Rough Russian Cafe — Restaurant in Portland

This is my lil sisters favorite lil spots so we tend to make a pit stop here on the way home from work from time to time; however, I'm sure she's there grabbing something out of the deli way more often.

I didn't even realize it's a cafe it's more like a cozy lil spot to pick up some tasty bits and get a few groceries that reminds them of home with a couple of tables. A market/deli. The place is ALWAYS busy, the ladies who work there ALWAYS have a smile and even with a bit of a language barrier you feel comfy cozy and feel the warmth in their smiles. The food I've tried which is VERY limited is so yummy! I'm not sure what it's called but it's mushrooms with bite sized chunks of pork that's simmered in a dill-ish cream sauce until the pork is so tender. You can eat it like soup (my usual way ) or serve it over rice. Can't go wrong either way. Highly recommend. They also have other deli items hot and cold, a huge selection of homemade & imported baked items that will make ya drool. The prices seem fair especially when you consider the service and home style food.

So if you're wanting to try something new and feel like you've been transported to another time and place I totally say check them out take a walk on the wild side and try...

Went in craving borscht, mmm that was a treat. Glad I ordered some for later after dining in. Only really wished I got more rye bread to go with it. Everything else was practically spot on. If they sold homemade to kvass too would've been absolute bliss.

Their desserts were pleasant to the point it was a struggle not to inhale them. Crumbly honey cake with what tasted like currants or a date on top. Wish I bought more to bring home. That dish alone is a labor of love when it's done right.

Their neopolitan cake was nice too. Rich almost decadent pastry cream sandwiched between wafers like a baklava.

The market they're attached too is a bit eh tho. That canteen serving up rly bland food by the register brings down the customer flow I imagine. Same with lack of pricing on things in the store, another traffic impedance to this lovely Cafe. However this review is to the cafe itself and not the Romanian grocer they're sharing the building with. They'll get a review later.

Would happily visit their cafe...

Excellent atmosphere! The cafe was packed with many pleased costumers. I had the Borscht soup and it tasted exactly like the time I was in Serbia. The beets were so wonderful that even the chunks of potatoes came out red. Got a strawberry cake slice to go.

The shop also has a market for all your Russian food goods plus other items as well.

The waitress was wonderful. She remembered so many orders and did everything with a smile. Made her guests feel welcome with jokes and quips.

I love this place because most of the people here were speaking Russian. It reminded me of my travels while still in Oregon. Thinking what are the saying, how people relate, and noticing culture at hand. The people were hospitable and friendly. They helped the waitress clear dishes, were patient, and made room for other guests visiting the cafe. Truly a family atmosphere.

Tried my had at broken Russian and got a smile in the end. Would highly suggest that everyone go here as much...