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    Samarkand Restaurant

    2.9 (35 reviews)
    ModerateRussian, Kosher, Desserts
    Closed Closed

    Samarkand Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    SAMARKAND RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Classy
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Menu cover.
    Son M.

    If you're looking for a laid-back dining experience, Samarkand Restaurant will be the place! I walked in on a Thursday afternoon and noticed no one was working the dining area...a man had set up 4-5 chairs together to create a makeshift bed and was dozing away! There was another family dining there at the time and we exchanged bewildered looks. Sensing the restaurant may be closed for a private event--the tables and chairs looked like they were prepped for a wedding banquet--I stuck my head into the kitchen to see of anyone was working on the back. There was a lady working and she said the restaurant was open and to have a seat! After I was seated she came out with the menu and I ordered a pitcher of compote, samosas, and grilled lamb chops. The compote was ice cold and appeared to be freshly made earlier in the day. The meal came with a salad, which was also quite fresh, with lots of tomatoes, cucumbers, and rosemary in a dressing. It was quite tasty and the serving is generous. The samosas came out hot and fresh with a tomato-based dip. The pastry is crisp and the filling is flavorful. The main course, however, was less than my expectations. While the lamb was grilled well, came on a platter with sliced onions and mashed potatoes, the meat did not taste as fresh as I expected. It tasted more like something from a "reduced for quick sale" section of a Safeway meat department! Nevertheless it was edible and I did consume the entire course. It seemed as if I came to Samarkand on a wrong day and I am convinced I should give it another chance the next time I am in town!

    a sign for a restaurant
    Mr K.

    How many Uzbeki Jewish restaurants have you been to recently? Yeah, I thought so. Well, if you're ever curious, here's your chance, right here in Phoenix. Samarkand is in a nondescript strip mall (isn't this how I describe every other restaurant in Phoenix?) on 19th Ave just south of Northern. Curious about this joint the countless times I've driven by it, I finally decided to head there for lunch one day. The family that runs the place is speaking in Russian in the back and all of a sudden stops and looks at me. No other customer is in here besides myself, which is fine. The wife comes forwards, greets me warmly, and hands me the menu. I survey the surroundings. Photos of the blue domed mosques that Samarkand is famous for. A disco ball hanging from the ceiling, because sometimes you just have to put down your peroshki and party. A television set is on, tuned into (from what I can tell) the Russian equivalent of the Home Shopping Network. At this current moment, Svetlana is hawking a cyclonic vacuum cleaner. I try my best to make sense of the Cyrillic captions, but I give up. And then there, on the far wall, a grand painting of Moses parting the Red Sea. It all comes together. The wife comes back. I ask her that I want to try traditional Uzbeki food. She looks at me as if I have a learning disability, but in a motherly way. "It is all traditional food." Yeah, ok. I knew that. I haven't had borscht in ages, so I order a bowl of it. I also order a lipioshka, which is traditional Uzbek bread. It looks like a giant danish in a way: it's round, with a thick fluffy outer ring and and thinner center, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds. And to round out the meal, a couple skewers of marinated beef sheesh kebabs. While my hostess goes back to the kitchen, I play Mystery Science Theater 3000 with the Russian soap opera which has just begun. I get into it. Sergei: "Natasha, I knew you were lying the moment you said you were going to go to the Gorky Park concert. Because, really, who goes to a Gorky Park concert in 2007 Moscow? They only play 'Bang! Bang!' in gypsy carnivals in Vladivostok." Natasha: "Nyet, Sergei. I did go to the Gorky Park concert. In front of the Red Square McDonalds. I am the president of their fan club. We have 3 members. But Sergei, my name is not Natasha. I'm Ludmilla. Who is this Natasha? TELL ME, WHO IS THIS NATASHA?! Answer me!" *slap* Before I get too carried off in my head, the food arrives. The borscht is a lot more brothy than I was expecting. Don't get me wrong, it's still good, but I was expecting a thick, deep purple soup. I'll chalk that up to mostly eating Russian food cooked by Russian friends of mine. The soup still has ample shreds of beets and carrots though. And even though sour cream and I aren't the best of friends these days, I would have taken one for the team and put some in my soup to bring out the flavor. But there was no sour cream brought to my table. However, the bread, this lipioshka, was awesome. The various tastes and textures between the outer ring and the center was great, and perfect for dunking a bit of it into my soup. I could have ordered a few of these and that could have been my entire lunch, no complaints. About 10 minutes later, the skewers arrived. Very unadorned - they were exactly as advertised: two skewers of beef. And that's it. I was expecting great things, but somehow I was a little underwhelmed. The beef tasted a little gamy to me, but maybe it's how it should be and I haven't acquired the taste yet. I don't know. On the plus side, it was really juicy and cooked just right. All in all, though, I'd say it was worth the trip. The lipioshka alone merits a few more visits. Service is friendly, and I'm guessing the main crowd comes in for dinner and subsequent partying under the disco ball, because I was the only customer they had at lunchtime. Which is a good thing, I guess, because A) you have their undivided attention and B) when you don't, you have Sergei and Ludmilla (not Natasha) to entertain you. 3 stars. May increase with future trips.

    Samarkand Restaurant, on 19th Av near Northern Av.
    Norm R.

    The sign outside proclaims that the place is Russian. But if you consider that the city of Samarkand is one of the largest cities of Uzbekistan, you won't be surprised to note that the restaurant has strong Middle Eastern influences, and these influences are reflected in the murals and the menu. My friend and I came in mid-afternoon so we were pretty much the only people there. We ordered eggplant salad, cabbage salad, and kababs; all were quite tasty and filling, especially with the samples of the dense Uzbek lepeshka bread the friendly hostess gave us. A really nice Russian lager complemented the fine meal. I'll definitely be back; I need to try the more mainstream-Russian dishes next time.

    Zoom into the menu on Internet Explorer by clicking the magnifying glass and "100%" on the bottom right corner of the browser.
    XavieR X.

    For years I heard about borscht and pirozhki amongst other Russian and East European favorites. I always wondered what the hype was about borscht. The problem is that there aren't many Russian eateries in Phoenix (just this place and another up north, that I know of) so I never had the chance to try out this cuisine. Then a Russian friend told me about a Russian-Uzbeki place he heard about called Samarkand Restaurant and naturally I went, and he came along with me. We've actually been there twice already. Like Mr. K's review said, it's in a strip mall which sits directly across the street from another strip mall in which the Russian Market resides (I have reviewed the Russian Market too). We walked in and immediately got a whiff of some sort of soup (it was pelmeni soup, more on that later) and got an eye full of the nice decor (they did some decorating since Gina W's earlier review); mirrored walls with pictures of domed mosques, a chandelier, gold inlay adorned tile floors, fancy dishware set out on each table, and of course, traditional Uzbeki-Russian music playing overhead. Behind the counter there's a framed picture of Mike Tyson himself posing with with Svetlana and her husband at the restaurant. Apparantly Mike has a taste for more than just mutulated ears and he has stopped by a few times for a bite (no cheesy pun intended). We stepped forward and Svetlana greeted us, told us to take a seat, and handed us menus. The food is actually pretty good. This is what we ordered on our first and second visits: ------------------------------ First visit: We weren't fully familiar with the menu, so Svetlana sat down and walked us through the menu. I got: **Borscht - The infamous borscht that I had heard so much about. It was pretty good; tasted similar to what I thought it would taste like. **Pirozhki - Small meat filled pies approximately the size of a dinner roll. You'll find these under the appetizer section as "Samsa", the Uzbek alternate name, but they'll know what you mean by pirozhki. My friend and myself loved these. We ate a couple of them. l recommend you get a couple of these, you won't regret it. Our second visit was mainly inspired by the pirozhki and lipioshka alone. **Lipioshka - A danish-like round bread served hot and fresh. We shared it, and much like Mr. K, we also really liked it and it's very filling. This bread comes with a tasty sauce that you dip the lipioshka into. It's much like salsa but with a greener/leafier taste. I recommend also getting the lipioshka along with the pirozhki. **My friend also got pelmeni soup and two marinated beef kebabs with a complimentary side of rice. ----------------------------- Second visit: Like the first time, we asked for pirozhki and a lipioshka again. This time I decided to try the pelmeni soup and I came to find out that the whiff that you first get as you walk in is that of this soup. I really don't know why it smells like pelmeni, seeing as to how it's obviously not the only thing that's prepared there. Anyhow, the soup itself is simple but good. It's basically ravioli squares stuffed with beef in a broth with a sort of grass. Very filling. Again, my friend ordered some kebabs with rice and onions. ----------------------------- Just like another reviewer said, you will be full for hours. We will be going back to Samarkand later on. (If you are wondering about price, my friend and myself spent $15-$17 each, both times there.) I recommend it because the food is good and filling and besides, how many other Russian-Uzbeki joints have you seen around town? None right? Then here you have the opportunity to experience a culinary rarity. And If a tough nail like Mike Tyson likes it, then you know it must be good. And besides, you wouldn't want to disagree with Mike's choice; we know what happens when someone has a disagreement with him. Just watch the news. It's not pretty.

    two different views of a restaurant

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    3 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Funny they speak Russian, but named and serve Uyghur Style food which is Western China.

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    13 years ago

    I am Russian so I love having a little bit of home right here in Arizona. Food and service are excellent!

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    13 years ago

    I've stopped in twice during normal hours and was told they were currently not serving?!?! If third try is a charm, we may never know.

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    10 years ago

    Drove all the way from PHX airport and they were closed, although their listing said they were open :( :( :(

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    The Scookie Bar

    The Scookie Bar

    4.7
    (52 reviews)
    6.7 mi

    I have seen many food trucks while working on the various Arizona State University campuses, though…read moreI was recently introduced to The Scookie Bar, and what a treat it was (literally and figuratively!). There is a nice variety of sweet treats, and the service provided by the team inside the truck was stellar. One of our student organizations was hosting The Scookie Bar, and after walking around their event, you could score a ticket for a complimentary Scookie. As we pre-ordered so many as incentives for our students, I thought I'd give it a try. Unfortunately, something wasn't set up properly so we didn't have the cookies themselves, but we did have sundaes. We had six options to decide between. I went with The Standard consisting of vanilla ice cream, chocolate chips, and chocolate sauce, and on a normal day, there would have bene a chocolate chip cookie, too. The other five options included the Chocolate Lover, The Celebration, The Signature, Reese's Lover, and The VNA. While I enjoyed the sundae, I'm sure it would have been even better with the cookie included. The Scookie Bar is "where the scoop met the cookie" and serves freshly baked, warm deep-dish skillet cookies also known as scookies. They have a location at The Churchill in Downtown Phoenix, though I would assume I would more regularly see them when their food truck stops by ASU. Their Churchill location is closed on Monday but open Tuesday through Friday from 5-10 PM and Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 10 PM. If you want to order catering, it includes 2 hours of service and a 100 scookie minimum. They can provide a Build Your Own Menu where guests can choose the cookie, ice cream, and toppings, or they can choose from the Signature Scookie Menu which is what ASU did. They have been operating since 2016 in Phoenix. Now that I realize that I was missing the chocolate chip cookie, I need to try it again with that included! I definitely recommend this sweet treat to others.

    Located at the entrance of Church Hill, this small ice cream shop is a good sweet treat for what's…read moreit's worth. Definitely great concept with a balanced flavor of the different sweetness of cookie, ice cream, and toppings. However, my only suggestion is to maybe use a different brand of ice cream that's more churn

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    The Scookie Bar
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    The Sicilian Baker

    The Sicilian Baker

    4.3
    (281 reviews)
    8.7 mi
    $$

    After a wonderful meal next door at The Sicilian Butcher, our waiter suggested some dessert, but…read morelittle did I know they had a whole bakery connected to the restaurant. I can't speak on the customer service as we never left our table and our waited just walked over and got what we needed. We were pretty stuffed from our massive meal, but we decided on sharing a cup of gelato just to satisfy our sweet tooth. I peeked inside as our table was right at a little walkway from the restaurant to the bakery. Gelato is just one of many things they serve here. They also have all your typical Italian desserts. Cakes like tiramisu, pastries like Italian flag cookies, cookies like Italian wedding cookies, cannolis of different varieties, and of course gelato. What was suggested to us if we wanted gelato was the hazelnut flavor. I was expecting a little cup for the 6 of us just to get a taste, but what he brought over was a massive serving. I don't know how many scoops it was or even how much we even paid, but we all got plenty with some even left behind. Now this gelato was life changing. Probably the best I've had in the states. I know it's gotta be way better in Italy, but I'll take what I can when I can. Think of a Ferrero Rocher but in gelato form. It was delicious and I couldn't get enough of it. It wasn't overly sweet and it had a little crunch with bits of chocolate and hazelnuts. My sweet tooth was extremely satisfied after having dessert here. I have literally been thinking about that gelato since I left Phoenix. Luckily this company has locations in Texas so I will definitely be seeking out this gelato soon.

    The Sicilian Butcher is one of my favorite restaurants in town. So, my recommendation is that you…read moremake it a one-two punch. Have a meal at The Sicilian Butcher and then follow that up with dessert at The Sicilian Baker. There are several locations in town, with this one being in North Phoenix. On my most recent visit, I stopped by on a Thursday. Parking tends to be busy in their complimentary lot, but you'll find a spot. Ambiance (4/5): The Sicilian Baker is connected to The Sicilian Butcher. It's a small bakery, with only a few seats. More of a grab-and-go type of spot or the source of your dessert if you're dining at the restaurant. While small, the decor and ambiance is nice. Service (3/5): A little bit of bad luck, but on my most recent visit, they were having trouble with their refrigeration so no gelato was available. While interacting with the staff, it was an average experience. I will say that the service was much better in the restaurant. Drinks (N/A): I only got dessert, but they do have coffee and a few other beverages available. Food (4/5): The Sicilian Baker is known for its cannolis, tiramisu, gelato, and lobster claws (dessert, not real lobster haha). On my most recent visit, I had a cannoli. They have your classic cannoli but also a nice variety of other fillings including pistachio, Reese's, and more. A+ for creativity, though I decided to stick with the classic. Solid. In fact, all of the desserts I've had here over the years have been quite good.

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    Gelato
    Gelato
    Pastries Galore!!!!
    Pastries Galore!!!!
    Outside

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    Outside
    Banham’s Cheesecake

    Banham’s Cheesecake

    4.8
    (404 reviews)
    6.0 mi
    $$

    Banham's Cheesecake was a great find. From the moment I walked in, the customer service was…read moreexcellent. Everyone was friendly, polite, and welcoming, which made for a great first impression. I tried the Strawberry Cheesecake and the Key Lime Cheesecake, and both were absolutely delicious. The cheesecake was rich, creamy, and full of flavor without being overly heavy. It's easy to see why this place has such great reviews. If you're looking for quality cheesecake and outstanding customer service, I would definitely recommend stopping by.

    Let's start with what they absolutely nailed, the cheesecake. This is the reason people keep coming…read moreback. It's smooth, rich without being too heavy, and the flavor actually develops as you eat it instead of just being one-note sweet. You can tell they take this part seriously. Leave it outside the fridge for an hour and watch that cheesecake melt on your tongue crystals (if you have the patience for that) Their rotating monthly flavors keeps things interesting, and you're not just stuck with the same lineup every time. Out of what I tried, the banana pudding one was easily a standout--super nostalgic, creamy, and just done right without being overly sweet. The coconut one was also up there, more subtle but still really clean and flavorful. Love me some coconut! They also have a punch card system--buy 9 slices, get the 10th free--which is a nice touch. It lowkey turns into a mission because once you've tried one flavor, you kinda want to work your way through all of them anyway. Now...the downside. The customer service just isn't great. It's not aggressive or anything, just noticeably lacking. There's not much warmth or engagement--it feels pretty transactional. For a place that clearly puts effort into their product, you'd expect at least a baseline level of hospitality, and it's just not really there. So overall, if you're going to Banhams, go for the cheesecake. The rotating flavors keep it fresh, the quality is legit, and it's definitely worth trying. Just don't expect much from the service side, and you'll enjoy it a lot more.

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    Slice of Key Lime Cheesecake
    Slice of Key Lime Cheesecake
    Red Velvet Cheesecake
    Red Velvet Cheesecake
    Inside

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    La Grande Orange

    La Grande Orange

    4.0
    (1.3k reviews)
    6.9 mi
    $$

    Haven't been here in a minute, and haven't reviewed LGO on Yelp before. If you haven't been, it's a…read morelocal gem. Lots a boutique finds in their storefront. Both fun grocery picks, gift ideas, and children's toys to peruse. Their food is pretty good for a quick lunch on the go! I came here with friends just for a casual pickup and catchup. I ordered the seasonal Berry Cheesecake Latte. Instant hit!! I was a bit shocked by opting for oat milk was $1.50...but disregarding that bit, the latte was a cozy summer drink. As soon as I ordered it and put my card away, I turned around and my drink was ready!

    Every time I come here there is an issue. Last time I got the wrong item. This time they called a…read moretow truck on my because I parked in their "curbside" pickup spot when there were no other spots open. I asked the manager if this was the policy and he told me, "I haven't talked to the security guard, maybe you should just move your car instead of making it a big deal." Yeah I think your security guard either lying about a tow truck or actually calling one is actually a big deal. Holy crap. Way too over priced to deal with this hassle. They also have no idea what a nicoise salad is. And the manager was gossiping with an employee about me which made it so obvious because she was staring me down from over the counter. I'm literally just trying to grab a meal to go. Absolutely insane. Burger was okay. Truly not worth the experience.

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    La Grande Orange
    La Grande Orange
    La Grande Orange

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    Olla Olla

    Olla Olla

    4.4
    (75 reviews)
    7.0 mi

    Absolute unit of a crepe! They were extremely tasty (went with the Cre-Pizza) and made perfectly!…read moreThe gals running the truck were sweet, very caring and extremely attentive. Love that they are out here taking care of the community and letting some hardcore kids get down.

    Changing my review immediately, Olla Olla hosted a charity event, demanded all of the money from…read morethe bands performing, did not pay any bands for their time, travel or any other expenses. The owners pocketed all the money raised, even demanded additional funds from bands merchandise sales. Absolute disgrace to the community. They put on the face of someone helping the community when in reality they are greedy conniving individuals taking advantage of the youths desire to perform and display their creative music with one another. Phenomenal crepes, horchata and more. This place is like a hidden little secret. They have many different delicious crepe options that are made when you order them so they are always fresh, hot and tasty. There are so many freshly made drinks to choose from Horchatas, Shakes, Lemonades in a variety of flavors that come in Mason jars you can take home. They offer catering, make cakes for you special events, host special events for the local youth. They open their doors and allow the local youth community to put on small music shows to show their support of their hard work and support their passion for their love of music. They offer painting classes and even cake decorating classes. This truly is a small hidden gem that shouldn't get passed by. If you are ever in the area stop by for a bit to eat or to enjoy a delicious drink.

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    Olla Olla
    Olla Olla
    Olla Olla

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    Samarkand Restaurant - russian - Updated July 2026

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