of our questions, made wonderful suggestions. We all tried different flavors of their house infused vodka which was so cool! The food was so yum. I highly recommend if you are in the DC area wanting to try Eastern European food and have a wonderful experience! I’ll definitely be back!

10/10 the atmosphere is atmosphere is so cute and distinct and the drinks and food is very distinct to Russia. We had a great waiter with wonderful suggestions. We got a few tasty shots and great appetizers. I would LOVE to come back here anytime. Happy hour or dinner. Great dumplings or protein focused entrees.

Mari Vanna’s food is really delicious, especially the Borscht. Hot, with great veggie and beef flavored, adding the pork oil and the sour cream, it’s the best comfort food when the season is changing ( or simply when it is cold). Also love the ambiance here - lovely decoration and the dress code of the waitress make the dining experience even more enjoyable. Would definitely recommend!

The service and atmosphere at this place makes up for the average tasting food. The price is on the higher side but that's expected for such a prime location. I would definitely recommend this place just to enjoy the ambience and the food is OK too. My husband is Russian so I believe I have a pretty good idea about Russian food. And this review was primarily based on his opinion.