This is absolutely a spectacular place. The views over the Russian River are stunning. Their food is phenomenal and very tasty. The concept is quite interesting. There's no menu, but instead a buffet you help yourself at. There is also no preset price. It is an honor system and you pay what you feel is a fair price. Staff is incredibly friendly and you feel welcomed at a home.
Tarwin Stroh-Spijer
A unique place overlooking the mouth of the Russian River.Don't expect a restaurant. It's more of a quiet place for reflection and puzzle solving.There is probably going to be good available but it is all by donation. If you'd like you can even clean your own dishes or help with others too.Very worth a visit. Sadly they may be gone by the end of the year.
Nancy Calestini
Limited selection of food served buffet style. I didn't care for the food which was lukewarm and seemed warmed over from previous day or days. Was given a choice of water or hot tea to drink. Never had Russian food before, so I cannot attest to if it was even good Russian food, but it was bland and unappetizing. At this place, you pay from "your wisdom" according to their sign, there isn't a set price. Use your wisdom and drive somewhere else.
Barzin B.
I still can't believe how rude the owner/manager was to me this past weekend. We were staying at an airbnb 10 min from this place and wanted to go and try their food. First of all, the place is so dirty, dusty, and ridiculously decorated. You can easily see that they just don't care about it. It's a shame they have an amazing view by the river but horribly managed. There was literally one bowl of borscht that we had to serve ourself from...the shocking part was when I was pouring borscht in my bowl this lady (owner or manager) interrupted me and literally told me "hey don't put too much vegetables and add more juice!!!" I thought to myself she's probably kidding and it's just a stupid joke but she was dead serious! Are you out of out mind lady? Nowhere on this planet talking to your customer like this is ok. We later asked if we can use the wifi since we didn't have reception and this lady said "I won't give it to you because my own signal will get weak". Their whole "pay what you think is fair" is also just absurd. Just charge the clients a fixed price if you care of about them of course.
TheVillagesDeSoto
The restaurant had a buffet. Great view of the Russian River. Cabbage soup, vegetables rice & chicken were the items. Water was available. You pay as much as you felt adequate. Also, you bussed your on table.
John F.
My new favorite restaurant! Been driving by this place for years, assumed it was a dive because it never seem to be crowded. I was so wrong, this place is incredible. Amazing views, great food, totally cool atmosphere. I love a place where I can just go in and eat immediately. They basically have the dishes of the day, all of which were good The day I arrived. You serve yourself and then pay whatever you like. I wish all restaurants were like this! I will go out of my way to arrange my schedule to eat at this wonderful restaurant.
Konstantin Goldin
Truly unique experience. Spent more time over there than originally planned - just did not want to leave. Yes - you have small menu of tasty food; be sure to ask Polina for her amazing tea. Leave the fare amount for food in a jar. Enjoy the views!
MerrittEmsley
Yes it is a unique place, but worth the stop. Amazing soup! Beautiful views. Different business model but we are so glad that exists. Will definitely stop there again.
VL NYC
WwoooowwwwRussian Old believers food in California?! It's really hard to find in Russia lolHow is this possible? Because Russians came to California in 1802 and build Fort Ross (must see).Payment of conscience! Wow! Where can you find that?Only in Jon Bon Jovi restaurants in Jersey....
Sam Fuchs
Fantastic scenery, food and drink. You pay what you feel is right. All volunteers. I'd give it 6 stars and 6 bags of popcorn if i could
Great food and great people with an amazing view of the river. And when it's quiet you can hear the cows and their bells in the distance. If you really disliked your food, you pay a poor amount of money for it- but you can't leave without paying anything either because there was still time and energy put into making the food... If you loved it and it reminds you of mother Russia and feel a plate is worth $100, then you leave that if that's what you feel like. Natalia, Tatiana and Bruce are awesome!
Eric
I don’t know how people can complain about something that’s free…. I thought the food was delicious anyway and the staff was kind. My CHRISTian friends enjoyed discussing with some of the staff about their spiritual beliefs, given the amount of New Age looking material around the Russian House. Thank you for the piroshki and tea, delicious! And the view is fantastic, it’s so quiet when the cars are not passing by. Building looked well kept, volunteers are doing a fantastic job
Nanya Corn
Very unusual. Beautiful location. Real, authentic Russian food and very good. They only make what they make, no menu choices. You pay what you feel like your meal is worth. It is all volunteer staff.
Erick Di Falco
Nice experience, very nice people and good food. Incredible views.
Christopher Fetros
Unfortunately visited on a day where there was a limited menu, but food was still good. The view is incredible, there is plenty of outside seating so many parties can be outside. There were also a lot of interesting things inside, such as a Russian Puzzle book or a chess set. Also, instead of paying a flat fee, you pay what you think the meal was/is worth. Would visit again!
This is absolutely a spectacular place. The views over the Russian River are stunning. Their food is phenomenal and very tasty. The concept is quite interesting. There's no menu, but instead a buffet you help yourself at. There is also no preset price. It is an honor system and you pay what you feel is a fair price. Staff is incredibly friendly and you feel welcomed at a home.
A unique place overlooking the mouth of the Russian River.Don't expect a restaurant. It's more of a quiet place for reflection and puzzle solving.There is probably going to be good available but it is all by donation. If you'd like you can even clean your own dishes or help with others too.Very worth a visit. Sadly they may be gone by the end of the year.
Limited selection of food served buffet style. I didn't care for the food which was lukewarm and seemed warmed over from previous day or days. Was given a choice of water or hot tea to drink. Never had Russian food before, so I cannot attest to if it was even good Russian food, but it was bland and unappetizing. At this place, you pay from "your wisdom" according to their sign, there isn't a set price. Use your wisdom and drive somewhere else.
I still can't believe how rude the owner/manager was to me this past weekend. We were staying at an airbnb 10 min from this place and wanted to go and try their food. First of all, the place is so dirty, dusty, and ridiculously decorated. You can easily see that they just don't care about it. It's a shame they have an amazing view by the river but horribly managed. There was literally one bowl of borscht that we had to serve ourself from...the shocking part was when I was pouring borscht in my bowl this lady (owner or manager) interrupted me and literally told me "hey don't put too much vegetables and add more juice!!!" I thought to myself she's probably kidding and it's just a stupid joke but she was dead serious! Are you out of out mind lady? Nowhere on this planet talking to your customer like this is ok. We later asked if we can use the wifi since we didn't have reception and this lady said "I won't give it to you because my own signal will get weak". Their whole "pay what you think is fair" is also just absurd. Just charge the clients a fixed price if you care of about them of course.
The restaurant had a buffet. Great view of the Russian River. Cabbage soup, vegetables rice & chicken were the items. Water was available. You pay as much as you felt adequate. Also, you bussed your on table.
My new favorite restaurant! Been driving by this place for years, assumed it was a dive because it never seem to be crowded. I was so wrong, this place is incredible. Amazing views, great food, totally cool atmosphere. I love a place where I can just go in and eat immediately. They basically have the dishes of the day, all of which were good The day I arrived. You serve yourself and then pay whatever you like. I wish all restaurants were like this! I will go out of my way to arrange my schedule to eat at this wonderful restaurant.
Truly unique experience. Spent more time over there than originally planned - just did not want to leave. Yes - you have small menu of tasty food; be sure to ask Polina for her amazing tea. Leave the fare amount for food in a jar. Enjoy the views!
Yes it is a unique place, but worth the stop. Amazing soup! Beautiful views. Different business model but we are so glad that exists. Will definitely stop there again.
WwoooowwwwRussian Old believers food in California?! It's really hard to find in Russia lolHow is this possible? Because Russians came to California in 1802 and build Fort Ross (must see).Payment of conscience! Wow! Where can you find that?Only in Jon Bon Jovi restaurants in Jersey....
Fantastic scenery, food and drink. You pay what you feel is right. All volunteers. I'd give it 6 stars and 6 bags of popcorn if i could
Restaurantji Recommends
Great food and great people with an amazing view of the river. And when it's quiet you can hear the cows and their bells in the distance. If you really disliked your food, you pay a poor amount of money for it- but you can't leave without paying anything either because there was still time and energy put into making the food... If you loved it and it reminds you of mother Russia and feel a plate is worth $100, then you leave that if that's what you feel like. Natalia, Tatiana and Bruce are awesome!
I don’t know how people can complain about something that’s free…. I thought the food was delicious anyway and the staff was kind. My CHRISTian friends enjoyed discussing with some of the staff about their spiritual beliefs, given the amount of New Age looking material around the Russian House. Thank you for the piroshki and tea, delicious! And the view is fantastic, it’s so quiet when the cars are not passing by. Building looked well kept, volunteers are doing a fantastic job
Very unusual. Beautiful location. Real, authentic Russian food and very good. They only make what they make, no menu choices. You pay what you feel like your meal is worth. It is all volunteer staff.
Nice experience, very nice people and good food. Incredible views.
Unfortunately visited on a day where there was a limited menu, but food was still good. The view is incredible, there is plenty of outside seating so many parties can be outside. There were also a lot of interesting things inside, such as a Russian Puzzle book or a chess set. Also, instead of paying a flat fee, you pay what you think the meal was/is worth. Would visit again!