Björk Cafe & Bistro — Restaurant in New York

As a life-long vegetarian and one who is allergic to tofu and soy, it is a constant battle for me to find any sort of dish that is hearty, delicious and doesn’t make me feel sick to my stomach. However, let me just say now that I have discovered this gem I can whole-heartedly state to others in the same predicament, look no further than Björk Café and Bistro at the Scandinavian Center right in the heart of NYC. My Mother has been raving about the place for years, Swedish by decent she often attends concerts there then follows by having a meal of meatballs at the Café. Also, side beat here, this isn’t just for vegetarians, my Mom who has been consuming Swedish food since she was a child eats the traditional meat ones and professes her love just as much as I do at their flavorful-savory balls of joy. But, I digress back to the message at hand and my experience- despite my lineage it must be noted that I never really understood the whole meatball thing. That was until I tried these vegetarian meatballs and now let me just say they are on my “death row” food list. Balls of mixed veg that feel hearty, but with the right consistency of what a meatball should be. A bit chewy, yet with a toothsome-tasty bite that comes in a hot skillet bathing in a sea of mushroom gravy. Two heaping sides of mashed potatoes, lingonberry and a small heap of cucumber salad make this the Swedish dish of the year. So warm and comforting, yet you don’t leave with a belly bomb rather a feeling of satisfaction that your satiated your hunger and body with great, healthy ingredients that are not only delicious but good for you too. Not to be missed either, is their infamous princess cake. Another Swedish delicacy I ordered one specifically for my sister’s birthday with many a friend asking me, “why on EARTH would you get your sister a green cake for her birthday?!?!” All were immediately silenced once they sampled the light as air confectionary at her birthday party. My phone continuing to beep more than a drug dealer’s pager on New Year’s Eve for days later with friends raving about it and still does to this day. Ulrika (the head chef) and her team just know how to do it right. This wondrous establishment isn’t just for those from Scandinavia, it’s for anyone looking for great quality food at a reasonable price all throughout the day. Lastly, they are perhaps the kindest kitchen team I have ever come across. As a former food blogger and culinary consultant and marketer, never have I experienced such gracious generosity as I did recently with Björk Café. I sent them an off-handed emailing thinking nothing of it, describing how my family and I were holed up in Long Island during the holidays which was a difficult time for us and how we so missed having their traditional food. Meant more as a compliment then anything else, yet no sooner had I sent the email did my inbox ping with a reply that they would only be more than happy to find a way to deliver us a meal. Keeping in mind that this is at the height of their busiest time of year, with yule boards and the Santa Lucia festival. Even still, they made and took the time to carefully wrap, package and send three orders of their vegetarian meatball meals to me and my family in Long Island. I have never in my life been so touched by the gesture or the food. At a relatively painful time for us, the savory aromas and fond memory-inducing fare brought sweet moments of joy and reflection. It is true what they say, “"Food, in the end, in our own tradition, is something holy. It's not about nutrients and calories. It's about sharing. It's about honesty. It's about identity." - Louise Fresco. This could not be truer for Björk Café, head chef Ulrika and her wondrous staff. If you ever find yourself in the area, right on Park Ave. in NYC stop in for a meal that will not only leave you gastronomically satisfied but with a true sense of hygge like a warm hug from a long-lost Norsemen gnome of a...

July 2024 - I sadly have to update my review to say I got pretty severe food poisoning from my lunch here. I was so excited to come back and check out he gallery and try more of their food today since my first visit back in March (see review below). This time I ordered the Bjork salmon duet (smoked salmon and salmon tartar) and got soooo sick afterwards. The tartar did taste a little odd but I chalked it up to not being used to the flavor.

I have been throwing up for half a day now, sadly. And I'm certain it was food from here because I late absolutely nothing else today.

The service was still lovely and I loved the ambiance, the two shops, and the gallery. I am open to giving the restaurant another shot but maybe will stay away from anything raw next time.

My date's cauliflower soup with roe was fantastic.

March 2024 - Full marks on food, service, and atmosphere!!! I'm so happy there's finally a Scandinavian restaurant that isn't a $300 tasting menu.

The restaurant is situated in a cultural center so you eat while surrounded by beautiful art and craft goods.

Special highlights were the arctic char, short rib, and apple cake dessert. I would give the fish meatballs a pass. All the flavors and preparations were both interesting and fresh - I would happily eat here multiple times a week to try everything.

Our server was incredibly thoughtful, professional, and attentive. We came in during a crowded hour and were seated in the very center of the restaurant. As people left, our server came by to ask us if we'd like to switch to a more quiet, comfortable spot. So thoughtful!! It def would have been more work for him. We declined but were very grateful...

While the food was good; the service was terrible. When we got there the host said he didn't have a table even though we'd made a reservation and he appeared to be visibly thrown off that we had a stroller saying that there wasn't space, even though we said we were willing to park it in the corner outside the restaurant area. He did fairly quickly find a table and sat us. After being seated for 20 minutes we had to flag down a someone to order (had to do so twice!) and after 10 or so minutes more flag down another waiter to ask for bread. The only time we saw our waitress was when she brought our food out; and when we flagged down a different waitstaff and asked to pay. This was very odd as there were at least 8-10 different waitstaff floating around; but none it appeared were actually waiting on our table. I had the Swedish meatballs, which were delicious and would definitely order again if we were to return. My husband got the potato pancake with bacon which was not worth the price and we would not order again. Hard to know if we will return after feeling stressed the entire meal in having to constantly flag down people in order to get...