FABRIQ — Restaurant in Minsk

A review I don't want to make. This is one of the last restaurants on my list to visit in Minsk. I've been saving it for last, and was told to order the 60 day dry aged whiskey steak. The English menu doesn't specify which cut of meat it is. Not sure if the Russian menu does. When I ordered it, I was not asked how I would like it cooked. I specifically didn't ask questions about the preparation or the cut because I didn't want to assist the restaurant with their upcoming review. It's their responsibility to ask me how I want my steak cooked. It's their responsibility to tell me what cut of meat I am getting. Instead of this information, the server tried to talk me out of buying the steak by saying it was 55 byn per 100 grams, and that the steak will be around 500-600 grams. I specifically came to this restaurant to try this specific steak. I wasn't concerned with the price.

The steak arrived on a wooden cutting block. Accompanied by some grilled potatoes, even though I ordered mashed potatoes, and some coarse salt on the side. No complaints about the presentation. The steak was a medium sized T bone (not porterhouse), cooked with no seasoning on most likely an even natural gas grill, resulting in a well done filet and a medium rare strip. I'm guessing this came off a Russian raised grass fed steer. If sold in the USA would receive a choice grading at best, but most likely a select grading. It was the worst steak I've ever eaten in a restaurant. Since it was dry aged 60 days, I will mention that I could vaguely taste the dry aging, but got no hits of the whiskey. For the approximate $150 USD price tag, it was a complete waste of money.

All in all, I thought the service was good compared to most restaurants in Minsk. The atmosphere was great too. Not my favorite in Minsk, but still wonderful.

Out of 5 stars, minus 2 for a garbage steak that was way overpriced. But still 3 stars for good atmosphere, not catastrophic service failures, and the other food ordered. Crab salad was alright, foie gras with strawberries fantastic. Duck with mango amazing and we'll priced. Dessert and lemonades were great too. I will return and stay clear...

The worst service I have ever seen recently... We take the seat and waited the waiter about 10 min. Nobody came... After that I go and find someone to sent us a waiter. We order our drinks and food and started to wait. While waiting we would like to go out to smoke. And when we turned back there was a surprise :)) The waiter seated 4 lady to our table:))) They gave us another table.

The food was very very good... Cocktails was also great... But while we are eating another funny thing happened :))) and a waiter come an asked us to change our table because they have a big group of people...:))) I told him that if I change the table it gonna be the third table fortunately he did not insist and we end up the night on the same table.:)))

We asked for cigarette they told that they don't provide. I asked to barmen after we go down stairs to buy cigarette for a lighter or match he replied 'NO' with a rude expression.

They are short on staff or as maybe they don't paid good. Because no one trying to help to customers...

Normally I don't write long comments but I am in hospitality business and I think this food & Beverage and the property deserves much much better service. Someone should have an action so fast otherwise you will be...

Two reviews from the same day and then a couple more. First lunch, when I ordered the roast whole lettuce with Humus along with baked potatoes (no eel) and my companion the mango/duck and then dinner [midnight] where with a different companion we ordered the exact same thing. Lunch was brilliant, with the roast Romain lettuce with hummus being stand-out and the atmosphere brunch-like and lively but serene. Dinner is as hot and as loud as hell with shrieks bouncing off the hard services as the dj spins on stage. For dessert I had the Bounty roll and the two companions went for a stunning fondant. The busiest place in Minsk may be the best. It is certainly top 3 and worth your time.

Note: I went to Fabriq again on December 29th for a lunch that became dinner. Add the "baked potatoes" which are really Greek "smashed fries" to the all-star list. Really a great place.

Note: I went again February 27 at 9 PM. The music (live dj) drowned out conversation and I learned that my beloved roast Romain lettuce with hummus is made with chicken stock from our lovely vegan waitress🙈. Avocado salad was great though and my friends raved...