Some Russian restaurants in London serve food inspired by the former USSR. Many serve traditional dishes from countries that we know as Armenia, Georgia, and Ukraine. Take the origins of the hotly debated Borscht, for example. Was it Russia, Ukraine, Poland, or Belarus? Well, in 2020, UNESCO settled the dispute stating it was an element of the intangible cultural heritage of Ukraine and would appear in the 2023 list.
London used to be home to many Russian restaurants. Since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, customers have boycotted Russian businesses, forcing several restaurants to close. Several remaining have rallied to support Ukraine, raising funds for the cause. Here is a guide to four of the best Russian restaurants in London and a couple of delis thrown in.
The Best Russian Restaurants in London (And Two Shops)
1. Zima – Traditional Cuisine With a Modern Twist in Soho
Occupying three floors in a stylish Soho townhouse, Zima Russian Restaurant serves traditional Russian food with a twist by award-winning Chef Alexei Zimin.
Zima describes themselves as ‘Avante-Garde’ in styling and celebrating Russian art from the 18th century to contemporary pieces. Each carefully selected and restored item of Russian art represents an aspect of Russian culture and tradition. The older pieces are tastefully mixed with modern Russian art.
A Russian proverb, ‘You are only as good as your sledge’, applies to Zima’s favourite piece, their Maslenitsa sledge. Originally reserved for use on Maslentia Week or pancake week, as it is also known. The beautifully decorated sledge hangs on the wall for decoration for the rest of the year. An information page of the menu provides other interesting facts.
- A Russian meal would only be complete with caviar. Royal Siberian caviar with blinis is 30g for £39.00, and 50g is £60.00.
- Another starter is the Olivier salad for £9.50. A famous Russian salad with chicken and salmon roe.
- A spring menu special main of Kulebiaka is £15.00. A pastry parcel of salmon served with creamed spinach.
- From the Dumpling section, try Vareniki with potato & mushrooms served with fried onions, butter and sour cream for £13.50.
- Try a Tsvetaeva apple pie with vanilla ice cream and berries for £11.00 for dessert.
Another Russian must-have is, of course, vodka or Nastoykas. Zima has a great selection of home-infused flavours made with sweet and savoury ingredients based on JJ Whitley vodka. Flavours include Sea buckthorn, Cranberry, Fennel & tarragon, Garlic and Plum. A 50ml shot is £9.00, or 10 shots for £42.00.
Zima has raised and donated over £30,000 to the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
Address: 45 Frith Street, London, W1D 4SD
Telephone: 0207 4949 111
2. Borscht N Tears – The Oldest Russian Restaurant In The UK
First opening its doors in 1965, Borscht N Tears offer high-quality Russian Cuisine using only the freshest ingredients. The restaurant is family-owned, giving an edge in customer service. One reviewer who returned two years after his previous visit said the man in charge remembered him.
Borscht N Tears regularly host live music. They also have private karaoke rooms and a secret garden with a large selection of Russian shisha.
The restaurant has a warm, intimate atmosphere. Some say the decor is a little dated, but it is cosy with a lot of character.
The restaurant servers are knowledgeable and helpful when describing the food. The food is delicious, traditional, and has good-sized portions, all at reasonable prices, especially considering its prestigious Knightsbridge location.
You must try the Borscht at this place – it’s incredible. And make sure not to overlook their Pelmenis and Olivier salad – they’re equally delicious.
Piroshki, traditional hand-held street food and the Manti and honey cake are also excellent.
Suggested drinks include Armenian wine and house-flavoured vodkas.
The food, service, and atmosphere at Borscht N Tears are simply top-notch. Plus, they’ve got live music to make your dining experience even more enjoyable.
Address: 46 Beauchamp Place, London, SW3 1NX
Telephone: 020 7589 5003
3. Mari Vanna – Russian Restaurant and Deli in Knightsbridge
The elegant setting in Knightsbridge is home to Mari Vanna. The styling of the restaurant is striking and tasteful inside and out. Old paintings cover the walls, and elegant chandeliers hang from the ceiling, adding authenticity. Live music regularly plays, such as a jazz pianist, contributes to the lively atmosphere.
The restaurant opens from 10 am to 1 am daily. So if you want an early lunch, afternoon tea or an evening dinner, Mari Vanna caters for all occasions.
Mari Vanna’s menu choices include hot and cold starters, main and dessert selections and home-infused vodkas.
A hot starter includes Pirozhok for £3.00 each. Filling choices are egg and onion, plum, mushroom, potato and egg and cabbage. Beef-filled Pirozhok is £4.00. Blinis are £12.00 for six.
Cold starters include a chicken or pork Kholodetz for £12.00 or Russian sauerkraut for £7.00.
Pozharksy fritters are £21.00 for a main course, or a Pan-fried Sturgeon is £25.00.
A dessert of Smetannik is £10.00, and a Honey Cake is £12.00. Both are best sellers.
Mari Vanna has a delicatessen selling an extensive range of fresh and frozen Russian produce.
Deli selections include Blinis with chicken, mushrooms and cheese priced at £20.00 per kg. Or try Vareniki with stewed and fermented cabbage for £28.00 per kg.
Home-infused vodkas start at £30.00 for 250ml of Strawberry and £37.50 for 250ml of all other flavours, including Plum, Raspberry and Horseradish.
The food cooked at Mari Vanner in London has a homely and tasty appeal. Some say the service is rude, a few say it is okay by Russian standards, and strangely, it adds a touch of genuineness to the place.
A message on the Mari Vanna website reads, ‘We are against the war. We wish and want peace for everyone in the world. We stand with Ukraine.’
Address: Wellington Court, 116 Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7PJ
Telephone: 020 7225 3122
4. Erebuni Restaurant & Bar – Over 25 years of Experience
The Erebuni Restaurant and Bar opened in 1994, specialising in Russian, Armenian, Georgian and Ukrainian dishes. After many successful years, the Erebuni moved to the Barbican area in 2013 to modernise and expand. The new venue, set over two floors, provides room for dining, parties, karaoke and dancing. It hosts live music and has a resident DJ.
The restaurant’s cosy and modern style provides a great atmosphere, complementing traditional homemade food. The restaurant creates a lively weekend atmosphere with live music and dancing, promising a memorable night.
There is a wide selection of dishes. Some examples include,
- For a cold starter, try Karmir Bibar, roasted red peppers marinated with garlic herbs, for £10.50. Or Salo, a traditional Ukrainian salt-cured pork fatback served with garlic for £12.50.
- A Lobio salad is £12.50 and comes with red kidney beans, garlic, ground walnuts, coriander & pomegranates.
- Main courses include an Armenian Harissa with chicken & wheat porridge or a Georgian Chakhokhbili consisting of a tomato and coriander chicken stew with rice. Both dishes are £18.90.
- A vegetarian option of Vegetable Khorovats is charcoal grilled aubergines, red peppers & tomatoes for £19.90.
- For dessert, the Honey and Walnut cake for £7.90 or a Napolean, a Russian pastry with vanilla ice cream, for £7.90.
Erebuni rent their karaoke lounge at £100.00 per hour for those who want a more private party. The karaoke machine has 60,000 Russian, English, Ukrainian, French and Italian songs.
Erebuni has gained a solid reputation in London’s culinary scene. Their years of experience, venue quality, and excellent food have played a significant role in establishing them as one of the notable Russian restaurants in the city.
Address: 2-5 Carthusian Street, London, EC1M 6EB
Telephone: 020 3887 9301
5. Kalinka Food – Selling Russian Food Since 1999
Kalinka Food sells Russian & East European food. The shop opened in 1999 and is London’s oldest Russian food shop. It became a popular meeting place for Russian-speaking residents to buy food they missed from home.
The store sells Russian staples, including dairy, meats, bread and luxury items, like caviar and salted fish.
Kalinka Food offers a local courier delivery service with two options:
- One, you place the order and pay by card over the phone.
- The second option is that the courier pays for the order, and you reimburse them in cash on delivery.
For many, it is the go-to place for Russian food in London.
Address: 35 Queensway, London, W2 4QJ
Telephone: 020 7243 6125
6. Dacha The Russian Shop – Three locations in London
Dacha is a small chain of shops in London. It sells Russian and Eastern European groceries, including a popular homemade selection of traditional Russian food and bakery items. In addition, Dacha stock Caviar, Russian Spirits and Georgian Wine.
The Russian Shop is comprehensive, featuring hundreds of items for sale for local pickup or nationwide delivery. Delivery is £11.99 and must be over £40.00.
Address: 645 Fulham Road, London, SW6 5PU
Telephone: 0207 731 5174
FAQs About Visiting Russian Restaurants
What is a traditional food in Russia?
Pelmeni, traditional Russian dumplings, have been a popular food since the 14th century.
What are the dining customs and etiquette to keep in mind?
Familiarizing yourself with Russian dining customs and etiquette can enhance your experience at these restaurants. It is customary to toast before starting a meal, and showing respect for elders and hosts is highly valued. Embracing the warmth and hospitality of Russian culture will further enrich your visit.