I first noticed this Surry Hills restaurant when walking back to our car after dinner at our favourite Indian restaurant (Maya Tandoori!). There seemed to be a party going on, it was so lively, and we were intrigued by the Russian menu which is on a signboard outside. Being a winter person, I was happily imagining rich, hearty food, friendly hospitality, warm fireplaces, and of course, vodka!
As we visited The Coachmen in summer, there was no need for the fireplace to be lit – however, the rich food, hospitality and vodka were all there. This night we dined as a group of 4; myself, Paul, and 2 male friends. I specify the gender of said friends, because the menu seemed well suited to a large appetite 😀
I arrived late (because my bus from the city was late, I swear), and found the guys waiting in the well-stocked-with-vodka opulent bar, with the waiter taking Paul through a short vodka tasting. I’m not a fan of drinking vodka straight, but I’m told the Russian Polar Bear Vodka is the best, being 5 times distilled for a velvety texture.
Vodka tasting over, we take our table in one of the cosy dining areas. The rooms are traditionally decorated and imposing yet welcoming. When we arrive there is no music playing which feels a bit weird and silent, though it does start playing during the night. Our Russian waiter, dressed in a Russian folk shirt, is very friendly and happy to recommend dishes as none of us have had Russian cuisine previously. We choose 3 entrées and 4 mains, with all entrées served at the same time so we can share, and the same with the mains.
The dishes here aren’t delicately presented. It’s rich, comforting food, often finished with paprika, dill or sour cream, with the use of paper doilies to line serving plates. But it’s good, and satisfying.
We start with the ‘Modern Salad Olivier’, which is a chopped salad of soft-boiled potato and eggs, crunchy pickles, carrots, peas and onion with chicken, dressed in a creamy mayonnaise – with a juicy olive on top. I love this salad.
Modern Salad “Olivier” $13.95
We ordered the ‘Russian Rye Bread with Thyme’ but I can’t taste the thyme, and the bread is quite dry. I think if it were served as thick slices rather than sandwich slices, and with butter, it would have been better.
Russian Rye Bread with Thyme $2.95
Our second entrée choice was the ‘Pancakes Coachman’. These savoury pancakes were filled with chicken pieces and topped with a deliciously creamy mushroom sauce.
Pancakes “Coachmen” $13.95
Our last entree was the ‘Potato Dumplings (Vareniki)’. These boiled Ukrainian style dumplings were filled with mashed potato and served with fried onion and sour cream. I could have eaten a whole plate of these, but I didn’t 😉
Potato Dumplings (Vareniki) $13.95
After a short break, our mains arrive. The ‘Beef Stroganoff’ has tender slices of beef cooked with mushrooms and a sour cream mustard sauce, served with Jasmine rice and pickled gherkins. It is rich and oh so tasty. Our Stroganoff-loving friend R gave this his thumbs-up.
Beef “Stroganoff” $25.95
The ‘Cabbage Rolls’ are 2 plump rolls of white cabbage leaves filled with ground beef and rice, cooked in a tomato sauce and, of course, served with sour cream. I was expecting them to be served with the tomato sauce itself, but they were still good.
Cabbage Rolls $22.95
Our ‘Veal Goulash’ arrives in a ceramic pot, topped with caramelised onion toast. I love this dish, the tender veal and potato chunks are sautéed in a sour tomato, carrot and herb sauce and it is bursting with rich flavour. I would have loved to mop up the sauce with crusty rye bread.
Veal Goulash $24.95
The guys get quite excited when the ‘Shashlik’ arrives. The impressive marinated lamb fillet is flame grilled on a large metal skewer and served with roast potatoes, marinated onions, a salad of capsicum, tomato and red onion, and homemade spicy tomato sauce. We all loved this so much that the guys ordered an extra 2 servings.
Grilled Lamb Georgian style (Shashlik) $25.95
We were so full that we passed on dessert; a first, I think. The Coachmen was a nice evening, with different, interesting food, and great service. I think it would be a great place for comfort food on a cold winter night.
The Coachmen Russian Restaurant & Function Centre
http://www.coachmen.com.au
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm – 11:30pm
Contact details:
Phone: + 61 2 9319 7705
763 Bourke St, Surry Hills
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Yum – will have to try it sometime, when it’s not so hot.
And yay, you finally had Goulash! Hmmm, I think you should try it at a Hungarian restaurant next though. There’s a good one at Randwick called Corner 75. And a great Czech joint in Potts Point called Prague. Can you tell I like this sort of food? Not diet food though!
Yum! I would love to go there! Definitely looks wintery. A winter date with yours truly? 😉
We drive past this restaurant all the time and wondered what it was like. I think we were initially put off by bad reviews on other sites but from the sounds of it you guys had a great time! 🙂
teehee i would love to do a vodka tasting mmm alcomohol
Natalie – both those restaurants looks great and perfect for winter – thanks for the rec! 🙂
Amanda – absolutely 😀
Lorraine – I did see bad reviews, but we had a good time, it’s nice for a hearty meal 😀
Chocolatesuze – mmm vodka!
Hi guys, it was a great dinner the lamb was sensational as i had to eat more of it yum yum
This food looks exactly like the food my Hungarian mother used to make for me when I was kid. Whilst the site of cabbage rolls still make me cringe, the rest looks pretty tasty! Could be a fun place for a bit of childhood nostalgia.
I’d be interested to see what you think, if you do visit! 😀
My dad is Hungarian! If you really want nostalgia, visit Corner 75, mentioned in my earlier comment. (if you haven’t already, that is) It looks just like a Hungarian grandmother’s house.