Russian House #1

This is an unexpected little gem of a restaurant in Jenner — this is a casual and cozy place that’s buffet style and they operate on the «honor system» where you pay what you feel the food/​experience/​hospitality is worth. My meal was excellent, but was told they have different selections every day/​Great views and I thought it was perfect after a long day at the beach.

Driving along highway 1 on our way to Jenner, we were surprised to see that the Indian restaurant was gone but a Russian restaurant opened in its place. My wife and I were looking forward to some Russian food, as it’s been awhile since having any. There’s none that I’m aware of in Sonoma County, going to San Francisco was pretty much it for experiencing this cuisine.
Anyway, entering Russian House we were greeted by the owner and ethnic décor. I suppose like something like a Russian country house (dacha?). Russian delicacies were laid out on a large table buffet style and looked very tempting. We were surprised to learn it was a ‘pay what you feel its worth’ price structure and no printed menu.
The food was good but the emphasis seemed to be about conversation and the exchange of deep thoughts, not something anticipated or wanting to do when one is hungry. Though the food was okay and our host cordial, We would have preferred a more conventional restaurant experience where we are seated, handed a menu with prices with our server only to come by to check on us and not wanting to engage in some conversation of quantum physics or some other deep subject matter… just a calm, relaxing, delicious meal is all we wanted.

Unpretentious, lovingly prepared, home-​cooked, Russian FUSION cuisine. And you *PAY WHAT YOU LIKE* — and you will LIKE! and the GORGEOUS view of the Russian River below. The place is part restaurant, part community center, part meditation room (in the back). The tables have placemats w/​riddles (in Russian and English), chess sets, Samovars (those beautiful tea dispensers) and books books books. I learned a lot about the history of Russian immigrants in the region.
The whole vibe is welcoming to all and is meant to spur conversation and understanding.
The chef, Tatiana, is a sweet and talented young lady who uses a very mild blend of spices based on Ayurvedic and European traditions. We got the recommendation from our Airbnb host and went there TWICE in 36 hours! Sample dishes:
Soup — (1) lentil w/​carrots and potatoes, seasoned w/​turmeric, cumin (2) stew w/​vegetables, pork
Meat — (1) slow cooker pulled pork (2) goulash (3) check w/​cream, dill, turmeric (4)
Grains — (1) seafood rice (2) rice w/​coconut oil and spices (3) seasoned millet (4) seasoned barley (5) whole grain Russian bread
Vegetables — (1) cabbage w/​mushrooms (2) green salad w/​papaya
I can’t gush enough about this place.

This is a treasure among restaurants. The serve yourself buffet is healthy and delicious. Their business model of paying what you feel is fair, admittedly made me a little uncomfortable at first. I mean, this is the United States of Capitalism, after all, so that’s what I’m used to. The interesting Russian women who run it are very sweet and quite willing to chat if you wish. I really want this restaurant with the good russian food and the quirky business model to stick around. It’s a truly unique restaurant experience and you wont be sorry you went.

My friend and I stopped by for an early dinner Sunday after a long day at Jenner beach and enjoyed a wonderful buffet of home cooked comfort Russian food the atmosphere was welcoming the view was wonderful.
And were told that we were to pay what we thought we would want to pay was kind of fun and interesting and so of course we were generous because we had such a wonderful time we were relaxed I would come again!

My husband and I are not strangers to Russian food, we’ve been to restaurants in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York.
This restaurant has really odd business structure (or the lack of it) that made me really uncomfortable, definitely not coming back.
We came on a week day during lunch time and were greeted at the entrance by the restaurant owner. There was just another couple already sited there.
There was NO written menu offered, therefore there was NO way to see price of the food or its choices.
The restaurant owner verbally gave us availability of two meal options and that’s what we had with the green salad on a side.
Food was Ok, we had better…
We finished eating, waited for a while for a bill, had to ask for it… AND to our disbelief we were told to pay the amount we feel was right.
I don’t want to be rude, but what kind of business model is this? I want to see menu so I can decide if the price is worth staying for the food I’m going to get.
I talked to bunch of my friends telling them about our experience, everybody were amazed and none expressed the will to go and experience it themselves.

What a pleasant find! My wife and I were intending to stop off in Guerneville for lunch on our way out to Salt Point, but our restaurant of choice was closed. This gave me the opportunity to suggest the Russian place we’ve passed by between Jenner and Goat Rock. After checking out the previous Unilocal reviews I was even more excited to give it a shot.
This isn’t your typical restaurant. As mentioned before, there are no menu and there are no prices. You pay what you feel like you should pay. Of course this meant we ended up overpaying for our lunch, but we weren’t unhappy to do so.
The food and the service feels like you are in a family’s home. Unfortunately the restaurant’s ambiance did not quite match this, but that is more than made up for by the lovely views through the many large windows.
The young woman who seated us and explained things was clearly part of the family and very friendly. The food is served buffet style, so you are free to help yourself. There weren’t an abundance of dishes to choose from, but that is probably a good thing because I’ve found that the more items a buffet has, the lower quality the majority of the items are. While I did not recognize a few of the dishes, even after tasting them (this is my first foray into Russian food), I can say honestly that I enjoyed all but one or two (out of maybe 8 or 9 options). I can’t say I was blown away, but it came across as a very good home-​cooked meal. I imagine the dishes change daily, so I’m definitely curious to go back and try some of their other creations.
My biggest complaint, and this is relatively minor, is the atmosphere. At a table very near to us was who I can only assume was the owner. She spent our entire meal chatting very loudly with the woman sitting at the table next to her. I’ve been to family run restaurants before, and am not typically put off by seeing the family sitting and talking in the dining room. This, however, was just distracting. I would consider it rude for me to be that loud in a restaurant, and I would think the owner would want to create a more welcoming environment.
But that is just one gripe from an otherwise pleasurable experience. I have recommended this place to friends already, and we have every intention of coming back.

Amazing place! Absolutely love the atmosphere & idea! The food was very delicious! The host woman was friendly and polite.
Deff would love to come back! :)

This is a jewel. Home cooked Russian Buffet, lovely Russian female hosts, and a feeling of being invited in to a home as a friend. Just remember to pay what is appropriate as they do not send you a bill, and they do not take credit cards yet, so bring cash or check. They do have white wine and beer, but the tea is incredible.
I hope to go back soon and also hope these ladies set a new trend for our area!

I have driven by Russian house several times going to the coast and was never sure what it was so never stopped. A friend shared how good the food was so we went there for dinner. This is not your normal hi I am your waitress and here is your menu. Instead you are greeted by one of the founders or friend family member with a brief explanation that you just entered what I call a social experiment. There is a food bar with an amazing variety of meat and vegetarian dishes each one prepared with what I would call Russian influence and California healthy food consciousness. Delicate flavor and fresh. We were told the cost is based on what you feel to give. My friend and I gave generously as it was well worth it. Cleaned up considerable from when it was occupied by the Indian restraint. They have a regular schedule of movies and events all geared to wellness and community building.
Worth visiting and bring your favorite game or book and enjoy the hospitality

Just the awsomenestness.
Felt like home.
Great food and drink.
Unilocal always wants more.

This is a strange place. I was excited when I first drove by and saw the sign suggesting the possibility of Russian food, as there are no other Russian food places in the Russian River valley, or Sonoma County for that matter. I read the Unilocal reviews about the Russian food buffets etc which were favorable, though I was confused about how realistic the ²⁴⁄₇ hours would be, and the lack of posted prices. I came back on a Monday at 1:30 PM and there was an OPEN sign but no buffet, just a young lady mopping the floor who did not look happy to see me. I asked about food, she said Monday is a cleaning day, all they had was pelmeni. I said pelmeni would be fine, then she looked even more unhappy. 30 min later I had the tasty meat pelmeni with broth and a side of sour cream. No alcohol, no sodas, no fancy coffees, just a nice herbal tea and what tasted like instant coffee, and tap water.
I was the only customer most of the time. Several sets of young people drove up and looked inside but left when they realized there was no food. An older quartet stayed, ordered pelemni of course as that is all there was, and also got some store-​bought dry gingerbread cookies. I asked about open hours — the owner ladies who came out said generally there is some food 12PM to 9 PM, but there is not much Mondays, as «it is hard to get food delivery», or food at all other hours, but were loathe to commit to specifics about food availability, or to talk about how they happened to come here from Russia to open their enterprise. The ²⁴⁄₇ hours posted online does not refer to food, they said, just times when they are in theory «open», apparently this means just for hanging out. I left $ 10 in a pot for the pelmeni, and use of the clean restroom.
I came back a couple weeks later at 2:30 on a Friday and there was a buffet with a tough beef in sauce dish, cod in a sauce, a thick pea soup, carrot salad with raisins, boiled little potatoes, and marinated caulifower, sour cream, bread, plus tea and the dry cookies. The pea soup was hearty and tasty, the beef and fish were hearty and comfort style good, though a little bland. There were two other people there, a guy who looked like an aging hippie who mentioned he liked Chekhov, and his aging but cute longhaired hippie type date. They mostly did not interact with the hostesses and talked to each other about his life history and retiree pension structure.
The hostesses were friendlier this time, and provided attentive service. They showed me a list of
Sunday 5 pm events they did in October:
«Utopia of Tommaza Kampanella, Thomas More, George Orwell, Oldos Haxly. .. What do we approach?
Communism and world communal movement
Consciousness and instruments to explore it
Trans, psychedelics, etc.
In search of truth. Schools, concepts and Instruments
Ideas and ideologists raised for an unreachable. Russian cosmism, Posmodern, Daism»
I decided to put $ 20 into the pot for my hearty buffet meal, including the service and presumptive tax, and left. Am not sure how they allocate sales taxes, overhead, etc., or if they break even.
BTW nothing in the place had much to do with old traditional Russia– nothing relating to the era of the czars, or the Russian Orthodox church, or old style Mother Russia. Not a cross or icon facsimile in site. Many modern day mystical references, which seemed 30 – 40 years out of date in CA, and an apparent acceptance of communism and CCCP as a viable concept. Or you can mostly just eat, whatever there is on the day you come.
I am not sure this place has a viable business model.
The location is beautiful and convenient on the heavily traveled Russian River and Highway 1 junction just south of
Jenner, with potential that has not yet materialized, but may never do so.
To be viable, I think they need to have reliable business hours, with reliable food delivery, and maybe even something bold like normal coffees, soda beverages, and sandwiches for people who drive by, plus their unique semi-​Russian buffet. A liquor license, at least for beer and wine, would also be good, given the gorgeous location, for sipping and mellowing. People traveling want food and drink, more than lectures about mysticism. I also think they should have posted prices.
But I will still be back, hoping to find a day when they have borscht and salat olivier or maybe even beef stroganoff.

This is a pay what you want restaurant. Good russian country food and (Balina) great hospitality, friendly service. I’m a critical reviewer so 4 stars.

Russian House #1 is in a unique place, about 15 miles south of the sole Russian colony in the continental US
Thankfully, it’s so brightly and happily painted it’s difficult to miss. It was formerly occupied by the rundown Sizzling Tandoor. It’s got a spectacular view of the Russian River as it flows into the Pacific.
They have friendly, attentive service, and around the time I left, they were setting up their buffet. Their potato dish is nice&rich, they have sweet tea, and their vegetable stew is a Slavic take on ratatouille. Unfortunately, the chaos that day on the Pacific Coast Highway due to a cycling race kept people from stopping by.
Pros–
Friendly service. It’s vaguely reminiscent of
with their talk of spirituality. They even have quizzes on the table about Russian history&culture.
The food is delicious. They have an open kitchen. You feel nourished if you’ve been hiking around the coast. Even the bread basket is excellent.
Amazing views.
Plenty of reading material.
Cons–
Bad parking lot. It was a totally dead place on a Saturday afternoon&the bike race didn’t help.
The buffet didn’t seem to be all that intent on keeping cold items cold and hot items hot.
Some matters of cleanliness– the dust covered piano didn’t look promising.
The restaurant makes the claims of being 24 hours/​7 days a week… but are these hours really honored? Not that I’d drive out to Jenner at midnight. Is it really a Slavic Denny’s with pelmeni instead of pancakes?
Russian House #1 is a unique spot. Perhaps there will be a Russian House #2!

Really unique experience. We had a Russian buffet plus a side of Eastern European ravioli. The view is spectacular and has a unique cross cultural experimental family vibe where you eat and pay what you want. I will be back. If you are up for an adventurous culinary change of pace this is a must stop on your next NorCal road trip.

The best Russian food in Sonoma County is set like an amber jewel on a bluff overlooking the Russian River. Russian House #1 can be seen from the intersection of Highways 116 and 1 just across the Russian River Bridge near Jenner. This is not a restaurant; it’s being invited into someone’s home with a gracious hostess, and incredible array of Slavic delicacies. The menu varies daily, and is set out in a colorful all-​you-​can-​eat buffet.
Every table has a beautiful view of the Russian River just before it meets the Pacific. The food is a rich meal as if served at a country dacha. On the evening we were there, we enjoyed delicious borsch, peppers stuffed with shrimp, squash, a traditional slaw, roast beef, cured meats with fruit, fish, rye bread, sautéed mushrooms and baby bokchoy, and kvas to drink. At the end of the meal, our hostess served us traditional Russian tea and cookies.
Since there is no fixed price for the meal, it’s up to you to determine how much you will pay. Russian House #1 only accepts cash. After our meal, we were in a very generous mood!

Fabulous Russian food, kvas, loads of entertainment for kids, we’ll be back for more!

We just had lunch here and it was wonderful! Been waiting and watching as it kept getting closer and closer to opening… way worth the wait.
The buffet had at least seven vegetarian dishes, one fish, one beef and one pork. I just had the vegetarian ones and each one was so good. I won’t go into detail since my descriptive narrative skills aren’t up to the task but I will say that the flavors still lingering in my mouth are both unusual and very tasty. Oh yeh, and I loved the traditional rye fermented Russian drink (non-​alcoholic) drink.
The whole feel of the place has the inclusive, family, hang out for a while thing going. One of the charming owners just sort of strolled around talking to people… some in English, some in Russian… making everyone feel welcome. And the setting… oh, the setting.
SO GLAD they’re here and already looking forward to going back… know so many people to take here… they’ll love it!

Great Russian hospitality and food. It truly is a Russian culture center and not just a restaurant!
I stumbled upon this place today by chance! After a 100+ miles ride from SF, was super hungry and i was not willing to ride back all the way where I had last seen food, so kept on riding ahead in anticipation to find something in jenner, but this place cam right at the Russian river bridge and i decided to pull in — you wont miss the bright red board.
this place serves home made Russian food which is a delight!
Ambiance
When you enter, You are greeted with warmth and a pleasant smile, the people who work here are Russians wanting to bridge the gaps between people of the two countries!
Décor feels like a Cultural gallery displaying Russian art and paintings!
There is a conversation area with beds and old school puzzles made with nails, chords and strings etc. its a spot you can sit relax and converse with family, old friends and make new ones as well!
Staff & food
Polina and her staff is just amazing group of people who you will not easily forget. I asked her what does she really value, she said it’s the peoples contribution, service, talent, chats etc. whatever people can contribute its welcome here… It’s an open platform for everyone to come together!
The food is delicious — being a vegetarian i had plenty of choices including some unique stuff like beet root soup!
They also have good tea and snacks if you arrive at a time there is no food just in case!
We spoke about lots of things and lots yet to be spoken about !! I will return here soon :)
Oh and did i mention their charges are «as you deem appropriate» and drop your contribution in the pot!!? No prices on the menu :)

My husband and I discovered these guys at the Fort Ross festival a few weeks ago. Their restaurant proper only opened last week.
Thier menu changes daily based on availability of local goods. We went through all the dishes they served today. From cold russian soup with raddish and onion to a goat cheese pancake. They had a lovely berry drink, Kvosh, as well as tea with herbs. They are cash only though! Totally worth it. View of the river right from their dining room.