Service can seem like you've arrived at the Soup Nazi from the TV show Seinfeld, but once you embrace it, Pel'Meni is a fun, quirky spot for some homestyle dumplings. The meat dumplings are juicy and the sour cream is a nice touch that differentiates Russian dumplings from Chinese ones. Note, that the "mixed" dumplings are not a dumpling with a mix of meat and veggies, but rather, an order of dumplings with both the meat and the potato dumplings. I am a fan of the bacon onion relish for the sauce! read more

Pel Meni Dumpling Tzar - Mixed dumplings with bacon onion relish - Russian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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My fiance and I really enjoyed the bacon dumplings they offered at the Bacon & Beer Classic a few months back, so we decided to stop by their permanent location in Seattle. What a disappointment. I chose beef dumplings with mac & cheese topping. What I got was a pile of steamed dumplings with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top. The dumplings had no flavor, in fact, we cut one of them open to make sure they actually had meat inside. They each had one tiny little meatball. It was all very half-assed. You could get more flavor and actual meat from a can of Chef Boyardee ravioli. read more

LOVE THIS PLACE. It is a favorite among my friends. The guys that work there are the most patient people - even after the bars let out all the crazies at 2 am. They are always kind and funny. The dumplings are always cooked to order and I really have nothing but good things to say about the product. They taste like home cooking and are rich and full of flavor. Any time I walk by I crave them and often stop in because it is so inexpensive and relatively quick. read more

Finally tried Dumpling Tzar in this Fremont location. Good, pillowy dumplings served with the fixings (sour cream, dill, chili oil, etc). Small portions for what I would normally expect at that price, but good dumplings, not too doughy and with a flavorful filling. read more

Late night foodie paradise. Definitely not a dinner date place and not at all formal. If you are expecting a long menu with a lot of options to order from then the Tzar may not be a good option. On the other hand if you are looking for an uncomplicated menu with 2 dumpling and 4 toppings to chose from and 3 salad options this is the place to go. This is also a perfect option to quell your post partying late night munchies urge if you are int he Fremont neighborhood. The place after all stays open till 2:30 with just that demographic in mind. Went to the Tzar on a Tuesday night with a friend and when we walked in at 9:45PM the place was empty. We got full service. We ordered the dumplings combo, spicy carrot sandwich, and an additional order of the beef dumplings. The combo you get around 18 ping pong sized dumplings half potato and half beef. Served with sour cream, curry powder, butter and hot sauce as topping options and dark rye bread. Overall simple food not complicated at all but really good to taste. read more

I'm more than a little obsessed with how good these dumplings are. I love the beef kind and all the toppings! The slice of bread is soft and delicious that comes with it, and all the side salads are tasty as well. Normally only 1 or 2 people working at lunch time, but they get you in and out fairly quickly. Love, love it. read more

A deliciously surprising place. I needed a quick fix before I went in for my tattoo at Hidden Hand, and this place seemed perfect. I ordered the beef with everything, and it was a flavor explosion. Dumplings are good in pretty much every language, and these were definitely great. I was surprised about the curry powder, but a recent issue of Lucky Peach magazine has informed me that curry has traveled all over the world, with different cultures (including Russia!) using the spice in surprising ways. Maybe this isn't what people think of when they think of Russian food, but I like it! I'll be coming here again. It was a bit slower than I would have liked, but it was made to order, which was fantastic. read more

Have always loved the dumplings, but the new bar is amazing! Super fun spot. Their 'tzarina' Bloody Mary is amazing. I don't even like a bloody marry but I always get one here! read more

This wa MY favorite living in Fremont 4 years ago. The people were awesome and the food was good. I live north now but insist on this place when we come to Seattle...but it isn't the same. After many times of bad/very snarky service I didn't really want to go there anymore. So tonight from our hotel I ordered uber eats... I got a bag with no silverware or napkins and even though I ordered an original mix...I got some sort of spicy sauce. I have probably spent at least $200 over the past 6 years but I am done now. The inconsistencies are weighted. read more

Visited this place SUPER excited because the one in Bellingham is amazing... My friend and I walked in and "Harry the Hipster" clearly had zero customer service experience and a "welcoming" impatient scowl. Apparently it was his last shift...? Got our food finally, and my friend who has dairy issues, had asked for no sour cream. Guess what? Sour cream all over those muthas. A final touch was that when we both returned home, we each spent the evening on the toilet. Cramps and... I will note that the lady who helped us towards the end of our meal was kind and helpful. Still: hipster negative vibes + food poisoning = 1 star. read more

Im russian, they're russian... i felt i had an obligation to visit. I was surprised at how good the food was. read more

If you're not familiar with this simple, culinary delight from Russia, poke your head into Tzar and give it a try. The choices couldn't be simpler- you have three. With potato, with beef or a combination of the two. Pelmeni are like small Pierogy or vaguely like a Ravioli and a Tortellini had a baby. Sprinkle them with a little curry powder and a dollop of sour cream, and you have a bowl full of warm deliciousness. Add a little hot sauce if it's to your taste, or maybe a pickle and you're good. This is simple, delicious peasant food at it's best. It costs you about eight bucks for the whole affair. read more

Absolutely delicious food - this definitely is NOT the kind of place you go if you're looking for a fancy meal, and they only serve one thing, but me oh my is that one thing delicious. For 8 bucks you get the beef and potato dumpling combo, and my girlfriend and I have fought vigorously over which was better (I maintain they are equally good, she stands by the potato). The girl working there was nice, the price was cheap, and the service was decently quick (7 minutes I think?) It is VERY filling, the two of us shared a combo and we were both just a little past the "full" line, which is great considering I can pack in a lot. Go here, and enjoy. Seriously. read more

My first time eating Russian dumplings. I had the regular mixed beef and potatoes with classic toppings to go. The dough reminds me of a chinese dumpling, the filling and sauce are really good. Their sour cream almost reminds me of quark, it is very yummy. For $11 it is a great and filling lunch. The only con was that towards the end, I found a short brown hair on the dumplings. That was kind of gross... so maybe wear hair nets or something? read more

Pel Meni Dumpling Tzar - Russian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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We had been to This shop many times with good results. The food is pretty tasty and it's open late. However, on our last visit the service was pretty poor. After we ordered we sat down and waited. And waited and waited until I approached the counter 25 later to ask when the food would be ready. To which he responded, "another few minutes." We walked out. It'll take a lot for us to make a return visit. A good alternative is Vostok in Capital Hill. read more

The only other Russian dumpling place that I know and like is up in Bellingham. I'm so glad to find one in Seattle, and for them to have a variety of ways to serve is is a plus! I ordered the mac and cheese style one and I'm glad I did. It was delicious! They cook it to order so you know you'll get it fresh every time. I'll keep coming to this place no question! read more

Ever find yourself in Fremont and don't want to order some enormous plate of food? I have. I swung past here and some dumplingination. It was satisfactory, my little mamushka. Performing this dance while you wait, while you eat, or immediately thereafter is entirely appropriate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1avaxhXdEg read more

After a fun night out in Fremont, we love stopping by Tzar's on the way home. There, you have the choice of Beef or Potato dumplings, or you can spice up your order for a combo for just a $1 extra. Although they only have a couple of options, it's a nice casual spot to spend with friends grabbing food after a night out . I like to order the beef dumplings and add some extra sweet white vinegar to my dumplings... Although Tzar's doesn't have much ambiance, they do have a cute old-school vinyl record player with a big selection of records you could pick to play- just be sure to check with the server that it's okay to switch out the record~ Sidenote- the dumplings come in a small to-go container with a piece of rye bread and some sour cream- I have yet to see an actual dish used here. You do have to bus your own stuff after you are done with your meal, so be sure not to leave your empty container on the table after you're done... Right now, they have a deal where you get a free drink with an order of dumplings! read more

If you don't find this little hole in the wall gem, don't feel too bad. It isn't especially easy. It's located just inside an alley past the Lenin statue. If you manage to make it in, be sure to exchange witty sarcastic banter with the bearded man behind the counter, for he will make your dumpling dreams come true. My friend had the combo order, which was both beef and potato dumplings. I gave up beef for a while, so I ordered the potato. They were soft, yummy, and filling with a tangy and lightly spicy sauce. We were also the only ones in there (singles on Valentine's Day, y'know), so it was nice and quiet. When I return to beef, I will be trying those dumplings as well. Not too many options, but it's worth a try. Bonus: super cheap! read more

Absolutely hits the spot like nothing else. Wonderful food, wonderful people...so unique, comforting, not too heavy and not too light; just right. read more

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Recommended through Yelp, Our group of 5 asked what we should try, ordered it all, was told they'd bring it out to us, then waited for about 20 minutes as we watched them ladling hot dumplings into bowls that were not for us. When our dumplings finally were ready, all the dishes were cold, stiff on top and gummy. After we tasted a few bites of each, I went in and asked if the dumplings were supposed to be served hot. (You never know... It might be their thing) One of the guys ladling was confused and told me "usually". Ick. A waste of our time and money. Not ready for prime time. read more

I've been obsessed with Pel'Meni since before they had a brick-n-mortar location. I'd had the chance to sample their delicious potato dumplings at festivals around town and had never been disappointed. I finally made it into the restaurant and am so excited to have it in my neighborhood! It's an interesting space - people walk through the dining area to get to other businesses in the same half-basement space, including a yoga studio. My dining companion and I were the only two people eating there but at one point we were raising our voices to talk to one another, since the crowd of students waiting to go into their class was so large and loud. The potato dumplings were still delicious, served in broth with curry powder, cilantro and sour cream on top and a slice of dark bread on the side. I wish that the portion had been larger though - I went in pretty hungry and $7 later I was not completely satisfied. I wound up at PCC for "second dinner" about half an hour later. Not a huge deal, but now I know and I won't come here when I'm looking for a lot of food next time. read more

I adore businesses like this. Pel'Meni Dumpling Tzar does one thing and does it well: Russian Dumplings. Don't come here for anything other than dumplings because you'll be highly disappointed but when you come for the dumplings you'll be delighted. This place is nestled in the lower lever of the building that houses the Dubliner, Wax On and Hidden Hand Tattoo in the heart of Fremont and the great news for all of you night owls is that they are open late for all of your post-drinking needs. read more

I can't give these guys 5 stars... YET. I am pretty sure they will get there though. Backstory: I'm from Juneau where the original Pel Meni restaurant is. I've consumed my fair share of Pel Meni. So, I'm 100% comparing this Pel Meni to the original. SUPER CUTE location, right by a tattoo shop. big open eating area, tiny record collection, but I'm sure it will get better. the dumplings were really good, just how I remembered them. I ordered the beef of course. they serve the vinegar and sriacha separately at this location, which is weird as it was always a premixed 50/50 in AK. the dude put too much vinegar and not enough sriacha on my plate so the dumplings were a little more wet than I like. People who don't like the super spicy, would probably appreciate the more vinegar but in my book, that's what the sour cream is for! So I added a bunch more sriacha and asked for twice the sour cream! the bread is great too-dark and delicious, very similar to the original. The price for a serving is 7$ (a little steep) but after adding the extra sauce, it was just like home. I talked to the dude working (he wasn't one of the owners) and he asked me for my critique. I told him pretty much exactly what I just wrote and he said he'd start using less vinegar. I told them they should just premix it and let it be! and honestly, even if they don't make the less vinegar more hot sauce change, I will still come back here many many more times. read more

Perfect for your late night eat after dancing the night away. This place really hit the spot. My friends and I split a large mac & cheese mixed dumplings. It was made fresh so it was hot. And since it is cold out, It definitely felt good to eat these delicious little pieces of yumminess. I definitely want to try the classic next time, that looked really good! Friendly service and clean restaurant. read more

My husband and I decided to grab some food here while visiting Freemont for the afternoon. The restaurant is tucked away in an alley, but it's pretty easy to find. We both ordered regular portions of the mixed pelmeni (potato + beef) with the classic topping (butter, curry, vinegar, hot sauce, sour cream), plus a pickle on the side. The interior of the restaurant is kind of going for a dirty industrial look, I guess. The food took awhile, but I think that might just be the nature of pelmeni. There are some extra plastic squeeze bottles of hot sauce and vinegar and a curry powder shaker on a few of the tables, which was great. I maybe overdid it on the vinegar, but it's nice to be able to add as much as you want! The dumplings come with a slice of dark rye bread, too, which you can use to soak up the leftover sauce in your bowl. If you choose to eat in, the food is served in a real bowl; otherwise, your pelmenis will be dished up in the standard takeout container. read more

Had the most horrifying customer service experience here. So bad I wrote an them email detailing exactly what happened, and never received a response, so now I guess it's time to warn others so they don't ruin their day like I did. Basically after a very long complicated interaction the cashier swore at us very loudly, and I promise as a customer service worker I love supporting cashiers standing up for themselves, but trust me when I say this woman was extremely hostile from the moment my friends and I walked in the door, it seemed like we were being targeted for some unknown reason, may I add we were extremely polite through the entire interaction (again as a customer service worker I would never go "Karen", having experienced it one too many times). After asking for our food to go and trying to discuss how uncomfortable she was making us, she continued to verbally abuse us and then was the one to prepare our food... which I was a tad worried had been tampered with. Literally ran out of the store and will absolutely never be back. Dumplings were not worth the price or trauma. You've been warned... read more

Not a fan. Dumplings are a little too doughy and the price is more $$ than $ level. Menu is misleading-- the Khan has chili oil (even though the menu doesn't say so). Top this all off, no pun intended, with service that was just as a much a "meh" as their dumplings. Word of advice to an employee: if a customer is in earshot, it's really not the smartest thing to talk smack about another customer you just hung up on. Note to self: if we see that, probably not worth ordering food at such a place. read more

In this complicated world, simplicity has become a commodity. And you can get it at Pel Meni. You'll only have to answer one questions: meat or potato? In fact, if you can't decide, you can get both. I was excited to find that Pel Meni had finally found it's way to Seattle after living here for 4 years, and often dreaming of the official food of partygoers in Bellingham. They're exactly the same, down to the slice of rye bread and the spoon! The guy working there told me they are actually THE same ferndale-made dumplings served at the Bellingham joint. read more

NOTE: It's based on what my numb brain noted at wee hours of the morning. Plus I've never really tried Latvian food before. They are too rich for lunch but were perfect for a late night snack. This place is LITERALLY a hole in the wall and we stumbled a lot trying to find this place. Small, tangy, spicy, sweet, hot and fresh- dumplingnation fans need to check this out. read more

My first experience with Russian dumpling and I LOVED it. If you're in the Fremont area, I definitely recommend checking it out. I had the combo (beef and potato) dumpling bowl. Very good. Be sure to add a sufficient amount of vinegar. This place is very Seattle/Portlandia - tattoo shop next door, etc. read more

Pel Meni Dumpling Tzar - Combo (beef and potato) - Russian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Still shaken from what just happened here. My friend ordered dumplings and they forgot to make her order. We realized after about 20 minutes of waiting. Kind of weird, considering it was late at night and there were only a few other people in the restaurant. However, when we tried to nicely ask the two guys working if her food was still coming, they snapped at us and said they didn't understand how the order could have gotten lost. Um, neither do we? They were extremely rude and downright mean through the entire interaction. Also we're much more concerned about the playlist then attempting to make her food. I've worked in customer service so I understand that it's hard to always be cheerful, but this was another level of blatant rudeness. Will definitely never go back there. read more

Disclaimer: I've never had Russian Dumplings before. Now that we got that cleared up, I've never really felt neutral about a restaurant, but honestly I feel Pel'Meni is a solid 3 star, A-OK. It was edible, but somewhat bland. I tried the traditional and the curry powder with sour cream. Would I go again? Maybe, if I was in a bind. read more

This is a really nice place. You can get a nice serving of dumplings for under $10 that are quite yummy. We stopped here on a rainy afternoon and were delighted. The staff were nice and informative. read more

I like this place a lot. The Meat and potato dumpling are my favorite. Adding all the sides makes quite a combination of flavors. If you haven't ever had Russian dumplings you should absolutely give this place a try. We've been back a couple of times now. It is not as much a formal restaurant as it is a indoor food stand. Very casual seating. High chairs are available for little ones. Family friendly. read more

We went here in August of 2017 and I'm writing this a year later. I don't remember much. We stumbled upon it while on vacation. One person decided to grab a quick bite and before you know it there were at least 5 of us in our group of 7 eating here. It was a domino effect - a bite of delicious food and another was ordering. It was all hand made with care. Will definitely be searching this place out again next time I'm in Seattle. read more

Haiku review: Small buttery orbs/ Neath lenin's envious glare/ I binge on dumplings. Try the khan. Pork and cabbage and hoisin are so good. You'll be happy. I also love the classic beef with the butteriness and curry powder and sour cream. Oh little Russian dumpling, why do you have to be so far away from me? #eastsidefoodsucks read more

Yum. Good quality sit-down or takeaway dumplings! This was my first time to a dumpling house that wasn't chinese-style. There was only one guy left working at 2am on a Sun morning and he was friendly and prepared our food quickly. Great place to end the night of bar hopping for a friend's birthday. I had the potato classic - the curry seasoning was a nice touch! Will definitely come back here in the future. read more

The dumplings here are pretty good, but I don't think that this place is a destination spot. We had both the beef and the potato and I liked the beef slightly better because it had more flavor, but the smooth potato filling was decent as well. The dumplings are sprinkled with curry powder, doused in a mild mix of hot sauce + vinegar (you can add more of either if you like) and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. The dumpling things are very thick, but they have a nice chewy pasta-like consistency. There's not enough for a filling meal in the small square containers, but it's a pretty substantial snack. I prefer Chinese dumplings better as they taste more healthy and have actual greens in them. They're also cheaper. read more

Here's another great hole-in-the-wall joint you're sure to miss, if you're not into walking down some dark little alley. Fremont has a few of these small places that definitely deserve a try. Pel'meni is a Russian dumpling. The ones served at Tzar are either beef or potato, but you can get a combo dish if you want both. They are topped off with a delicious mix of curry powder, a hot sauce, and sour cream. I think everything went well together. I just think they should have a couple more choices of filling. The service is very nice and quick. They basically just drop them in a pot to get steamed or boiled and then serve them up from there. I'd have to say that although they were delicious, the price is a little high for what they served up. For the $8 combo I got, I probably could have bought a whole bag (or two) from a Russian store and just made them at home. However, they get a high rating for the original idea, the awesome, friendly service, the delicious taste, and the awesome hours....open until 2:00am-ish! Yes, give them a try. Your tummy will thank you later. read more