Generally recommended dishes from our banquet: Chalahach, Kutab/Qutab, Lulya Kabob, Sturgeon Kabob…read more Side Note- Review is from a meal from several months ago. Sheep by Barashka (or in other words rather humorously when translated Sheep by Sheep) is an Azerbaijani restaurant (specifically Gorsky) similar to Village Cafe or Baku Palace with the prices on the menu being somewhat in the middle though closer to Baku. Like those spots, you go here and have one of two experiences depending on whether someone speaks Russian/Azeri and whether you're here for a party. It's part of the experience and luckily I was part of the latter. When my part of the group arrived, there were several salads such as an avocado salad with tomato, eggplant salad (basically the same thing as Turkish Soslu patlıcan,) and an Achuchuk salad (tomato and onion based.) There was also herring which was tasty. Soon arriving were some hot appetizers. There were two variations of Kutab/Qutab which is essentially a flatbread either stuffed with meat or with greens with both being outstanding and in my opinion a bit better than the other spots I mentioned. There was also potatoes with mushrooms which was okay (I prefer more of a crisp) as well as Khachapuri or cheese bread which was salty and delicious though perhaps a bit too buttery. The main dishes were the standouts. The sturgeon kabobs were outstanding with very tender flaky fish which paired nicely with the pomegranate molasses/narsharab found commonly in the region as well as another cold sauce which I believe was tomato based. In terms of meat, their specialty is chalahach or in other words baby lamb chops. These were meaty, tender, and some of the best I've ever had. The lulya kabob or ground lamb kebab was also tender and delicious and I would recommend them. The rest of the meat was also good but these were definitely the best. I don't remember having dessert. The food overall here was delicious and I can see why this has become a preference for them. There is apparently live music here but they weren't in that night which I didn't mind as it was easier to talk. Good food (especially the main dishes) and friendly staff. Would go back for another party.

The space is great! Often empty, looks like an event space for the most of the time. Closed Mon and…read moreTuesday. First time I came, I wanted to try potato kebab, which I didnt see anywhere else, they were out. I ordered small pies, they were out. Waiter said they are never out of kebabs. So I ordered kebabs. 10 min later he came again and said they are out of it as well. Like how the waiter can not know what they have?!! Ended up with grilled sturgeon, which came bare on a plate, not even a leaf of green or anything. Wanted to give 3 stars or even 2, but gave it a second chance. Second visit they had everything and it was delicious. Apart from potato kebab, which ended up being just a puree on a stick. Nothing exciting. Food is really good but quite pricey. Especially for the area.

My husband and I visited this restaurant on June5, 2026. We ordered the herring appetizer and the…read morehome made dumplings appetizer. We also had the chicken Kiev and the duck leg and breast entrees. The Napoleon was our dessert. Absolutely delicious! The ambiance is cozy and romantic. Our table service was amazing. Irina did a wonderful job taking care of us, especially when we joked around when I accidentally spilled my cocktail all over the table. Irina came back with a new table cloth and in a split minute everything was changed and cleaned up. Great job and service. Ask for Irina, she is amazing. Hope this post helps with everyone's decision to visit this restaurant.

I've been here plenty of times. The food is really good. It's one of the only restaurants in the…read morecity that have authentic Russian food. They also have Ukranian, Georgian dishes. The decor is fun: the Imperial style wallpaper covered with writing all over - peoples names, dates, etc, white table cloths, chandeliers. Charming for queens and everyday ladies alike. If you're into tea service, their desserts are so so delicious. The service is a hit or miss.. mostly pretty good though. They check your coat in the winter.

As someone who is Polish and grew up eating a lot of Eastern European food, Veselka felt like a…read moreplace I could happily eat at again and again. Everything I ordered was delicious. The pierogies were exactly what I was hoping for, and the potato pancake was fantastic. The menu does a great job of showcasing Ukrainian classics while also offering plenty of diner favorites, so there is something for everyone. One of my favorite parts was the diner atmosphere itself. I grabbed a seat at the counter, which is always my preferred diner experience, and it made the meal feel even more authentic and welcoming. My only regret is that I spotted their famous egg cream after I had already eaten a mountain of pierogies and a potato pancake. Otherwise, I definitely would have ordered one. Whenever I am in New York City, Veselka is one of those places I try to visit if I am anywhere nearby. Great food, great atmosphere, and a spot that absolutely lives up to its reputation.

Cozy spot for a late night dinner! Loved that this place is open so late - it was perfect for a…read morecozy meal after a night out. There are two sections to the place, one part was a to-go area and the back section was the restaurant for sit-down service. Definitely try the borscht - this soup actually felt like it was healing my soul. The pierogis were also yummy! I tried the stuffed cabbage as well - pretty good but I think the borscht was better. Quite large portion sizing! Service was excellent and they were very quick with bringing out the food. Definitely want to visit again!

We have New Year party at Gurman restaurant every year. A…read morehuge thank to the staff and the manager! Always perfectly done! Nice atmosphere, delicious food and friendly staff!

Attending a friends birthday with about 60 or so was a very nice event and the food was good as…read morewell. The service in this long and narrow space was really top notch. All of the staff were able to speak both Russian and English which made things easier for those who don't and they were quick to clear a plate or replace a napkin or utensil. There was a DJ who also sings and another singer as well to keep us all entertained. A smaller sized dance floor is available for those of us who wanted to cut a rug, so to speak. Another room in the back was setup for the children and a menu for them was set up as well. Parking is street side so you might have to walk a couple of blocks in a nicer Brooklyn neighborhood. Great night out with good food served in at least seven or eight courses. The lamb chops and the potato and mushrooms dish were particularly delicious. Also you can't go wrong with any of the pickled dishes available. This is a BYOB spot so bring your favorite bottles and servers will supply water and soft drinks for you and your guests.

The people who work at Varenyk House are nice and not chatty. There isn't seating available. I was…read morejust in the other day and it looks like they got a bunch of new freezers and offer hot food to go now, too, not just fresh frozen! I bought a bag of frozen potato and cheese varenyk (pirogies), and they were delicious. Attaching a photo of what they looked like after I cooked them at home (boiled and then sautéed in butter with diced onion and spices).

Came on a Thursday night a few minutes before closing and they had such a large selection of…read moreUkrainian goodies! the staff were still hard away making dumplings in the back. Once stepping into the store, you are met with large freezers and fridges stuffed to the brim with all things Ukrainian. Many of their dumpling items are in large packages (2-3lbs a pack) and range from $8-$15 per lb depending on the filling. $15 a pound for their lamb and short rib Pierogis. Price-wise, it's very fair! And you can taste to quality and heart they put into these Pierogis. Can't go wrong with any flavor. I got the lamb and it was stuffed with tender lamb pieces, no filler. And they make for great quick meals! I also snagged a box of cabbage rolls stuffed with a pork and rice filling. Simple home-y flavor and better than rolls I've gotten from restaurants. Just reheat and it's ready to go! $15 for 5 large cabbage rolls was a great deal as well! Would get again. The only thing I wouldn't get again is their soup dumplings, as it was a bit difficult to cook and was a little too doughy near the top of the dumpling. Flavor wise, it was delicious and had a nice broth (assuming you didn't pop them. Only 1 didn't pop). But it was a difficult item to cook right in boiling water, like the instructions mention. Perhaps, user error. Every item is sold by weight and labeled after selecting your items. But they're happy to check the weight/explain price before purchasing.

Very good food nice beautiful place. I tried dumplings very juicy and it got good choice kebab and…read morealso fish. Definitely recommended.

Nice cozy restaurant with modern interior. The front section is bright but the back section is…read moredarker and more appropriate for a dinner date. Service was good during weekday lunch since there weren't many people. The food is good but some of the prices are high. We enjoyed the mantis and the plov was delicious but a bit smaller than expected. The beshbarmak was tender meaty goodness on top of some wonton wrappers. The broth was so rich and good especially with the smooth wrappers essentially acting as noodles. The meat was too much for two people though so we took it home.

The best place on Brighton Beach to spend your time for the lunch,fam dinner!!!! Definitely must…read morevisit!!!!

Behind a retro blue awning sits a restaurant dear to Brighton beach and to me! Ive been coming here…read morewith my family since I was a child so the food, vibes, and TVs playing endless Russian music are so nostalgic for me. Recently, I took a friend here who is not familiar at all with Eastern European food and she loved all of the dishes. The cutlets were perfectly seasoned, and the buckwheat was buttery and warm. It tasted just like what I eat at home. We also had the sweet cheese vareniki which tasted desert-like and were so decadent with the sour cream. The Compot had a refreshing fruit flavor and paired so well with our meal. The service was quick, and we were able to request extra plates to share our order.

We were walking around in Greenpoint and suddenly the neighborhood turned Polish, which is super…read morebecause I love Polish things...especially stuffed cabbage. I saw a couple pointing and nodding, so I asked, is this place amazing? They said yes. We were sold. We were wanting a drink and conveniently, they had a bar. Polish beer and incredible Polish cabbage on the way to meet friends for dinner at another restaurant? Duh!! Im Jewish - not religious - but it's important because beef/rice is the norm in my world. Karczma makes a pork version which was so so good. Big fat pieces. Thick, perfectly wrapped cabbage. Juicy, flavorful filling. The sauce was bright with tomato flavor. The wagon wheel decor was a curveball, but the warm and comfy vibe in the restaurant is what mattered most. We loved it.

Well, it has been 11 years since I first reviewed this place. Time flies! I have not been here in…read moremaybe 6 years and I can tell you the food is very sad now. I got the schnitzel (breaded chicken cutlet) and it came with a side of coleslaw and mashed potatoes. You used to be able to pick two sides, but anyway... There was zero seasoning in the whole dish. The coleslaw tasty like nothing. It was full of mayo but tasted like nothing. The chicken was super dry and tasted like it had been fried yesterday and then heated in the microwave. The mashed potatoes had an annoying amount of chopped dill on top, but no salt. The biggest sadness came when I tasted the pickle soup. It is a shadow of its former self. It is light on pickles and full of under-cooked potato cubes. It was badder than bad. What is going on here? SAVE YOUR HARD EARNED CASH!