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Babushka Russian Deli & Cafe
Categories: Restaurants Delis Restaurants Russian Food Specialty Food Ethnic Food Delis, Russian, Ethnic Food [Edit]
1475 Newell AveWalnut Creek, CA 94596
(925) 210-0779
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 10 am - 7 pm
Wed-Fri 10 am - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sun 11 am - 4 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
65 reviews for Babushka Russian Deli & Cafe
Review Highlights
"...my main course I enjoyed some sliced lamb and rice pilaf."
(in 3 reviews)
"My husband and I had chicken Kiev that was sublime."
(in 5 reviews)
"I love Babushka's pelmeni."
(in 14 reviews)
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65 reviews in English
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Review from Ori S.
Agoura Hills, CA
1/3/2012
This is the best Russian Restaurant I have ever been to!!! After eating here, I have determined that Russian/Eastern European food is one of my 3 favorite types of ethnic food. I would recommend the rice pilaf with lamb or the polmenni, and def start off with a side of peroshki's. Polmenni are dumplings with the choice of different meat or cheeses inside. Peroshkis are hot pastries with meat, potato or cheese inside. YUM!!!
The restaurant is not very viable, and it's kinda weird cuz the entrance is on the side of the building (the front of the restaurant is a Russian grocery store and bakery). However, the food is A++ and the owners are so nice and hospitable. It is a family business run by a father and son. The father, Leo, has quite a sense of humor and does everything he can to make sure your experience is a good one.
Def go there and don't be mislead by the hole in the wall outside appearance. It's top notch. -
Review from Nick M.
Walnut Creek, CA
Updated - 12/27/2011 6 Check-ins Here
I found the secret to this place! Ready? Here it is... TAKE A RUSSIAN WITH YOU! Now, to begin with, I am Russian. However, being born in America to parents who come from different cultures I wasn't brought up on any language other than English, so I am at a disadvantage in this place.
So, one day I take a Russian speaking friend of mine with me and "viola!" great service, larger portions and some cake to go with it. I was overjoyed. The food is great and I can now change my review.
Is descrimination wrong? Yes. Do I care now that I have found the secret to erasing it? No.
So, bring a Russian speaker and enjoy!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/22/2011
Babushka... what can I say... I want to love you so much, but the food is expensive and the portions… Read more »
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Review from Thia G.
Walnut Creek, CA
12/23/2011
Good Russian food! Yum borscht, yum pelmeni, yum blintzes, yum golubtsky, yum piroshki. Friendly service! Kinda pricey.
Hearty food for those cold east bay winters. This is how they survive in Siberia.
(...and awesome deli in front!) -
Review from TJ J.
Napa, CA
11/29/2011
Babushka Russian Deli & Café is one of the top rated Russian restaurants in the Bay Area. I must confess I know nothing about Russian food, although I've had borcht, chicken Kiev, beef stroganov, piroshkis, etc., but then most people probably have tasted these. If you have eaten a lot of Russian food, though, you can do a much better comparative review than I can.
First, I'd like to compliment Leonid or Leo Malkov, the owner. He was very friendly and helpful and made us feel most welcome. You will get very personal, informative and friendly service at Babushka's. (Babushka, btw, means grandmother and the food is suppose to taste like her cooking.) Second, both of us simply loved the Soup 25 sausage otherwise known as Solyanka. It was delicious and the presentation is so lovely I'd encourage you to go online to look at a bowl of it. I can't imagine anybody not loving it, unless you are vegetarian, in which case you can order the Borcht instead. We also shared some tasty Chicken Kiev and Varenyky, a potato dumpling, and I took some piroshki home for dinner. It was all good, but I've not had that much Russian food to really compare it. We recommend you visit Babushka, order some Soup 25 Sausage (Solyanka) plus some other items on the menu and enjoy the good company. We think you will like it. -
Review from Ken H.
Saratoga, CA
12/20/2011
Being of some Russian blood in our ancestry and fascinated with all things Slavic, I having heard about Babushka's and moving to Walnut Creek (Rossmore) in a few months I went in to check it out. All I can say is WOW! Super friendly people, very attentive, great prices and the food. Wow again- authentic, oh so tasty and the real thing. You could be easily in Moscow, St.Petersburg, Kiev anywhere. I shall be back again (and again- and again...)
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Review from Stef C.
Walnut Creek, CA
12/1/2011
I usually don't eat food from the restaurant, have before and its good. I do shop at the deli. They have my favorite cheeses, butters, breads, and I purchase some juices here and pelmini and veriniki. Suppper good, good quality and fairly priced considering. Also, the cakes are sooooo good! You must at least buy a small slice when you go!
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Review from Carlos L.
Concord, CA
Updated - 11/12/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Update to my last review. The mixed sausage soup is a great appetizer to share . I wanted to update my review to comment on how great they treated us on our last visit. We stopped in with our 4 day old and the chef offered to turn off the door buzzer in the deli if it was bothering her. That was a first for me and deserved an update.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/30/2010
I think this is only the second time I have been to a Russian place. The food was great. We had… Read more »
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Review from Lisa R.
San Francisco, CA
11/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love European food and I keep driving by and thinking I should check this place out. Finally did. Was a little confused going into a small grocery/deli entrance but the door to the restaurant was inside. The restaurant is beautiful, tucked away in the back. Nice and quiet. We had wonderful service by the owner. We went for lunch. I had the vereniki and some cake. Delicious! The pastries are worth the purchase. I'd say $$ on the price which is reasonable. We were both very pleased with the food and the experience. The lunch menu is somewhat limited. I was told there are more options on the dinner menu so we will be back for that. If the owner reads these...please soften the butter just a bit so we can spread it more easily on the wonderful bread you brought out to us.
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Review from Beryl S.
Berkeley, CA
6/20/2011
I went here with my family before, and for my 18th birthday party. Both times the owner and his sons were super nice, the food was delicious, the service good, and we even bought some delicious goods on the way out.
I'm going back within the week as well for my anniversary! Wonderful restaurant and deli! -
Review from Inna Q.
Palo Alto, CA
10/22/2011
Great diner with my girlfriends at babushka! The food and the service was excellent. I'm originally from the Ukraine, but all my friends are american. Typically we would have to go to my parents house for this spread of delicious food, but I'm glad we came here instead. My mom didn't have to do anything:) I would love to come back there on the weekend night for the entertainment.
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Review from Andrew K.
San Francisco, CA
8/20/2011
Seemingly authentic. Super nice waiter. Good dumplings. Cute little shop. Seems like an especially good spot for insiders...
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Review from Jingo R.
Walnut Creek, CA
3/2/2011
I love to encourage this kind of small, homey restaurant of the Eastern European variety - so rare in this area. Had I not been to the Chopin Cafe, I might have reviewed this higher.
Located in a strip mall, the restaurant interior is nice - the odd addition of disco lights, ball, tv, and bandstand notwithstanding. The server (owner?) was very nice and accomodating.
The food itself was good - not great. We ordered the Pelmeni (pork and beef dumplings with a drizzle of dill sauce) and the Golubtsy (stuffed cabbage). The Pelmeni were a bit watery and lacked flavor. The Golubtsy, in a watery tomato sauce, were flavorful but a bit sweet.
I'll be back to try some of the other specialties - but I must say that I prefer the stuffed cabbage and pierogi at Chopin. -
Review from Ed W.
Walnut Creek, CA
4/23/2011
Located in a separate room behind the deli, the restaurant is a bit odd and quirky, but in a good way. And the owner/waiter was extremely nice and accommodating!
However, this is where the good review ends. The Pelmeni dish (beef dumpling with dill) that I tried was watery and lacked texture and flavor. I had the distinct impression that this dish was microwaved. My friend had a lamb dish that he wasn't impressed with too. And for the quality and quantity, they both were way overpriced.
Maybe we got the wrong items? Unfortunately, I won't be back to find out. -
Review from Kendall L.
Martinez, CA
Updated - 10/30/2010
Yes, FIVE stars again! This was the first time we've been here for dinner but I guarantee it won't be the last. WOW! The TV's were playing a Russian variety show from Moscow which was a lot of fun to watch. The music made me want to get up and dance!
We had two types of piroshka for appetizers along with their home made dark rye bread. Have I told you how much I love dark rye bread? Chicken (heaven) and potato and mushroom (nirvana) piroshka were light, fluffy, golden and crisp. Then came the 25 sausage soup! What the hell? How does one get 25 DIFFERENT kinds of sausage in to one soup? I have no idea but it was AMAZING! I've never had anything like it. It was a smoky tomato base with a mind boggling combination of meats. One bowl contained enough for everyone in my party (3 of us) to get a belly full. Mr. Malkov wouldn't let us share a spoon because he said that if we did, all of my secrets would be known to my husband and his secrets would be known to me. Good thinking, Mr. Malkov!
My husband and I had chicken Kiev that was sublime. There is nothing like a plate of herbed butter in which to dip your chicken. This was, by far, the best I've ever had. I had potatoes on the side which were, I think, fried in butter. The centers were velvety soft and the exteriors were perfectly brown and crisp. If only my belly wasn't full from the appetizers, I would have eaten all of them!
My husband had their rice pilaf on the side, which, too, was great. Buttery and flavorful. I couldn't make it from scratch that good. My son had the lamb and rice pilaf and declared it the best meal he's had in his whole twelve years! Oh, a lot of the dishes come with a really fun and tasty cold carrot salad. It's cut like spaghetti and tastes of mild vinegar and herbs.
Desert? Of course we had the Napoleon. You must have the Napoleon. I insist. Even if you are stuffed to the gills and can't imagine another bite (very likely), bring home Napoleon for later. This is the only non-chocolate desert I will ever eat. The custard, pastry and other flaky things are just so flippin' amazing, I can't describe it. This is the food your grandma would have cooked for you if she were Russian and a genius in the kitchen. You will be unbuttoning your pants and rubbing your belly afterward!
The service was extremely attentive and friendly, too. I think it is fair for me to say that this was the best meal I've had in the last decade. I can't wait to indoctrinate my friends. Stop in the deli on your way out and stock up on all things Russian and yummy!
PS - They accept credit cards in the restaurant.
PSS - Call for reservations! They frequently host private parties.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/29/2010
My hubby and I just "discovered" this tiny deli and can't wait to go back for dinner in the… Read more »
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Review from monica r.
Danville, CA
8/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good piroshkl, nice Russian market close to home.
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Review from Coopdawg C.
Walnut Creek, CA
6/25/2011
I can only attest to the desserts.
We were just walking by and thought we'd peek in. We don't go for Russian food, but they had a dessert case with all sorts of deeserts you don't find at other places, but things that almost everyone likes. Things with cream and flaky pastry and chocolate and cherries and stuff.
We picked up 4 or 5 desserts, but it was a hard choice to make, and if we made more money, we would've tried 'em all. They're not overpriced, though. They were all boffo! -
Review from Simba T.
San Leandro, CA
12/1/2010
It was our first time eating Russian food and was recommended by a Russian coworker of my wife. Overall, it was a wonderful experience ... The restaurant itself was kind of weird that it was located in the back of a deli. You walk into a deli and head to the back where the entrance to the restaurant was.
Once you are inside, it actually looks like a nice restaurant. The coworker friend had suggested trying some dishes which we adhered to. We start of with appetizers ... smoked fish plate and piroshki ... both were delicious.
For the entrees, we had Golubtsy and Pelmeni along with Solyanka soup. The soup and Golubtsy (meat stuffing wrapped with cabbage) were delicious. The Pelmeni was nothing spectacular. It actually tasted like wontons. Then unexpectedly, the chef give us a complimentary lamb fried rice which was really delicious.
After dinner, we had assorted dessert cakes all of which were pretty good ... not too sweet but enough to taste the sweetness.
Overall, our first experience with Russian cuisine was pretty good and would definitely try again. -
Review from Stephanie S.
Danville, CA
12/2/2010
My sister-in-law planned a special evening for my birthday. From her first contact with the restaurant in making reservations, she was impressed with the hospitality! They accomodated us even when they had a big birthday party going on that evening in the main dining room.
When we arrived, our table outside was ready for us. We were treated like family! The food was so good - I grew up with a Russian grandmother and picked out food for the table. We started with the crepes and caviar. We ordered piroshi, pelmeni, Vareniki, and Golubtsy. Everything was superb! They treated us to some shots of vodka and the Babushka cherry cake - wow! This was one of my best birthdays! Thank you! -
Review from Sheila F.
Walnut Creek, CA
10/12/2010
Yum! ,
Great dinner, friendly staff! -
Review from Denise M.
Bay Area
I was pleasantly surprised with this place!
The decor of this place is kinda funny....it's like the 70's threw-up inside this place. Burgandy colored velvet curtains, disco ball in the middle of room. I couldn't help but chuckle once seated. Anyways, hubby and I had the Black Sea Fish and the stuffed cabbage. We shared our dishes with one another.
Black Sea Fish: halibut pan-fried served with a special sauce and a side of rice
Stuffed Cabbage: ground beef, carrots, onion & rice seasoned and rolled in cabbage leaves, simmered and topped with zesty tomato sauce
And for dessert we had the sour cherry cake which was decadent.
Incredibly friendly service, food was excellent...and there's also a deli if you're wanting some Russian delights. -
Review from Heather H.
Hamilton, OH
7/30/2011
I hit the town with my visiting mother looking for a place to eat. Although I was anticipating finding a place in the center of downtown with outdoor seating and neatly configured menus - we went for Babushka because my mom had a hankering for a taste of Eastern Europe.
... Man did this place deliver.
It was everything I love in a restaurant; funky, great food, thick foreign accents and wonderful service. We had appetizers (the marinade), entrees (a salad and a lamb and rice dish) and a couple deserts. Everything was terrific. Additionally, the presentation was very artful.
This is also the best service I've experienced in a while. Everything was intuitive (extra bread without asking, on the ball with water refills, etc....). Plus, the chef came out to ask how everything was.
Though I am new to Walnut Creek - this is my favorite restaurant from what I've had so far. I can't say enough good things. -
Review from Joyce J.
San Jose, CA
4/30/2010
I have only been here once back in 2004 (before Yelp was popular) but judging from the recent Yelp reviews, the place hasn't changed. Since my experience there was so memorable that I figured I would put in a good word for the place.
My friend and I walked in for lunch because I had read some review for this place and saw that it was empty. The restaurant was getting ready for a wedding later that evening. I asked the waitress (probably the wife of the owner) if they were open. The waitress' response was, "Hey, you're here and we'll feed you."
I didn't recall having pelmenis before this restaurant, but was the pelmeni as this place good. The flavor were so encompassing that there was no need for words. My friend and I sat in silence as the flavors danced in our mouth.
Later, as we stared at the corner TV showing Russian game shows, the owner came back to chat with us and let us know how they get 4 stations from Russia. While this had nothing to do with the food, it enhanced the overall experience and made an impression. I would definitely visit again if I am ever in the area again. =D -
Review from Francis C.
San Jose, CA
4/26/2010
I am very, VERY picky about my stars. In fact, this is the only place that I have ever given 5 stars, and it deserves it wholeheartedly. I went to dinner with Princess M. and a few other people, and I was a little concerned at first, since from the front, it looked like there was only a deli. However, we saw the restaurant around the back, and although we were the only ones there, the gent greeted us and sat us quickly.
We had typical Russian service (I am ready for your order now" =) which only added to the flavor of the meal, not detracted it. In fact, the entire meal was very comfortable, with the food being brought out quickly. He even gave us two more piroshki than we ordered, and a shot of the good vodka, on the house. Everything was excellent, the pilmeni, the lamb with rice pilaf, the eggplant "crepes" (and one of our party was an ardent eggplant hater, and she enjoyed it!). The best of the meal was the sour cherry vareniki. Yes, real sour cherries - they're really hard to get here, so he imports them from Canada. After this amazing meal, we bought him out of piroshki and picked up some bread, cheese, salami, and apricot pastries (which were wonderful for breakfast).
If you're looking for a good place for authentic Russian food, this is an excellent place to go. Look at the reviews - the place practically sells itself. -
Review from H. P.
Honolulu, HI
8/25/2009
Don't let the ambiance of the restaurant scare you. I mean it was a little cheesy, but besides that, the food - which we were really there for - was excellent.
The owner, well at least i think he was, recommended to try his famous piroshki. Wow! That was the best tasting piroshki i've ever had, but then again, it was my first.
We also ordered the pelmini and a veal sandwich. The veal sandwich i can do without, but the pelmini is a must order. Pelmini is a beef dumpling with sauce. We also had stuffed cabbage, which i thought was superb. I'm literally drooling just thinking about it.
The service was excellent. They really cater to you, but im wondering if it's because all people in Walnut Creek are like that. Who knows?
Anyways, don't be scared to try this place. And make sure you go through the back door and not through the deli. -
Review from Larisa S.
Concord, CA
3/22/2007
Back in the day (fifteen years ago), my family would have to drive all the way out to the end of Geary Street in San Francisco in order to buy all of our traditional Russian food needs. Though I really enjoyed those trips, it's nice to have Babushka's a little closer to home.
Babushka's is both a restaurant and a deli. I have only visited the deli (traditional Russian meals and vegetarianism are not friends) and somehow they manage to cram everything you could ever need into their small space. They have a large deli case full of smoked and salted fish, caviar and all sorts of traditional Russian salads. The other highlight is their large freezer where you can find five pound sacks of handmade pelmeni. Aside from that, they have a wide variety of other products straight from the Motherland -- mixes, crackers, drinks, candy, magazines. I'm sure it makes a lot of people feel like they have a little piece of "home" with them. -
Review from Gary M.
Walnut Creek, CA
5/30/2011
Wow, was I shocked. I was looking for something different and I found it. I've never eaten Russian food before. My wife and I love variety so I stumbled upon a Russian restaurant in Walnut Creek. Okay, we have to try this place. When we pulled up I was kind of sad that it was just a deli. When I walked in and saw he restaurant in the back I was okay, this is getting better. We sat with 2 of our friends and asked the waiter what we should order. He took care it from there and oh my goodness, what GREAT food. It was all fresh, flavorful and different than the run of the mill. You will love this place and love the owner/waiter/dishwasher/accountant/cook.
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Review from Brandon M.
Newport Beach, CA
2/10/2009
I was shocked to find something this original and authentic tucked away in a small shopping center near my house. The owner was very pleasant and offered us a seat in the dining room even though we were only there for take out.
Once we got home, that's when I knew we'd be eating here again, the food was fantastic! We ordered the potato dumplings, cabbage rolls, and chicken kiev (that came with the best rice pilaf I've had in a looong time). all of it was delicious! my wife asked what was my favorite and I honestly told her I think I'd have to get all three again. She agreed.
Highly recommended, I can't wait to try it out during dinner time, but actually eating in the restaurant this time.
Also they have a really cool russian deli in the back with tons of russian products... even russian Fanta! -
Review from Michael F.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/24/2010
Decided to check this place out after years of seeing it.
The decor is a little odd, big drapes, disco ball, but hay it's Russian.
The food was excellent, we started with Poriskis, my wife had the Borsht and I had the Solyanka ( it was excellent on a cold evening )
for the main course we split the Golubtsy ummmmm is all I can say.
it not for all, it's a style and flavor that's well Russian.
The staff was very nice and answered any question we had, we will be back. well once we lose a few pounds. not the type of food you can eat all the time, because hay well it's Russian. -
Review from Kaye P.
Antioch, CA
4/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
The food and service were just amazing. I had the dumplings with beef and mushrooms, it was light, the sauce was creamy, and the dill was fresh. My first time having Russian food! I'm glad I tried it out! Definitely coming back and bringing people with me!
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Review from Lyzbeth S.
San Francisco, CA
10/19/2007
Though this is smaller than many SF Russian delis, Babuska isn't as dusty and the deli food is fresher.
They have a good selection of wrapped candies. The poppyseed roll is imported from Poland. They carry four types of kielbasa, one of which is from Poland.
It is worth it to eat at the restaurant just for the atmosphere. A disco ball hangs from the ceiling and during lunch the tv is tuned into Russian cable. The room is large, tables have roses and the dinner plates are flowered. There are a few outdoor tables on the patio.
The owner is very welcoming and helpful.
The flaky, just-baked piroski were very good.
Pelmeni, dumplings filled with ground pork, beef and onion, released a soupy broth and were drizzled with sour cream and topped with fresh chopped dill. This is a big plate with probably about a dozen and a half of small sized dumplings. It would be a good appetizer to share with a group.
I had a nice semi-sweet glass of red wine from the former Russian state of Georgia.
Sour cherry vareniki, which are like small pierogi, were just large enough to wrap around one or two cherries. This was the usual version with cherries that taste like those in canned filling for pies.
The stuffed cabbage are a savory version in a house made stewed tomato/red pepper sauce with at touch of sour cream and dill.
They serve a solid version a Georgian soup called solyanka which has finely chopped sausages, pickles, sour cream and dill. It is very rich and heavy and solyaka is really an aquired taste. -
Review from russ v.
Naples, FL
11/9/2008
Excllent food, service is great. You will not regret eating and. Buying food there.
Highly recomend. -
Review from Kevin M.
Pinole, CA
6/19/2011
Great food, great service. Stuffed cabbage and lamb with rice was terrific!
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Review from Steve G.
Walnut Creek, CA
4/30/2011
Saw this on Check Please while working out in the morning. My mouth was watering with the reviews. Went Thursday for the lamb ___ whatever wrap "sorry" I did not like it at all! I am not sure if it was the hot sauce, the lamb tasted weird oh most burnt ish flavor This is the second bad recommendation from check please!
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Review from Olga R.
Walnut Creek, CA
5/31/2011
Well yes, I do go to Babushka for authentic food quite often. Leonid, the owner, is always very nice with me. A month ago I was looking for a place to celebrate my child's birthday. I went to a couple of Tea Houses and liked their menu, but could not arrange a party there because all my guests would need to be separated into different rooms and also every little cup broken by a child would get to my bill. Eventually I went to Babushka and asked Leonid if he could match the menu and the price. He thought for a day and committed. Since then we discussed many little details, aka decorations, drinks, tea types, etc, and everything was done to my satisfaction. On top of the agreed menu I was allowed to bring anything I wanted, including cake, alcohol without corkage fee, and entertainer. Eventually we had a wonderful, delicious, warm, spacious and safe for kids birthday party celebration.
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Review from Jamie A.
San Jose, CA
12/20/2008
This was my first time eating Russian food and I was blown away. I am not a big meat eater, definitely not sausage or beef, but we ordered their specialties which included a 25 sausage soup, stuffed chicken breast and beef & pork dumplings. I was blown away!! I am already trying to plan another trip to the area just so I can eat there.
The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because the guy who works their is very Russian, too. Meaning, seems very gruff and rough and thick accent- it doesn't bother me, but it was tough to understand him sometimes.
You should try this place out if you get a chance! -
Review from Theresa H.
San Francisco, CA
1/4/2010
A group of us wanted to try something a little different for lunch so everyone agreed Babushka would be the place.
A reservation was made and we arrived around 12:30. The restaurant was totally empty and dark! A clerk from the deli located in the front of the place, yelled out to a dishwasher who came out, greeted us, and rousted the owner from the back. So weird.
At this point it was either walk out or figure it out. So we stayed and had the owner and chef prepare a lunch that would best represent what made Babushka special.
We sat back and enjoyed the every dish brought to us. Most of all we appreciated the chef's attention to detail and owners description of the dish and what region the dish was from.
I will be coming back, Although according to the owner it's best to visit at night when there's more of a crowd and musical entertainment.
Ah, so that is what the disco ball was about. -
Review from alexa c.
Oakland, CA
10/28/2008
I'm not all that familiar with Russian fare and I probably would have never visited Babushka if it weren't for the wonderful 92 year old Russian immigrant I was taking care of some years ago.
We started "Around the World Wednesdays" where we would try different ethnic cuisines from around the world each week. It had been some time since she had some good ole Russian cooking. I found Babushka through Google as this was way before Yelp's time.
We made the drive from Oakland which I found to be well worth the trip. It wasn't very busy, I think we may have just missed the lunch rush (if such thing exists). Since the fare was new to me, I don't have much to gauge by however I did enjoy my lunch none-the-less. I think Anne appreciated the experience as well.
We stopped by the bakery on our way out and picked up some baked goods for her to enjoy at home. It was just the beginning of several enjoyable lunches we shared. Thanks Babushka for contributing to the memories! -
Review from Ariana F.
Chula Vista, CA
3/24/2011
I travel the Bay Area with two other lovely ladies tasting world cuisine. It was our night to go somewhere Russian themed and as luck would have it, going to Russia House wasn't going to work out due to traffic incidents. So we hopped on Yelp and found this place in the East Bay. We weren't sure it was going to be good but we had high hopes - and Babushka blew us away!
We love places with atmosphere and Babushka has it. Sure the restaurant is small (tucked in behind the deli) but it has style - and so does the owner!
Since this was our first time trying Russian food, we weren't sure what to order. The owner said, "no problem, I'll get you..." and he proceeded to list every item that we had been interested in. He just knew.
We started with the piroshki. Loved it! That was closely followed by the Solyanka (25 sausage soup). It was divine, and definitely one of our favorites.
For the entrees he brought the stuffed cabbage, the lamb and rice, and the pelmini. My personal favorite was the lamb with the rice pilaf. Very tasty!
We ended up not knowing what to get for dessert and so the owner brought us a platter of everything, yup, everything.
All the while, the ambiance was awesome. 70's disco with a Russian variety show and then sometime during dessert, the owner switched on the disco balls. It was classic!
The food was excellent, the atmosphere fun and the people were amazingly personable. We loved every minute! -
Review from Daniel P.
Poughkeepsie, NY
9/4/2009 1 photo
So i've heard a few things about this place and ended up going tonight with a group of friends.
The place: I've read that some consider it dreary, and while I do wish the lighting was better I actually really enjoyed the atmosphere. I could see into the kitchen on my left, and out to the deli on my right and I liked that. This place is definitely meant for a party, because of the rocking sound system and disco ball on the ceiling.
The staff: Friendly, quick, overall just great. My group was in a hurry to get somewhere else and I forgot to tip, I regret it because they deserved it. If you don't know what to order, definitely ask them. Why? The waiters are the cooks! Can't beat that.
The food: I went when they were having a special menu, so sorry if I comment on something they don't have if you visit. I started with a chicken piroshki appetizer. Now my entree was good, but if I went back I honestly would have just ordered a ton of these things because they were amazing. I have always been a big fan of putting meat into pastry, and this is a good example of why. For my main course I enjoyed some sliced lamb and rice pilaf. The rice was cooked excellently, and although I really could have used more sauce with my lamb it was juicy and tender and I loved it. I asked to see a dessert menu and they told me that if I wanted to see the dessert I can go out to the deli and look at their display case. I mean, who needs a menu, I saw the actual cakes and pastry sitting there. This place has it all.
so TO SUMP UP:
Dark atmosphere, wonderful staff, good food. If I lived in that area I would go often, but at least it was definitely worth a special trip. -
Review from Adrienne K.
Concord, CA
3/16/2011
Maybe we went on a bad night? I read these reviews, thought this will be great. It was...ok. The service was barely there, and the food was just alright. I did try the borcht, which I did really like, but the piroshki's were only so-so, the eggplant crepes only so-so, and my friend's tried a chicken special, which had a very off-putting smell. On top of that I tried the Napolean dessert and was overwhelmed by almond paste and liquor. Maybe if you just use the deli? I'm sorry, but I just don't see what all of the fuss is about.
