Great Space (and Eats): Mari Vanna, NYC

My friend (and real estate agent extraordinaire) Lucie suggested Russian restaurant Mari Vanna when we met for lunch last Friday in New York.  She knows I love to try new places, especially those that feature “ethnic” food (I can’t eat salads or hamburgers every meal!) and have captivating décor.

When I walked into Mari Vanna on E. 16th Street, I fell in love.  Although I have to admit that I almost missed it – there are so many flowers outside that at first I thought it was a florist!  But venturing inside, it reminded me of the Swedish country interiors that I’ve blogged about on my vintage occasional sale blog The Occasional Saler.

welcome!

the main dining room

the grand table

love the hole in the wall (literally) and chandelier

corner table tucked away by the gorgeous vintage furnace

a sweet setting

place settings feature authentic porcelain dishes (nothing mass-produced here!)

the quaint front room, filled with Russian vintage trinkets and nostalgia

the bathroom follows suit with quirky décor

evening falls on Mari Vanna

Discovering Mari Vanna was such a nice surprise.  The atmosphere is warm and inviting (as is the service).  Equally pleasant is the feeling that you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of Manhattan just outside the door.  Stop by on your next trip to NYC!

Mari Vanna ~ 41 E. 20th Street (b/w Park & Broadway), Manhattan, 212.777.1955.  Reservations by phone, email [marivannanyc@gmail.com] or on OpenTable.

All photos via Mari Vanna website. 

And be sure to catch Lucie on HGTV’s hit show Selling New York this Thursday, June 14 at 8PM, 7PM CT!!

À demain,

k.