The portions are pretty small, but it was delicious. Very hipster/grungy, very Fremont.

Affordable cost and healthy eating. What more can you ask for. A casual environment. Totally Seattle.

Found this place on a quick break while I was in Fremont and I'm glad I did! I will be honest: I didn't have high expectations for this place. I was very skeptical when I first walked in. It's connected to a yoga studio and something else. Their menu is simple with just a few choice, but that probably helps with the indecisive people like myself. I, along with three out of four of the other people with me, ordered a regular mix with the classic topping. So. Yummy. The curry powder, vinegar, and spicy sauce combined was delicious! And that dollop of sour cream tied it all together! read more

While the dumplings were fine in taste, this was not worth the hour wait. It was the fremont market day and there were around 4 groups of customers. It seems like they were only cooking one serving of dumplings at a time in that big pot of water that could have cook all 4 of our orders. The servers were not efficient and between the two of them it was quite chaotic and confused looking. I almost want to go up and cook those dumplings myself...they did offer a coupon for next time due to the delays but unless they improve their work I can't come and sit for an hour for some quick dumpling. read more

Late night dumplings with curry powder and sour cream... literally hits the spot every. Single. Time. Ive tried to replicate the flavors ar home since I no longer live in Seattle, nothing quite tastes like these guys. Long live the food scene in Seattle! Bay Area sucks!!! read more

Super yum, but super tiny serving. The classic dumping sauce is impeccable. Bacon onion dumpling has savory flavor. Again, super small serving that almost felt like a cheating. read more

I had the traditional half and half and it was super good. It really tasted as homemade food.

I'd go there again for a quick hot lunch. The gal behind the counter was friendly enough but lacked common sense when it came to basic service. read more

Such a great spot. Tasty, unique, hidden. A gem for Fremont.

Maybe on other days they are better. I just happened to have a bad experience, on the day of the June Art Walk. The beef/potato combo was recommended, and I asked explicitly if they could be served separately from each other, which was confirmed, before placing the order. There were no orders waiting ahead of us, but it took an oddly long amount of time for our food to come out. Another employee brought us our dishes, telling us that the left one was beef and the right one potato. I had my friend try hers first (just to be sure, since meat can make me disgustingly ill) and it was beef. I started eating and found out they had all been mixed together, they were not separate. I immediately took mine back and reminded the woman I'd ordered from (politely) that I'd asked for them to be separated, and I told her I do not eat meat. She apologized and said she'd redo them and bring them out. It took even longer the second time. There were other people ordering when I informed her of the mistake, but in terms of customer service I believe we should have been a priority. Serving someone beef who explicitly asked for it to be separate is pretty unacceptable. Oh and I had to remind her I'd ordered a pickle. Not a big deal, just further lack of attention to detail. Maybe she was off, having a bad day - it happens to everyone. I really don't like how the mistake was handled though. Also, I went to the website first today to send this complaint as a private message, and there was no email option for contacting. read more

These dumplings are incredibly flavorful and satisfying. They're kind of like tiny pierogis with more seasoning. The best part was that my boyfriend and I ordered one order, and the guy split it between two bowls with their own garnishes and everything. So sweet! We will definitely be coming back soon. Highly recommend!! Also - free wifi. read more

Tried dumplings with beef, not really impressed. An average taste, pickle was also not good. You can buy frozen dumplings and cook it at home - will be better. read more

Very simple and not flashy establishment dedicated to dumplings. It is kinda of hidden and hard to find but worth the effort. The dumplings themselves were good and I recommend getting a mix of the potato and beef dumplings. read more

Great atmosphere where you can choose records to put on their record player. Friendly staff and open late every night. The classic potato dumplings are awesome. read more

Good dumplings served by a nice staff. They were happy to customize my toppings. I got mixed beef and potato dumplings with a cabbage caraway slaw. Slaw was delicious!!! And it even came with a valentine! I had my dumplings with sour cream and green onions. But added curry powder at the table. Curry powder might not be traditional but it was very yummy! read more

Pel Meni Dumpling Tzar - Dumpling tsar wants to be your valentine! And if you're anything like me, you'll heart them right back! - Russian Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I was telling my friends before heading inside that there's an awesome dumpling place in Juneau. Then I went inside and said the same thing. They told me the owners were fishermen and got the idea from Juneau. Or something along those lines. How awesome is that!?!? And yes!!! This place was SPOT ON for delicious russian dumplings. There's no way I could just get the small portion. Had to go big!!! Definitely recommend this place to everyone read more

Yummy dumplings in my belly. The carrot salad is spicy/sweet and tasty too. No photos because I inhaled the food too quickly.

Delicious, delicate dumplings with savory sauces - as good as homemade - and a stellar assortment of amazing salads to go with (try them all!). We will be back! read more

What may catch your attention as you round the corner of the Lenin statue is a small black VW van outside, adorned in Christmas lights with catchy slogans written on the body in chalk encouraging you to visit the restaurant, adorned as Tzar in the semi-basement alley space on Fremont Ave N. and 35th. Atmosphere is nice and casual. Multiple tables spread out across the room, concrete floors, and a old school record player with milk crates full of old vinyl to change to your liking. Bright colors and eclectic art on the walls, the space is semi-shared with a tattoo parlor and a hot yoga studio, and while none of the areas disrupt one another, the shared entrance puts you immediately into the restaurant space, and it can feel a bit awkward. The dumplings were cooked perfectly - not doughy, dry, or soggy, rolled in what I think was cumin and paprika and immersed in a chili-rice vinegar broth, although I expected more flavor from the "meat" in the dumplings. Dumplings are quite small, and the portion size for $8 was less than I expected. Bowl was topped with sour cream light like whipped cream and cilantro garnish and slice of dark rye bread. Overall, not the best or worst food I've eaten in Seattle. Limited menu choices and small portions weren't enough for me to probably eat here again for the price I paid. After eating here and then checking out the Yelp reviews, wouldn't surprise me that the dumplings are pre-frozen, however, I didn't see that myself so I can't confirm that. read more

Yum! I would get it without curry next time because I thought it overpowered the dumplings, but it was really very good.

By far some of the tastiest foods I've ever had! I though "hm potato dumplings that might be weird" but combine that with beef dumplings curry powder and sour cream boom best post-bar snack ever! Mind you portions are a tiny bit too small especially after a night out so you might end up eating two! But be all means eat here they're open late and the prices are perfect. This place is so good I crave it at least once a day and that's not a joke. They're like crack dumplings. Enjoy the tastiest addiction ever read more

I had the Mac n cheese dumplings here, and they were just as amazing as they sound. Everyone in our group liked what they got too. This place is a yummy alternative to the other late night drunk food options. read more

Literally been here for one hour now. Does it really take that long to take the pre-made dumplings out of the pot? Jesus Christ.....

Liked seeing they support local artists, lots of art on the walls for sale. Had some tasty potato and beef dumplings to fill my belly late at night. Wouldn't mind seeing the sour cream on the side. read more

If you want simple, easy, filling comfort food then this is it. It is open late night, so would also be good after you've had a few drinks. They have a small, simple menu but provide vegetarian options. We both got the classic combo regular portion size dumpling order. I was worried that I would be hungry again but I stayed full & content the rest of the night. The bread was kind of plain but was good for sopping up the extra sauce from the dumplings. There is a plant under the water cooler to save water from spills which I think is super cool. They also had a record collection to sort through & play. The out door courtyard was very cool; we enjoyed dining outside. The atmosphere was cool & hip, the nonchalant employees reinforced that vibe. Again, it is what it is: simple & easy comfort food. read more

This place is dank!!!!!!! Come here all the time. Good hours! Good people! Great food! What more u need!

This place is good. And as a Russian I can definitely say their dumplings are good. It's funny how people complain here about the size, too small for them? Well, sorry, but dumplings are supposed to be this size. I definitely do recommend the place, it has it's own spirit, not fancy, but come on! That's a dumpling place, people! Tasty food and cool atmosphere! read more

Way overpriced and definitely not worth it. My boyfriend and I both ordered the beef Mac and cheese dumplings which was $8 each. I thought they'd be giving generous servings given such a big price, but when we got our food, it was no more than, maybe, 1 cup of dumplings. Definitely feel ripped off. Wasn't even that great either. All the dumplings are pre made and frozen and the cheese was all powdered. Definitely not returning. read more

This place serves up my favorite food in the world. It's not as good as (or as cheap as) the one in Bellingham, but that's because Fremont is an expensive area. Everyone needs to experience this place! read more

Such an awesome place. Great food and the owners are the nicest people on the planet.

first order was cancelled/ignored. the second re-order was cancelled/ignored. lady at restaurant offered no excuse other than a short and terse "were busy, call UBER". went with a different restaurant. negative stars. read more

Such a fun environment and great service. My favorite part is the super sexy brunette girl who works the counter Sundays and Mondays. She's the reason I keep coming back. What a cutie. read more

This restaurant offered a refreshing twist on a Russian staple. The menu is simple, with two types of dumplings: beef and potato. I would recommend getting a mix of both types. Going with the cashier's suggestion, I ordered the "classic" toppings. Wow. Next time I make pelmeni, I'm definitely adding curry powder and hot sauce. As for the sides: while the salads are basic (carrots, cabbage, or cucumbers), they are what would usually accompany a real Russian meal. Bonus: there's a big collection of vinyls that you can play on their vintage record player. Awesome experience! read more

So good! I was there on a late night and I never had Russian dumplings before. It's was super packed, cold and only one person working but it was so worth it. read more

Tiny place in a alley off of fremont behind PIE and by a tattoo place and a yoga place. We bumped into this place and it is AMAZING!! These are finally as good as Auntie made when I was there. SO good it is rediculous! read more

It's 2:00 AM and I get hit with a serious munchie problem. I'm kind of broke, and not drunk at all, so Memos and other cheap late night options just don't sound like they'll do it for me. I turn to Yelp for foodie wisdom & found Pel'meni! How have I not known there was a late night (open til 2:30 AM) delicious little Russian Dumpling spot within my grasp all this time?! I called in to save them a last minute customer & the guy I talked to was nice & didn't seem to mind a call in order thirty minutes before closing. We ordered two combo orders (mixed potato and beef dumplings), two cans of coke, and a pickle. The total came to $20.82. Not too bad but pricey enough to validate some high hopes for almighty deliciousness. Driving up our GPS said we had arrived, but our eyes did not agree. This place is pretty tough to spot, it's near the Lenin statue but tucked into a little alley. There are literally no visible signs & I would never have seen it if I wasn't desperately and eagerly searching for it. My boyfriend went and retrieved the Pel'meni and I waited with baited breath hoping with all of me these dumplings would live up to my expectations. They're sprinkled with hot sauces, & curry powder, not too spicy at all. There's also a secret sauce on them which is vinegary perfection.. and a dallop of sour cream on the side. My initial reaction was that they were definitely good & the toppings were spot on flavor perfection, but the dumpling itself could have used a little seasoning. They were a little bland. I then tried putting a dumpling with a little sour cream, a nice smothering of the sauces, and a little bite of the pickle at once. Holyyy dumpling. It was a flavor explosion.. it really blew me away. It gave it that acidic kick it really did need. The rye bread served with it was good, especially paired with the dumpling, but I would have preferred it to be toasted, but that's not a big deal. I finished my order of dumplings and rejoiced, basking in the lingering flavors of Tzar dumplings in my mouth. My lips just barely tingling from the spice, and my taste buds going nuts longing for more zesty, chewy goodness. I really want another order of dumplings, the main reason for my four star review (as opposed to five) is that I'm not really full, and remembering this Pal'Meni experience I've just had is hurting me a little. Oh Tzar! I will think of you often.. & return for you as soon as humanly possible. read more

I'd never heard of Russian dumplings before I stumbled across the sandwich board sign across the alley from this place. Intrigued, I walked to it, and immediately felt like Alice fallen down the rabbit hole! Pel'Meni Dumpling Tzar is the entry store space, behind which was a tattoo parlor and to the side is a hot yoga studio! The two guys working behind the counter were too cool for school, and my combo order (1/2 beef, 1/2 potatoes) of dumplings took a while even though the place was relatively empty. Since I was getting my dumplings for take-out, i opted not to do the butter or sour cream toppings, just the curry powder, hot sauce and parsley. I must say the 20 minutes drive was not ideal, next time I will eat it in-house for optimum freshness. It was good, considering all but I definitely preferred the beef over the potato. The dark piece of rye that came with it was delicious and perfect for sopping up sauce at the end. I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to come here, but I can see how this makes awesome post-bar drunken food! read more

I come here all the time with my boyfriend. I always get the large beef classic and my boyfriend gets the mixed classic.

Obsessed with their Mac and cheese potato dumplings!!!! So satisfying. I crave it everyday - so glad I don't live in Fremont

I tried to get a quick bite after work, but the food took forever and the customer service was lackluster.