Slavic Eats: The Best NYC Eastern European Restaurants

5. Pravda

Pravda reveals the seedier side of doing nightlife, Soviet-style. Pravda means truth in Russian, and this hidden gem creation by owner, Keith McNally (Pastis, Odeon, Lucky Strike, Balthazar, Schiller's, Morandi), does not lie when it promises to give you an authentic Russian experience. The basement space is held together by vaulted ceilings, street like lamps light the subterranean speakeasy space, and chicken wire separates bathroom stalls from one another. Part fear, part bistro-chic, Pravda is a great representation of an American fascination of what it must have been like in the Stalinist Mother Land. The menu offers different types of smoked fish, including salmon and sturgeon, but the greatest Vodka-pairing menu choice is the caviar. Pravda is known for having a great selection of caviar, and choices range from standard trout roe ($20) to Alvert caviar that hails from American white sturgeon ($250). We Recommend: Lamb Shashlik, rice pilaf & a yoghurt mint sauce. Pravda, 281 Lafayette St. (bet. Prince St and Houston St), 212-226-4944, http://pravdany.com. [Photos via]