Pelmeni is a common food eaten in Russia, consisting of a very thin flour dough, filled with meat and vegetables. Pel’Meni restaurant boasts a small menu that keeps locals coming back time and again. The menu is so small, in fact, that pelmeni is the only thing on it.

For a snack to end the night, head to hole-in-the-wall Pel’meni, a Russian joint that sells just two things, and they’re both dumplings: potato or meat.

Beloved by many locals, but not frequented by tourists, Pelmeni is a small restaurant inside the Merchant’s Wharf (the big blue building by the cruise ship dock). It is peculiar in that the establishment is cash-only and there is only one item of food on the menu: Pelmeni. Pelmeni is a Slavic dumpling that consists of a small, round ball of beef (or potato, for the vegetarians) that is placed inside of a pasta-style noodle and frozen.

But, according to some Redditors, once you try them, they’ll be on your list of favorite foods. Some describe them as pillows of tasty goodness in your mouth. Best of all, this dish is technically Alaskan, if you remember that Alaska’s first non-Native explorers were Russian fur traders; it’s part of the state’s heritage as much as amazing seafood and delicious craft beer.

​​Pel’meni is a popular dining spot known for serving delicious Russian dumplings. Located in the heart of downtown, this quaint restaurant offers a unique culinary experience that has won the hearts of both locals and tourists. Its name, “Pel’meni,” is a nod to the Russian dish it specializes in — small dough pockets filled with a savory mixture and boiled to perfection!

Pel’meni is a quirky spot serving up Russian dumplings filled with beef or potatoes. Topped with sour cream, curry powder or hot sauce, it’s the perfect affordable late-night fix and totally walkable from any downtown hotel. We typically love potato Russian dumplings, but for this location we were obsessed with the beef dumplings with curry and butter on top.

While in Juneau — Alaska’s capital city — food adventurers need to visit a casual storefront on the wharf called Pel’meni, named for its specialty: Russian dumplings topped with the likes of butter, curry powder, hot sauce and/or cilantro and sour cream, as well as thick slices of marbled rye bread.

Pel’Meni, a little dive in the Hangar Building (formally known as the Merchant Wharf building). The place serves Siberian dumplings covered in butter, curry powder, and cilantro, served with a side of sour cream and toast. You have 2 choices, beef or potato.

At Pel’meni, you’ll find authentic and affordable Russian dumplings. The cozy atmosphere lets you enjoy handcrafted dumplings with various fillings. These tasty dumplings bring traditional Russian flavors to life, making them a top choice in Juneau.

In this same building there were also a few other restaurants, and one I have to tell you about is Pel’ Meni. You won’t find this place on Instagram, and you may not find it at all. It was down a tiny hallway in this same building.

Pel’meni: With a nod to Alaska’s history, this restaurant only serves Russian beef or potato dumplings. Experts recommend topping the dumplings with butter, sour cream, and cilantro. The restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m.