Cafe Europa — Restaurant in San Francisco

I want to start by saying that I am Ukrainian and have tried many dishes at home and cook borsch a few times a week. Also, I have eaten schnitzel and bratwurst several times in Germany, so I have some experience with European food. I can say that the food itself is solid 3 stars. 5 stars for the the best European restaurant in town and very kind owner Alex. Average is 4. I hope this place will prosper and those who are looking for quality European/East European food will go to Cafe Europa and not to Red Tavern or Cinderella.

Let's talk about food!

Borsch. I can agree with their claim that it is the best borsch in town, but I was not completely satisfied because traditional borsch always has pork or beef (for more flavorful bouillon) unless you request otherwise. I understand that there are many vegetarian folks out there, but then you have to cook two pots of borsch. I was willing to pay more for "complete set". Also, it is more on a sweet side, so I would suggest to experiment with recipe. As I said, my grandma cooked borsch, my mother cooked borsch and I cook borsch, so I know that it can be better :) But still... It's the best borsch in town

Cabbage rolls. Served with mashed potatoes and it is good sized entrée overall. Cabbage rolls are big and somewhat sour. Traditional recipe also includes rice in cabbage roll, so I would like to see it next time I come. Finally, I think that they are too big and it would be better to make 3 smaller rolls instead of two very big ones. Definitely, it is not major complain and better from what I got at Costco.

Pierogi. I ordered pierogi with potatoes and beef and cab say that it is probably the best dish that I have tried for the night. It is very soft, tender, perfectly sized and served with sour cream.

Bratwurst. Might be the best appetizer for you if you ordered beer. It is is just very good appetizer to start your dinner.

We also ordered salmon, schnitzel and lamb. Everyone was very happy. Lamb seemed to be very yummy. I would like to make a note about their bread. It is extremely good if not amazing and highly enjoyable with borsch.

If you like beer, you won't be disappointed. They do not have exhaustive beer list, but I assure you that you can find something you like.

Shout-out to the owner Alex, who knows some good jokes, make friends with clientele and provide small surprises during your visit!

Bottom line. Some menu items can be better and there is always room for improvement, but it is the best European / Eastern European food spot in town, so you should check it out. Place itself is small and cozy with attentive service. I will be back and hope to see...

Restaurant is cute. Got the nice table by the window. Guy who served the food and is also the owner apparently was nice but super casual perhaps a bit to casual for what turned out to be $150 meal for two.

Food was okay. They did not have many of the menu items I wanted. The server recommended a cucumber salad that I even asked him what is that. Anyway the salad I hated and did not eat. Full disclosure I hate most white sauces (sour cream, Mayo , yogurts, and would never order a dish like this if I knew what it was or read it on the menu). Initially I asked for a beet salad which was one of many items listed on the menu out of stock. The owner/ server suggested this cucumber salad which turned out to be literally drowned in a yogurt or sour cream sauce which is like my worse nightmare. He asked me if I liked it I said no and then was charged for it despite not asking for it, not liking it, and not eating it (this was the most disappointing part of the experience).

So I have a lot of experience with Central European food having been married to a czech and dated and am currently dating a Slovak. Basically 15 years of my life with Slavic people and have visited czech and Slovakia has two mother in laws cook for me non stop (lucky). I had mushroom soup (it was okay not great but okay), my partner did not like the soup. My main course was the cabbage roll which was good and tasted homemade. My partner had the chicken schnitzel which was good but a very simple dish nothing special about it.

The bill was about $150 for two people with tip which I felt was a lot for this type of food especially since I did not eat, ask for, or like the salad and was charged for it. Maybe it is just my experience from having worked in the restaurant industry but when the patron obviously does not like something you usually ask if it is alright and when they tell you no you either offer something else or remove the item from the bill. I didn’t ask him to remove it because I felt bad but really that is not something I should even have to ask for he saw I didn’t eat it and I told him I did not like it.

I probably won’t go back because of the price and lack of menu items. I hate giving poor reviews especially for small restaurants and I had some good items but the combination of lack of menu items, salad that I really hated, and price I can only give two stars. Maybe for someone else it would be better I don’t know but reading these other reviews here I must be living on another planet because no way is this a 4.5 star restaurant not even close to it.

Out of 5

Service 2 Food 2.5 Ambiance...

I was disappointed by the lack of basic amenities and the owner's dismissive attitude. The restaurant’s bathroom had no trash can for feminine hygiene products, which is a basic necessity. To avoid clogging the toilet, I took my trash out and politely asked the owner if they had a trash can elsewhere. I also kindly suggested they add a small bin in the bathroom for obvious reasons.

Instead of acknowledging my reasonable request, the owner simply stared at me without a word, then used his eyes to motion toward a trash can at the back of the restaurant—still saying nothing. His demeanor was unwelcoming and rude.

Later, when I was at my table, I asked politely for some water. Once again, the owner completely ignored my request, saying nothing. At that point, I felt so disrespected and mistreated that I decided to leave without even trying the food.

If you value respectful service and a considerate environment, I wouldn’t...