Named after the Russian phrase for “house of snacks,” Dom Zakuski is an Eastern European pop-up that is preparing to put down roots in the Marigny. Set open this fall at 2440 Chartres St., the restaurant will focus on Slavic cuisine, filling a culinary void that has existed since The Green Room closed nearby in 2024. For owner Kayta Simkhovich, the concept is a deeply personal tribute to her Russian heritage and the Soviet-era family members who raised her.
“My parents immigrated from Russia in ’92 right after the Soviet Union collapsed,” Simkhovich told What Now New Orleans, adding that she was born in the United States. “I grew up speaking Russian and eating the food and my grandmothers were cooking for me constantly.”
The menu will highlight zakuski — traditional small plates and appetizers — alongside staples like borscht and varenyky (Ukrainian-style pierogies). By focusing on the broad spectrum of Slavic cuisine, Simkhovich aims to showcase the diverse culinary traditions of the region while remaining transparent about its complicated history.
“The food is amazing” she effused. “It’s so good. So much acid, so many fresh vegetables… and a huge soup repertoire. There are so many soups that I feel like we just aren’t even aware of (in the US).”
“There’s a way to honor and do justice to dishes that might have origins in other countries and places,” she said. “I’m never trying to paper over any of the more complex stuff.”
The beverage program will also highlight Eastern Europe, with many beers and wines from the region. In a departure from the city’s standard approach to spirits, Dom Zakuski will focus almost exclusively on vodka. A key part of the vodka program will be traditional house-made infusions featuring seasonal ingredients like horseradish, sea buckthorn, and tarragon.
“I really feel like vodka’s very underrated,” Simkhovich said. “It’s kind of fallen from grace in the spirit world, but I think it has so much potential.”
The restaurant’s corner of Chartres and Spain streets carries significant weight in the Marigny. It was occupied for 15 years by Cake Cafe and later by Little Horns. Simkhovich reported that the neighborhood has been welcoming and the history of the building made it the ideal spot for Dom Zakuski. An opening is set for late September or early October opening, with the restaurant initially opening strictly for dinner service.
