Mari Vanna Dc - Calumet-Norvelt

Open Table booked our reservation but we found the restaurant closed up for a Saturday evening. The place looks charming and I'm disappointed by the failed communication between OT and the business.

I’ve actually been here twice and here’s the review from when I went there the first time!Went with my bestie after I got my first paycheck! It’s a really cute, vintage, and dainty little eastern european restaurant hidden on the side of Connecticut avenue. Most waiters seems to be Russian. When we went it was pretty slow, but the restaurant started to fill up very fast as we were about to leave.What we ordered ? Borscht 4.5/5 Very huge portion, you need to share or else you’ll be full just with this soup. Lamb Shank 4/5 again, big. You can barely taste the lamb, the texture of the lamb was also perfect. Napoleon 5.5/5 First, it’s a HUGE dessert. And it’s definitely the best napoleon cake I had so far. I will return to this restaurant no joke just for the cake.Vibe 10/10 LOVE the vintage interiorI give Mari Vanna 8/10

Food was delicious and was prepared quickly. The ambience was amazing. Service was kind when received. Even the check came in a beautiful coin purse.

Heard that they were closing their DC location by the end of the month so decided to enjoy it one last time. We’ve visited this locale a few times and each time we came we marveled at their culture and distinct flavors, tastes, moods, the interactions. There always is an air of mystery to the staff working there. The hostesses always are icy and perfectly primped. Secretive glances here and there and lots of whispering add to the mystique of the Russian vibe. The food has always been good, a bit on the heavy side. But what’s special of this place is the house infused vodka. They add just the right amount of kick needed for the food coma you’ll be in.

This is one of my favorite restaurants in DC! The food is amazing (e.g., roasted duck, classic beet and cabbage soup, honey cake). The atmosphere and interior decoration is impeccable. The service is also really great. Highly recommended!