Russian cuisine in Asakusa

Near the Kaminarimon Gate (雷門) in Asakusa (浅草), there is a Russian cuisine restaurant named "MANOS (マノス)." MANOS has started since 1969 and has been famous as a good Russian cuisine dining. As MANOS has opened for more than 40 years, the building itself seems old. To be honest, a bit shabby...the inside is maintained clean but the atmosphere is like a someone else's house... 

So, when I entered MANOS, I was very skeptical on their fame. But! The dishes of MANOS went against my expectations in a good way. I don't know if the dishes are authentic Russian. It seemed a combination of essences of Russian, French and Japanese Yoshyoku (洋食). But whichever the name, the taste was very delicious! 

Exterior of "MANOS"

Interior of "MANOS"

Seafood salad

Bread

Cold beet soup 

Cream stew with pie

Fried shrimp 

Staffed cabbage with tomato sauce

Beef stroganoff

Cream caramel with sorbet

Russian tea with jam

Coffee with cream

The perfection level of each dish was high. Delicate and sophisticated. Particularly a staffed cabbage and a beef stroganoff were unforgettable. Service is not too gentle but quick, candid and casual as people of old downtown. Another distinctive point is good quality of wines. The state of preservation would be as good as nice French restaurants. Even their house wines were so nice.  

The price of lunch set meal can be available from JPY3,400, not so inexpensive. But all the tables were fully occupied and many customers without reservation couldn't enter at all. I am convinced that people come if they think it is worth for payment. My rating is 4 out of 5. The taste itself is 4.5 but 0.5 is minus due to the interior and atmosphere. Gochiso-samadeshita!    

MANOS (マノス) http://www5a.biglobe.ne.jp/~mns/index.html