Cafe Arbat - Brooklyn

I visited for an early dinner and found the decor to be simple yet clean. The menu features a wide variety of classic Russian dishes and delicacies. There's nothing extravagant here, just well-prepared food and a relaxed, elegant presentation.

I received a strong recommendation from friends with ties to Russia and Ukraine, and I wasn't disappointed. The food was fantastic, ranging from shrimp cocktails to borscht. My father-in-law mentioned that it reminded him of his grandmother's Ukrainian cooking. The service was a bit slow, but it didn't seem to bother anyone, especially the regulars. This place is truly a hidden gem in the neighborhood.

The restaurant may not have the best appearance, but the food is truly exceptional! Both the pelmeni and vareniki appeared to be freshly made and were packed with flavor. The prices were quite reasonable. I deducted one star solely due to the slow service. The place wasn't particularly crowded, and with two servers on duty, there really wasn't any reason for them not to check on me or offer a drink refill. That being said, the delicious food made the wait worthwhile.

The food was good, although we all ordered the lamb kebabs, but I'm pretty sure it was beef but still delicious. The waiter was nice and friendly.

Simple but wonderful food. Lamb kebab is top notch. Herring and salmon, out of this world. Seafood soup is light and flavourful. Every time I go there things are better. Service is impeccable.