Review of Swaffham’s Rasputin Russian Restaurant: Hidden gem offering tasty traditional food and exceptional service is well worth a visit
As someone who enjoys trying out new cuisines, I was intrigued when I stumbled upon Rasputin Russian Restaurant in Swaffham on Facebook.
The food looked tasty and the feedback from locals was good, so one Thursday night, my parents, my partner Shane and I paid a visit to the eatery in Plowright Place, just off of the town's market place.
Tucked just within the shopping mews, you can find Rasputin through an unassuming doorway and up a flight of stairs, decorated with photos of the country whose cuisine we were about to try.
Once inside the restaurant itself, we found that at 6.45pm – just after it had opened for the evening – we were the first customers, so we were able to admire the whole place, which was again decked out with authentic ornaments.
What also stood out to us was the lovely view of Swaffham from the restaurant, which can also boast that it is the first (and as far as we are aware, only) Russian one in Norfolk and East Anglia.
We were soon greeted by the extremely friendly staff and showed to our table, before ordering drinks.
My parents both opted for soft drinks (£2.50 each), while Shane went for the Bulgarian Shiraz wine (£5 for 175ml) and I thought I’d try something different, so I chose the Kvass (£2.50) – a fermented rye-based low-alcohol drink.
Before I had a full-sized version though, the staff allowed me to try a sample, and although I wasn’t sure at first, I decided to keep going with it.
And I’m glad I did, as although it had a flavour similar to a flat fizzy drink, it was something different and was pretty tasty.
Having scoured the menu – at which point more diners had come in for the evening – and the meat-eaters of the group had some debate over who was going to have what, my mum chose the Gregory Rasputin Pork (£13), my dad picked the Peter The Great Lamb (£14.50), Shane had the Beef Goulash (£13), and I went for the vegan version of the Wild Mushroom Russian-style Risotto (£12).
Despite – from what we could see – there only being two members of staff working that evening, the service was quick, efficient and super friendly and helpful.
Our meals arrived in good time, and we were all excited for our first experience of Russian cuisine.
All the omnivores said their meat was well-cooked and tender, with Dad adding that his meal had “lovely” gravy, and Mum saying that she enjoyed the mushroom and cheese mixture on top of the pork.
Shane said his beef goulash was similar to a good beef casserole, with “tasty” potatoes.
As for my barley risotto, it was presented beautifully with a flavour to match. It was delicious, with a hearty and rich taste, and there was a generous portion.
The vegetarian version of the dish would also come with stilton and parmesan, but I’m certain that not having them did not detract from it at all.
All dishes but the pork featured some marinated tomatoes which were a bit of a surprise as they were cold but had an enhanced flavour which we enjoyed.
I felt pretty full from my main – although both Shane and Dad said they could’ve eaten more of theirs – but we all decided we had room for dessert.
Having booked our table in advance and checked what vegan options there were, I was told there was a plant-based pudding of a chocolate salted caramel cake that had to be preordered, which I duly did.
Shane and Mum went for the honey and chocolate versions of the Multi-Layer Russian Tort respectively and Dad chose the Pear and Sultana Semolina Cake, served warm with rum and raisin ice cream, with all desserts priced at £5.50.
Of his semolina cake, Dad said it was “moist” and the ice cream complemented it well.
Mum and Shane both enjoyed their torts, with Mum describing hers as “luxurious and indulgent”. I’m glad that I had preordered my cake, as it was fudgy and had a delicious flavour.
Each dessert was presented beautifully, with a spritz of sauce, a light dusting and a sliced strawberry.
Mum rounded off the evening with a liqueur coffee (£6) and Dad had an English breakfast tea (£3), both served with traditional Russian petits fours.
It brought to a close a lovely evening with delicious traditional cuisine which was topped off by exceptional service and hospitality.
Our total bill came to £96.50, which we thought was great value for money for four mains, four desserts, and six drinks.
Rasputin is without a doubt a hidden gem within Swaffham which is well worth a visit. We are sure to make a return trip soon.
Ratings out of five:
Food: All our dishes were very well presented and boasted delicious flavours. ****
Drink: The drinks menu was extensive, with traditional options and more. *****
Decor: The interior of Rasputin felt authentic and welcoming. ****
Staff: The staff were faultless – helpful and friendly service. *****
Price: We felt it was great value for money. *****