Mari Vanna

Laden with extraordinary attention to detail, Mari Vanna will immediately transport each guest into an archetypal Russian home adorned with the iconic Russian Bear, stacking dolls and Cheburashka, bookshelves filled with Russian literature, elaborate chandeliers hung far and wide and crystal bowls of Sushki, a traditional Russian tea bread, placed on each table. Reminiscent of pre and post Soviet Union Russian, the wallpaper peels back to show the generations that have passed. A manicured garden of flowers and herbs fills the open floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the restaurant, while a wood-burning oven rests in the corner waiting for the cold winter months.

Following the success of Mari Vanna in St Petersburg, Moscow and New York, she has now taken up residency in London. Situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, this quaint restaurant sits on the doorstep of the beautiful Hyde Park.

The menu offers time honoured Russian classics such as the flavoursome customary soup Borsch with Beets, Broth, Beef, Cabbage, Carrots and Potatoes served with Sour Cream in a beautiful tureen that holds enough for seconds or thirds; try the dish that can be found on any dining table across Russia on any given holiday, the Olivier Salad with Diced Carrots, Green Peas, Pickles, and Cubed Bologna with a Light Sage Mayonnaise or the beloved Beef Stroganoff served with Buckwheat and Mushrooms in Truffle Oil.

Mari Vanna also makes an eclectic list of house-infused Russian vodkas with flavors ranging from sweet to spicy and savory. Guests can sip on vodka infused with Horseradish, Beets, Oats & Honey, Apricot, Watermelon, Cucumber & Dill and Pineapple, just to name a few, all displayed in giant canisters at the bar.