PoP Preview: Mari Vanna Russian Restaurant Now Open in Dupont

1141 Connecticut Avenue, NW

From a press release:

The three-level restaurant offers home-style Russian cuisine in a tea party-meets-grandma’s house ambiance. Unlike any other location, the venue features an open-air kitchen, bedecked in red and white tiles and old Russian tchotchkes. Additionally, what sets Mari Vanna DC apart from its four world-wide sister locations is its cozy, third level, private cocktail lounge.

Happy hour will start today at 4pm, with dinner service starting promptly at 5pm. Washingtonians can expect to enjoy a classic Russian menu, featuring items such as; Pirozhok (small Russian pies stuff with meat, cabbage or eggs), Homemade Blinis (Russian style crepes with red caviar and sour cream), the Vinegret salad (refreshing red beets, diced roasted potato, diced roasted carrots, sunflower oil and more), the Salo plate (a traditional assortment of salt cured pork fatback with rye toast, onion and homemade Russian mustard), and the Beef Stroganoff (fillet mignon strips in creamy sauce, served with buckwheat kasha and roasted onions), among others delectable dishes.

For those unfamiliar with the restaurant you can read more about the background of Mari Vanna here. This is the spot where “the interior will be reminiscent of an old-time babushka parlor”.

I was able to attend a preview last night and was blown away by the space – have a look:

For an idea of their menu you can see their NYC menu here. Their DC website is currently under construction.

See tons of photos of all three floors after the jump.

Second floor

Third floor

First floor

First floor open kitchen