Back in the USSR
Vodka, Caviar and Gold in Studio City

You'll quickly forget you're in the Valley—and possibly the U.S.—once you set foot in Romanov, the new Russian steakhouse and lounge soft opening this Monday night in Studio City.

Mikayel Israyelyan, who owns businesses ranging from Republic to a casino in Russia, spent two years creating the space modeled after the Tsar's residence in St. Petersburg. Inspirationally, he decided to forgo the pesky constraints of a budget and go all-opulent, all the time: 24-karat gold leaf everywhere, rosewood and mahogany floors and a $200,000 custom-made chandelier hanging above it all.

Romanov's menu offers Russian specialties like Braised Brisket and Quail Kiev along with caviar, American-style steaks and hard-to-find vodkas. Piano players take the stage most nights, but Israyelyan is in the process of importing Russian Gypsies for weekend performances (no, we're not kidding).

Naturally, tsar-like treatment is available upon request. The staff can arrange for limo service or book you Romanov's private dining room, which comes equipped with white-gloved waiters, a hand-carved fireplace, a bookcase of Russian literature (if you're feeling intellectual) and a plasma television (if you're not). Or, cut to the chase by blowing $2800 on a Faberge egg-shaped bottle of vodka topped with a crown or $100 tea (brewed in a gold pot once used by the Russian royal family).

Studio City never seemed so regal.