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The Pacifica Quartet knows a thing or two about Russian music. Their recent recording, The Soviet Experience Volume I, kicks off a four-volume series of Dimitri Shostakovich’s complete string quartets and quartets by his Soviet contemporaries. As it turns out, the Musical America 2009 Ensemble of the Year’s violist, Masumi Per Rostad, also knows something about Russian food. Here’s his Top 5 Russian Restaurants in New York City.

Pacifica Quartet's Top 5 Russian Restaurants
In New York City

The Russian Samovar (Midtown West) - "was nice enough to open up a beautiful private room for us on a post Met concert impromptu visit." Anyway Cafe (East Village) - "Having grown up in the neighborhood, I love the location of Anytime. I also like to say 'Na Zdorovie!' holding up a glass of their infused vodka." Veselka (East Village) - "is a great Ukrainian breakfast joint that also has really tasty borscht. They were nice enough to recently open a new branch across the street from my family home." Tatiana (Brighton Beach) - "Via the subway, you can stroll right onto the boardwalk, and find a huge smorgasbord of Russian, Georgian and Ukrainian fare plus a dreamy view of the ocean." Russian Vodka Room (Midtown West) - "Cozy atmosphere with very nice Russian fare. Open late!"

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by Benjamin Velez