Visitors consistently praise Tolstovka for its atmosphere and curation. Multiple reviewers call it 'уютный' and 'ламповый', noting a warm interior, thoughtful display and mood‑setting music from the 20th century; one shopper specifically bought a cardigan, sweater and shirt for about 5,000 ₽ and said the quality justified the price. Several reviewers describe the shop as a 'treasure' that makes them lose track of time, and many highlight accessories such as berets, belts, vintage brooches, postcards and shoes including a purchase of 'Tyrol boots'.
Reviewers repeatedly applaud the staff: names like Варя and Алеся appear in praise for being friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Guests mention small gestures — a cheeky note on the receipt 'ты со всем справишься!', offering champagne, an instant photo taken for customers — that make visits feel personal. A few shoppers say the team will show items, style looks and even arrange delivery to other cities.
A recurring theme in reviews is the shop's small size and highly curated stock. Most visitors love this curation and quality; a common complaint is that selection can be limited at times and some items are priced higher than typical second‑hand stores. One 2‑star reviewer warned that for them the shop felt overpriced or full of 'старые вещи' that weren't wearable, so experiences vary depending on taste and budget.
Practical tips from reviewers: expect a compact, basement‑style layout in a pleasant neighbourhood, bring time to browse slowly, and ask the staff for help — they often know where hidden gems are. Reviewers who travelled from other cities specifically recommend stopping by, but note that if you want mass bargains or very large racks, Tolstovka may feel too curated.
