
Samarkand is truly an extraordinary restaurant and affords an entirely first-class dining experience!
My recent visit to Samarkand started by being greeted by a very gracious and charming hostess by the name of Ivanka. Her warm welcome made me and the friend I was dining with immediately feel appreciated as customers and completely certain that we had chosen an excellent restaurant for dinner! As Ivanka guided us into the restaurant, she provided a choice of seating venues from regular tables to more private recessed booths-- and it was very nice to have the option of choosing either one. I found this to be a very elegant way of being introduced to the restaurant and Ivanka could not have been a better hostess!
Our service was fast and efficient. Significantly, Taras our waiter could not have been more attentive to us. He made great meal recommendations and was always there to inquire how our meal was going and if we required anything. Our drinks were always refilled before we even had to ask!
The meal that I had at Samarkand was nothing short of spectacular and, in my opinion, easily one of the best that one can enjoy in the Philadelphia or, actually, in the Tri-State area!
The salads and soups, so often mediocre at other restaurants, are stand-out stars at Samarkand! The flavors are positively awesome-- and this is certainly due to the incredible freshness of all the ingredients and singular skill in preparation!
Samarkand is a steakhouse and for very good reason! All meat dishes from kebabs to steaks are incredibly DELICIOUS! The chefs are without doubt world-class and have a deep knowledge of the culinary arts. There are many subtle flavors imparted to the meat dishes here and all are made precisely as ordered. Simply put, the food is prepared absolutely perfectly!
It is notable that Samarkand has both an upstairs and downstairs restaurant. Both are wonderful-- and while each offers the same excellent menu, the atmospheres are very different and allow for different dining experiences. The upstairs is an entirely charming steakhouse with the rustic look you might expect, but also done with a distinct flair of elegance! The second restaurant, located below the upper restaurant, is more dimly and dramatically lighted and offers a more intimate dining experience. Of particular note are large and spectacular television monitors with jaw-dropping graphics that eclipse most nightclubs! This is especially appreciated when one learns that there are two dance floors, awesome dance lighting along with a DJ and live performers on weekends.
Upon leaving the restaurant, Ivanka thanked us for coming-- with this particular courtesy really showing how we were sincerely appreciated as customers!
I give Samarkand Steakhouse my very highest recommendation! ...And, I will share another special bonus for dining at Samarkand: the prices are entirely reasonable and incredibly low for the remarkable food, service and atmosphere that you get!
Everything about this restaurant is...
Read moreA Memorable Culinary Journey at Samarkand Steakhouse
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Samarkand Steakhouse, and I must say it was an extraordinary experience that left a lasting impression. This hidden gem in Greater Northeast Philadelphia offers a delightful fusion of Central Asian and American cuisine, resulting in a truly authentic and scrumptious dining adventure.
From the moment I stepped into Samarkand Steakhouse, I was captivated by the unique and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant exudes an ambiance that effortlessly transports you to a different world, where East and West seamlessly merge. It's clear that the owners have put great thought into creating a place where guests can feel both at home and like they've embarked on a culinary journey to Uzbekistan and beyond.
One of the highlights of Samarkand Steakhouse is undoubtedly its menu. Drawing inspiration from a rich tapestry of cultures, the chefs skillfully blend flavors from Uzbekistan, Middle Eastern, and Russian cuisines. Every dish I tried was a masterpiece of taste and presentation. The use of locally sourced, fresh, and high-quality ingredients was evident in each bite, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Each bite was a culinary revelation that showcased the culinary prowess of the talented chefs.
The attentive and friendly staff at Samarkand Steakhouse further elevated my dining experience. Their knowledge of the menu and willingness to offer recommendations added a personal touch to the evening. The impeccable service combined with the warm and welcoming ambiance created an atmosphere of true hospitality, making me feel like a valued guest throughout my visit.
In conclusion, Samarkand Steakhouse is a true culinary gem that I wholeheartedly recommend. With its exceptional fusion cuisine, inviting ambience, and attentive service, it provides an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're a connoisseur of Central Asian cuisine or simply an adventurous food lover, a visit to Samarkand Steakhouse is sure to leave you with lasting memories and a desire to return for more...
Read moreIt was a lively Saturday night on my first visit to Samarkand, and I must say that it is one of the best dining experiences I've ever had in the area. The food is absolutely amazing! The borscht was hearty and flavorful while both the tandoori-baked Samsa and Manti (steamed dumplings) were stuffed with a tasty mix of lamb, beef, and spices. I went with the "Classic-style Lamb;" and just thinking about it makes me drool with anticipation to have it again as the dish was a generous portion of extremely tender lamb chunks topped with the most delicate tasting sliced onions. For dessert, we shared a slice of Medovik (a honey creme and carmel cake), which was perfect since it was not too sweet. The staff was so friendly and helpful and regularly checked on us throughout the meal. Despite the full house, the orders came out in a reasonable amount of time. As for the atmosphere, it felt like I was on a cruise with tables of celebrations and live music in the adjoining dining area. People were free to dance by the stage and even in the open area leading up to the "party room." I had such a fantastic time and felt more like I was dining with a community than just having dinner with family. I can't wait to go back!
UPDATE: Came back to celebrate my birthday (a bit more than a year since my first visit) and I have to say that the food, atmosphere, and staff are just as friendly and amazing as the first time! I feel like everyone is treated like VIPs and even got up on the family-friendly dance floor! Love, love,...
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