Located in the same plaza where they shot Superbad!…read more The restaurant is small but very wonderful. It was not busy when we went so we got our food pretty quickly. I ordered the borscht and potato pirogi - both were great! The herring salad was great and the bread was even great! We ordered vodka shots - pickle, mixed berry and lemon. They were all really good! Even the kompot was good. I think my experience at Kalinka was so good I recommend going. I'll definitely be back whenever I'm in town.

A cute Russian restaurant hidden in Glendale/Burbank. I have been wanting to go as they are across…read morethe street from Mambos. The pigmeni was good, but more on the room temperature side. I felt that the Beef Stroganoff was quite small for an entree and the price. The chicken dish did take a really long time to come out - we had to eat the beef stroganoff and pigmeni as they were getting cold. Was a bit awkward and I wish the staff paced the food out so that we all ate together.

Ate Armenian food for the 1st time. Got the Oxtail Khashlava, Eggplant dip, and Ground beef kebab…read more(my finger covered up the picture). I'm no Armenian food expert, but I felt All three were delicious and well seasoned. Reminds me of Persian food & some Mediterranean food, but even better ! Service was great. Louisa was very attentive and helpful for answering our questions. Ambiance: This place is definitely geared towards hardcore old world immigrants. Decor is super extra. Folks drive black Mercedes. They started doing live music at one point, and I felt like we were in another country. I love it.

The manager here is the one who makes this restaurant better and different than the other…read morerestaurants. Thank you Armine for amazing hospitality and delicious food. We will definitely be back again.

The Art of the Singular Obsession: Why Zhengyalov Hatz is Glendale's Most Focused Masterpiece…read more------- There's a specific kind of anxiety that comes with opening a menu that reads like a telephone book. When a kitchen tries to make pizza, sushi, and a passable club sandwich all at once, they usually fail at all three. Give me a specialist. Give me someone who wakes up every morning, stares at a single dish, and spends their entire life chasing perfection. Tucked away at 318 E Broadway in Glendale, Zhengyalov Hatz is exactly that kind of sanctuary. They don't have a menu so much as a mission statement. They make one thing. One single, spectacular, fiercely guarded Armenian culinary tradition. And they do it so perfectly that the Michelin Guide had no choice but to take notice. // The Vibe and the Craft // You walk in, and the air hits you immediately--the unmistakable, primal scent of hot griddles and a massive volume of fresh herbs. The clean-lined, minimalist space is centered entirely around a simple walk-up counter, but don't let the efficiency fool you; the greeting you receive the second you step up is instantly warm and genuine. There are no secrets here. You watch as seasoned hands work the dough, rolling out delicate, paper-thin sheets, burying them under an impossibly large mountain of finely chopped greenery, and folding them into tight parcels on the hot griddles. It's a beautiful, well-oiled operation where a steady stream of locals are constantly in and out, clutching take-out boxes filled with their greenly miracles. // The Main Event: The Namesake // The dish is the Zhengyalov Hatz, and when it arrives hot off the griddle, blistered, slightly charred in places, and absolutely steaming, it is a revelation. You bite through that crisp, yielding dough into a dense, vibrant green lining of over a dozen different varietals--spinach, scallions, sorrel, beet leaves, and herbs you probably couldn't name if you tried. It shouldn't be this complex, but it is. It hits every corner of the palate: it's sharp, it's sour, it's earthy, and deeply, viscerally satisfying. Even if you're a devout carnivore, this plant-forward flatbread demands your absolute respect. It's a complete meal wrapped in a charred, unleavened embrace. In fact, the last time I walked through those doors, I had to buy two orders just for myself. It really is that good. (Pro tip: have them slide a pat of butter in there to melt down into the hot greens. Don't overthink it, just do it.) // The Supporting Cast // Because they only make one main dish, deciding what to order takes about three seconds. To wash it down, you get the Okroshka--a cold, tangy yogurt drink punched up with dill and cucumber. It serves as the perfect, refreshing counter-hook to the warm, earthy flatbread. To finish, grab a square of their Paxlava (baklava). It's built with flaky phyllo and ground nuts, offering just a light crust and a sweetness that doesn't overpower the palate. // The Verdict // In a culinary landscape obsessed with "more"--more options, more fusion, more noise--Zhengyalov Hatz is a masterclass in "less." They have bet their entire existence on the power of a single, flawless creation, and they absolutely nail it. It's authentic, it's unpretentious, and it is a mandatory stop. Go early before they sell out, eat it hot, and remember what it tastes like when people actually give a damn about their heritage.

I really enjoy the authenticity of this place, and they've recently opened their second location in…read moreNorth Hollywood. I've come here a few times for their Zhengyalov hats, but once I found out they also make lahmajun, I had to try it. Let me tell you, it is some of my absolute favorite lahmajun. The dough is done perfectly with just the right thinness, the meat is delicious and seasoned so well, and everything about it is exactly to my liking. I definitely recommend it, but be warned, they are massive, so there's no need to over order.

The OG Soup Dumpling: Why Khinkali House is Glendale's Best Kept Secret…read more Let's get one thing straight: if you think the "soup dumpling" started with a two-hour wait outside a Din Tai Fung, you're about 600 years late to the party. While the culinary world is currently obsessed with the delicate, bite-sized Xiao Long Bao--which didn't even show up until the 1870s in Shanghai--the Georgians have been perfecting this craft since the 13th-century Mongol invasions. Khinkali is the OG. It's the rugged, fist-sized ancestor that doesn't need a bamboo steamer basket or a delicate, nervous touch. It's a meal that requires soul, a bit of primitive technique, and a complete disregard for your clean shirt. Tucked away on Artsakh Avenue, Khinkali House is where you go to pay your respects to this ancient culinary titan. Atmosphere and the Art of the Rainy Day I happened to drop in on a rare, miserable rainy day in Glendale, and let me tell you, sitting out in their roomy, covered patio area while the water drummed against the roof was pure atmospheric gold. It's the kind of setting that demands heavy, unapologetic comfort food. The service here is sharp, warm, and attentive--the kind of old-school hospitality that makes you feel like a regular before you've even opened the menu. The Opening Act: Borscht with Soul You don't just jump into a pile of massive dumplings. You have to prepare the palate. I started with a bowl of their Borscht, and it was exquisite. It arrived as a deep, vibrant crimson pool of beet-infused soul, swimming with tender beef, cabbage, carrots, and potatoes. It was earthy, slightly sweet, and served at a temperature that could ward off any chill in your bones. It's the kind of bowl that tells you immediately that this kitchen isn't just following a recipe; they're honoring a bloodline. The Main Event: The Four Pillars of Khinkali Then came the heavy hitters. Unlike the thin-skinned, elegant Xiao Long Bao, Khinkali is built for battle. It's a massive, boiled parcel with a thick, satisfyingly chewy dough gathered at the top into a sturdy little knot or "handle" (the kudi). You don't eat the handle--you use it to hoist the beast, bite a small hole in the side, aggressively slurp out the liquid gold trapped inside, and then devour the rest. I worked my way through all four flavors, and each was a masterclass in balance: Ground Beef & Pork: The classic heavyweight. The moment you pierce the dough, a rich, heavily spiced, aggressively savory broth floods your spoon. The meat is fatty in all the right ways, laced with herbs that cut through the richness. It is purely addictive. Lamb: A masterclass in bold, unapologetic flavor. The lamb adds a deeply gamey, sophisticated depth that grounds the entire dish. As it boils, the rendered fat mixes with the internal cooking liquids inside that thick doughy cavern to create a broth that is darker, earthier, and aggressively flavorful. It's a heavy, soulful revelation that hits you right in the chest. Mushroom: Often treated as a vegetarian afterthought in other places, here it's a star. It hits you with a massive wave of umami. The mushrooms are tender and earthy, producing a fragrant, woodsy liqueur inside the dumpling that makes you realize you don't need meat to create a complex masterpiece. Georgian Cheese (The Undisputed Champion): I'm just going to say it--this was my absolute favorite. It is an exercise in pure, primal decadence. Instead of a meat broth, biting into this unleashes a molten, gooey river of tangy, salty Georgian cheese. It pulls, it stretches, and the sharp, slightly funky bite of the cheese against the warm, thick dough is a spiritual experience. I could eat ten of these and die happy. The Return Trip The tragedy of Khinkali House is that the dumplings are so filling, you have to leave the rest of the menu unexplored. But I am already plotting my return. Next time, I'm coming back for the Adjarskiy Khachapuri--that famous Georgian boat-shaped bread loaded with melted cheese and crowned with a fresh egg yolk and a pat of butter. I also have my eye on the Zhengyalov Hatz (a traditional Armenian herb-filled flatbread), and the wildly intriguing Osetrina (Sturgeon) Skewer, which you just don't see every day. The Verdict: Respect the Elders Let's cut the noise. Xiao Long Bao is great for a polite, light lunch, but Khinkali is for when you want to feel something real. Khinkali House has managed to bring a 13th-century mountain staple to a Glendale patio and make it feel like the most relevant thing on the street. It's bold, it's historical, and it's flat-out delicious. If you want to experience the true evolution of the dumpling, get yourself to Khinkali House. Grab a handle, watch the rain, and eat like a Georgian highlander. You can thank me later.

Food was good and our server was nice, but I was honestly confused and disappointed with the way…read moregratuity/tips were handled. We were 4 adults and 1 child, and an automatic 18% gratuity was already included in the bill. However, on the receipt the section saying "tips not included" was circled, which made it seem like gratuity had NOT been added yet. Because of that confusion, I ended up leaving an additional cash tip. I understand restaurants may add gratuity automatically for larger groups, but if gratuity is already included, the receipt and staff should make that clear instead of circling "tips not included." It creates unnecessary confusion for customers. Also, automatically adding gratuity regardless of service feels questionable. Thankfully our server was kind, but if service had been poor, customers should still feel they have a choice regarding tipping.

My absolute favorite place to get caviar! Small shop family…read moreowned really exceptional!! Amazing service run by a grandma and grandpa and their daughter! They also own a Ukrainian night party restaurant next-door that's booked out months in advance and it's such a good time

Old fashioned Russian restaurant with some nice delicious authentic dish options and great Russian…read moremusic

I've never had Georgian food, so it was very intriguing when our friend introduced us to one in…read moreGlendale. The restaurant is situated in a small strip mall with some parking spaces. When we first walked into the restaurant we thought we were the only patrons, then we found out the host just likes to seat people in the private booths which are separated from the main dining room by straw dividers. I read on the other reviews that they thought the server was not very nice, however my experience was the opposite - she provided helpful input when we asked for advices on the cuisine, and even recommended us to try the khinkali with sour cream which she provided and didn't have to. On to the food - we ordered the eggplant appetizer, it's similar to baba ghanouj but this one is a bit spicier and so yummy with the bread that came with it. We also ordered khinkali which is Georgian's version dumplings (we ordered the boiled version but there's also fried ones available). The skin is on the thicker side and was very chewy, the filling was well spiced with herbs, when you cut into it the juices come flowing out, yum! Our fav dish was the chimeruli which is baked hen drenched in a garlicky cream sauce that was more of a soup to me and i could not stop drinking it down! The hen was roasted so nicely with crispy skin, and along with the sauce just made the whole dish so hearty. Things are on the pricier side but I would still definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who's adventurous in trying different cuisines. It was interesting to note that they had two menus, one for Georgian foods, and the other for Armenian foods. Btw the restaurant charges a "non cash fee" for all non cash payments.

The Khinkali was pretty good and the bread was fantastic. I did not enjoy the Sacivi as much to be…read morehonest, but I think it might be just due to regional differences, we prepare it slightly different which I prefer. Service is quick and attentive as well.

Babushka means "Grandma" in Russian in an especially endearing way. Babushka Grandma's Deli…read moreachieves that rare homemade style of handed-down recipes in its well-stocked deli counter of ready-to-eat meals for the whole family. "Grandma's Hands" sums up the comfort many of us associate with Grandma's cooking. The owners and employees are doing a five-star job at forwarding that kind of comfort to the community and customers here. First of all, everything is freaking deliciousness! Admire the always-on-point "People Love Us On Yelp" sign as you arrive. The free parking lot offers nice and ample parking spaces for disabled customers as well as tables upon arrival which can comfortably accommodate wheelchairs. Now don't get me wrong, I love fancy gastronomy featuring tres Nouveau French culinary techniques just like you but I absolutely ADORE borscht, stuffed cabbage and plav equally. (Even more sometimes!) I've been shopping here and picking up takeout here for a long time. My experiences have only been better over the years. The discounts can be incredible and I appreciate sale-priced groceries in today's economy as well as the opportunity to support local and international farms. Sunflower seeds, sunflower oil, low sugar and no sugar added cookies, pastries and cakes, caviar, dried fish, pickled Herring, perfectly ripe berries, smoked fish, halva, cheese spread, jams, and artisan teas, all five stars. But wait. Is it a Russian-American market where I find the most Ukrainian imported groceries and ways to support Ukrainian farming?! Yep! +Heart hands emoji+ This market does a great job of offering a nice seat and friendly conversation to the average dine-in customer. Stop by to sip on an imported pear juice. Try a bite of fresh cream cheese cake with berries. Ask for advice! Go for the Beef Plav which is an employee favorite. The Beef Plav here contains a generous amount of tender, lean beef with carrots, savory buttery rice and whole softly roasted garlic cloves. Yum! (Five stars!) I've found some especially healthy and nutritious food here for my health recovery goals recently. About six years ago, I had been exposed to high levels of radiation according to a good old fashioned Geiger counter. My health began to drastically decline and I became very weak. I could barely stand and I barely survived. I knew about a famous brave Ukrainian woman who had survived radiation exposure thanks to her unborn child. Her survival story led to me requesting female cancer screenings which led to the surgeries that saved my life. (**Confetti flying **) There's a very long list of doctors and people who have helped me survive and recover to whom I live for in gratitude. Our commitment to the people and values which help us survive the impossible compels us to rise to the occasion of coming back stronger and better than we ever could have accomplished before or alone. So I'm drinking bone broth, eating extra protein, taking vitamins. And lifting weights with steadfast determination to recover my strength and then some. (Go Navy!) No market has helped me more in this health effort than this hidden gem. (Many thanks!) I am the customer who buys ALL the boxes of pastilla. (SORRY OTHER CUSTOMERS!) Pastilla is a layered pastry made of baked apples and eggs white, no sugar and nothing else! It's a miracle of a snack! Tastes like apple cake, made of egg whites. Protein in my car after working out? Five million stars. ***** To all y'all spending big bucks on cold bone broth, consider the chilled chicken gelatin dish here. Khoolidets? -It's rich with real collagen, high in protein and perfectly balanced with firm carrots and vegetables.I love this dish! Five stars. A real life look young dish! My personal secret to looking a little younger than my age is recovering from surgeries and serious stuff through nutrition, hard work and most importantly, contributing to my community. Beat the odds. Cimb a mountain. Start a non profit. Save the world. You've got this! And. Yyou're going to look GORGEOUS while you're doing it because you're already beautiful just the way you are. If ever there's a pandemic, a zombie apocalypse, or problem, people will come to each other's aid time and time again. To offer encouragement, advice and help to achieve the impossible. Grandma's Deli Babushka is a good place to be reminded that we're in it together.:) Spaseeeba! I'm on a mission to recover improved again. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who is helping me with this mission! Cheers YELP! :)!

I stopped at this Babushka Grandma's Deli to buy few items for us to eat. I was there today around…read more1pm and honestly couldn't decide what to get. Their vast variety of dishes from hot cases to cold cases to deli, dessert, bread, beverages is just impeccable. Food is SO delicious that you can't get enough. I bought cabbage rolls, dolma, beet salad from their cold cases, and from their hot cases, got soup-chicken meatball, mushroom, and spicy beef rice. It could have been good to feed an army. Received a very nice welcome from their employees and everyone wanted to help me at the same time. They also have fresh coffee, tea, can food, and so many other variety of authentic food. Prices vary. Depending on what you get. Pretty affordable. Place is very clean, chill, friendly ambiance and all I can say is that this Russian, Ukranian store can offer a lot more than probably our local supermarkets can! Go get your favorite stuff..DELICIOUS & FRESH!! I have been here few years ago and completely forgot about this quaint, lovely hidden gem. Will definitely return again!:-) Indoor seating, parking shared with few other businesses.

I'm about 85% sure I am now royalty in three different countries after eating here. I walked into…read moreHatsatoun and it was so peaceful I thought I'd accidentally booked a private tasting! Staff made me feel like a long-lost cousin returning from Russia.They speak Russian, Armenian, and English, so you can broke da mouf in three languages while you enter a meat-induced trance. Now, let's talk about the food: The Lamb: "Legit" doesn't cover it. This lamb was so tender it basically apologized for melting in your mouth with a RPG of flavor. The Kababs: Absolute legends. I'm pretty sure these kababs could broker world peace if we just put them in a room with world leaders for twenty minutes. Seriously the BBQ here is next level. Gotta mention the vibe too....people usually rent the space out for private parties but NO INE KNOWS it's a LEGIT restaurant too! It was quiet when I went (aka empty) and, I felt mafioso rolling in and getting THEE BEST service. I was halfway through my 14vpieces of Lamb and almost started giving a State of the Union to the empty chairs. If you want to feel like a high-ranking diplomat while eating the best Armenian food in Glendale, get here before the rest of the world finds out.

I wish a took a picture of their lamb meet. it was the best thing ever! Food was so good and the…read moreservers were so quick to help! Wine was also so good!

I've been coming to Traktir for quite some time now and their food never disappoints! If you're…read morelooking for some authentic mom&pop like comfort food, Traktir is 100% worth trying. The food is so fresh and homemade and gives you a true taste of Russian/Ukrainian food! Our go-to's are always the Borscht soup, Darniskty Salad, Pelmeni, and Chicken Tabaka. They also always bring out some fresh Russian bread for FREE and they are super giving on the portion. The soup is a 10/10, reminds me of the Hong-Kong style borscht soup. Comforting, healthy, and hearty! The salad is by far the major reason I keep coming back. The dill, fresh tomato slices, salty onion, and cucumber with a little zest is so tasty and again super healthy! The pelmeni and tabaka are classics you can never go wrong with. The pelmeni also reminds me of Chinese pork dumplings and are absolutely delicious with their fresh sour cream dipping sauce. Our recent visit, we were sat on the exterior part of their restaurant and it was a bit chilly and windy so the owner provided me and my partner blankets! How sweet and thoughtful. Service is super friendly, just be mindful that it can be a little slow occasionally depending on reserved parties that day.

Fantastic lunch spot for Ukrainian-Russian cuisine. They have a good selection of authentic…read moreentrees, yummy soups like borscht and solyanka, very delicious appetizers like herring with buttered up potatoes, various dumplings and salads. Today, however, I went with one of their signature items--chicken blintzes in porcini mushroom sauce. The dish was simply incredible, the baked crepe covered in cheese, the meat filling delicious, super tender, just melting in your mouth. Especially when you dip a piece of the blintzes into the mushrooms sauce, it's a homerun. Plethora of flavors all working beautifully together to give you that "Oh Woooow" feeling of satisfaction. Definitely a must try here. The design here is rustic, old school Ukrainian-Russian, with a lot of wood finishes. The customer service here is consistently amazing. Will definitely be back again!

Polka is a quality Polish restaurant offering authentic polish foods in a cozy ambiance…read more Our family, including my Krakow-born, Polish-speaking and cuisine-discerning spouse, came to Polka on a Saturday evening. Disappointingly quiet, we entered the cozy restaurant adorned by newspaper clips, polish coats of arms, and were greeted by our friendly waiter. I had the meat patties ($24) which were delectable. Rich ground beef and pork spiced perfectly and fried with an accompanying gravy. Rich, but not greasy. My wife had the chicken schnitzel ($30) which was good but not groundbreaking, and the kids a number of perogis ($25) I found excellent. Accompanying the two adult meals was soup (a delectable tomato and a surprisingly sour savory pickle) and salad. We concluded with a delicious strawberry jam crepe ($15, see photo). The soup and meat paddies were the strongest entries on the menu that evening. The service was warm and genuine, taking our order, giving recommendations, communicating in polish as per our preference, and the restaurant was cozy and clean. Prices, as listed above, were reasonable considering the accompanying soup and salad. Overall, Polka is a solid restaurant with excellent food and service at a good price. Delicious, hearty, and with a cozy atmosphere it is perfect for a date or small family looking for a genuine taste of Eastern Europe. Food: 4.5/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Service: 4.5/5 Value: 4/5

We dined at Polka only once, back in 2001 when it was relatively new at 7 years in business. It was…read moregood. As recently as 5 months ago they were still around but one day we were driving by and the name had changed! Surprising for sure. The original founders [1994] returned to Poland by back in 2011 and their cousin took over.