I lived in Sweden for five years when deciding to grab a cup of coffee I couldn't resist a place called a Scandinavian house it was fika time. I was treated to wonderful customer service and a multi course meal really good food with an amazing presentation. I never had monkfish before it was pretty good. This place is Lagom. I was tempted to practice my Swedish on someone however I was way too nervous to even say hello. Maybe I'll muster the courage to try it before I go back to Los Angeles. read more

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Adequate, if not a little more, average take on the Scandinavian classics, this is a good place to start, especially for those who have not tried this cuisine before. This restaurant (rather, cafe) is a nice way to get in a few dress rehearsals before going out for the real thing. As I am about to embark on a Scandinavian adventure, I had to try the Swedish Meatballs first. They are a great way to start off if you do not know where to begin with this cuisine. The meatballs are delicate, but tasty. The gravy carries a little bit of heat and acid, but it is balanced out by the sweetness of the lingonberry jam, which is balanced out by the pickles. My only fault is of the mashed potatoes, which they cater here to American tastes by dolling it up when it does not need to be. Basic principles, keep it as simple as it is and let the meatballs be the star. That is why it is Swedish Meatballs and not Swedish Mashed Potatoes. Seven to an order is perfectly acceptable. I then had to dive into some dessert. The cinnamon bun is good but not great here. Warm it up and it is fabulous. Served chilled and it feels like something you just got on the back end of an SAS flight. I will note to have these warmed up for future reference. While it is not on the menu, the Princess Cake is an indulgence everyone should try at least once. The distant cousin to the Black Forest Cake in Germany, this feels almost like a caked up version of a Linzer tart. I enjoyed it, albeit it is very rich. Take your time eating it or you will spend your time afterwards regretting your life choices. Respect the cake and take your time eating it. I am happy I got the chance to eat here and gave this little cafe (which is a short walk from Grand Central) a try. Reward yourself and get some Swedish candy afterward. Tak. read more

I came here for my friend's birthday dinner! The staff were nice and it was a very chill environment. There was never more than one other group with us and we were there from 6:30-8:30PMish on a Saturday night. As they don't have princess cakes on the weekend, we called ahead to see if we could bring our own but it would be a $14 fee PER PERSON which I think is ridiculous. For the starters - we got the free bread and butter which was decent, and I got one of their specialty spritz's which didn't seem very alcoholic. We shared everything else family style - Frankfurter sausage potato wrap (7/10) good but probably wouldn't order again Swedish meatballs (8/10) I really liked the potato/gravy/lingonberry combo! The meatballs tasted good but were so soft so it was a little off putting to me Smorgasbord plate (8/10) the Jannsson's temptation was SO GOOD, pretty much a thinly sliced potato salad with little crunchy bits on top Toast skagen (10/10) my favorite item! It was so refreshing I wish we had more of that! read more

Bjork Cafe & Bistro - Smorgasbord, frankfurter sausage, Swedish meatballs - Salad Near Me - New York, New York

I think this is probably an issue of training, but our waitress was extremely unpleasant. From not knowing any details about the happy hour to rolling her eyes at us to walking away and never checking on us again, this young woman did not seem to want to do her job, despite us being only one of two tables present. She seemed frustrated with me when I asked her about removing the 3% surcharge for using a credit card due to our paying cash, which again seems something like she should know unless this is her first or second day on the job. If it was, why didn't she just say so? We certainly would've been more forgiving of her ignorance, although her general unfriendliness would have made that rather difficult. Was she trying to evoke the true Scandinavian cold experience? If so, mission objective achieved. Would not return. read more

The Bjork Cafe is a bright lovely space that is a joy. The waitstaff seems rushed but is competent. Overall the experience is pleasant. After years of absence during the pandemic, my last two visits were disappointing. The meatballs I chose at my first visit were only fair. I chose two small sandwiches at the second visit. The roast beef on one was tough and lacked taste. The gravlax second sandwich was better. As much as I love the space, I probably won't rush to return. read more

My mom and I stopped by Bjork Cafe & Bistro for a little snack/fika when we were in the area last weekend. I just returned from a vacation in Sweden and was a little nostalgic for some of the food and drinks I had there. We knew Scandinavia House was nearby and thought we'd stop by. I'm glad we did! Bjork Cafe & Bistro is the restaurant in the lobby of Scandinavia House, and it's larger than I was expecting and bright and beautiful. We had a couple of drinks and a slice of Princess Cake, but the rest of the menu looked great, too. I'd definitely return for lunch or brunch - a great Scandinavian menu! The service was also wonderful. It was a great place for a drink and a snack! read more

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This the has the best Princess cake my daughter said so . I order this princess cake from a Swedish bakery and it got mailed. it was not the same . then I ordered from Bjorkcafe only a slice oh my goodness my sought expression was the best. thank God I was able to safe her birthday. read more

Bjork Cafe & Bistro - Nina - Salad Near Me - New York, New York

Good Scandinavian food can be hard to find in the US (well, outside the IKEA restaurant at least), so I was very excited to give Björk a try after reading a lovely review article about it recently. My friend and I had reservations for 7pm on a weekday; when we got there, it was almost entirely empty (maybe 3-4 other tables). I was not expecting it to be a cafe in the lobby (of Scandinavia House?). There was also a gift shop, closed when we were there, and some other floors with lots of event spaces, I think. Everything on the menu looked sooo delicious, it took us forever to choose! I ultimately went with the classic meatballs (beef) for my meal, and my friend ordered the potato waffle (raggmunks våffla) with gravlax and honey mustard. All the food was sooo delicious! The meatballs were so flavourful and tender, and the potatoes + gravy were soft, fluffy, and not too heavy (sauce also wonderful with the meatballs). The lingonberry jam was excellent - not too sweet, like some that I've had in the US before - and the pickled cucumbers were SO authentic, the crispy sourness pairing perfectly with the sweeter jam and savoury beef. I tried a little bit of my friend's waffle as well, and it was equally fantastic. The salmon had a lovely fresh and clean presence, and the honey mustard, while strong, didn't overpower the flavours of the waffle and the salmon at all. The waffle itself was light and airy, and honestly everything just fit together so nicely. Also, they give some free bread, if you ask for it. It's nothing too spectacular but good to lightly whet your appetite while waiting for your dishes to come. Price point was a bit higher than expected, but honestly for this quality and authenticity? I think worth every cent. I can't wait to come back soon; there's so many things - the smørrebrød, herring plate, more potato waffles, and of course their dagens lunch specials - that I'm so excited to try! read more

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What a fun and exciting find! The service was great and it's located next to a tiny Scandinavian market. It feels like an elevated ikea if I may say so haha. I ordered the Narragansett beer which was tasty then a potato and leek soup as well as the Swedish meatballs. The soup could have used a bit more salt but it went well with the breads provided and I recognize the seasonings might be specific to that of the culture. The Swedish meatballs were delish! This meal hit the spot. Looking forward to trying the herring next time. read more

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Met a friend for lunch. I've wanted to try this restaurant for a while, because I love herring and it features prominently on the menu. She doesn't care for herring, it she loves gravlax, also a big deal here. We both chose to order the open sandwiches, $9.00 each, and the menu suggests 2 or 3 per person. She ordered two gravlax; I tried one gravlax and one "gentleman's choice." That's a rather unusual name for a sliced hard boiled egg (actually maybe 1/3 of one egg) beneath 3 small strips of herring with some chopped red onion on top. Each slice of a good dark brown bread is about 2x2. The toppings are fresh and high quality. But it's really rather a small lunch, 2 open-faced sandwiches. You get rolls and a delicious little ball of butter included. I did eat mine. My friend ordered a decaf that she said was excellent and I had a cup of mint tea. Total was rather pricey for the quantity of food, but both food and the service were top notch. All staff with whom we interacted were friendly and professional. read more

Bjork Cafe & Bistro - how the tea was served - Salad Near Me - New York, New York

Super interesting place! Food was very different from what we'd expected but good nonetheless. Our meal started with complimentary apps, which was a very nice touch. My friend had the Chicken Curry Fricasse, which was a served with salad, bread, and coffee. This was nothing like the usual curry served at Thai/Indian/Japanese places and was more like a soup!? I got the Brisket with Root Veggies. I'd never had brisket cooked this way (poached?), but it was surprisingly tender. The veggies, however, were a tad hard/undercooked. The Elderflower Margarita was pretty light and refreshing. The set-up and vibe were semi-restaurant and semi-cafe, but service was more on the formal side. read more

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Happy to see that another fantastic Scandinavian restaurant remains in this space! Dinner tonight with my boys for my bday and none of the courses disappointed any of us! Feeding a wide range from 7 to 40 somethings, we were all really happy with every dish that came out of their kitchen. Must order ALL of the open face sandwiches: they were all delicious but surprisingly my kids faves were the gentleman's delight: egg salad with chopped pickled Herring, the gravlox one and the chunks of pickled Herring on top of sliced boiled egg. Every night they have a special dish on offer and tonight's happened to be cod with an egg sauce, more like a soft scramble on top of the cod, a really great combo. The swedish meatballs were perfectly balanced, the braised pork was very tender and the sausages on top of mashed potatoes with all the fixings wrappers in potato crepe was a perfect combo. A generous slices of their delicious princess cake, chocolate cake, and almond cake concluded our meal perfectly. We will definitely be back for more! read more

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The unexpected delight of this place caught me off guard. The meals cost what they should and taste amazing. Workers here understand perfect service. This place is really great. In conclusion, our dining experience was wonderful. read more

The Scandinavia house is such a special place and now the first floor dining space has come back to life after COVID and it's natural social distancing makes for a tranquil and delicious dining experience. Ate: Small portion of seafood soup Chocolate cake mint tea Total: $29 before tip Lovely seeded bread comes with creamy rich soup. The soft roll is perfection and all served with Scandinavian style. A bar mitzvah upstairs made it a very lively brunch. read more

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Absolutely delightful little café inside the Scandinavian cultural center. Delicious food and drink plus culturally specific gifts shop. I had the Friday special Pytt i Panna with Pickled Beets which was absolutely wonderful. read more

Bjork Cafe & Bistro - Salad Near Me - New York, New York

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I wanted to visit Bjork cafe for a long time which is part of Scandinavian House. Me and my mom had one of the best meals in quite some time! Amuse Bouche - Hummus and mushroom Swedish Meatballs - Traditional Beef with Mashed Potatoes, gravy, lingonberries, pickled cucumber Open face sandwiches: Herring and egg Swedish Meatballs and beats Apple Cake with Vanilla sauce This was unbelievable! The service was great! The dishes were beautifully presented and the taste was immaculate! Perfection! read more

This spot creates experiences beyond words. This restaurant is my favorite, and it'll become yours too. The team delivered outstandingly good service. I look forward to every visit. This restaurant deserves your swift attention. read more

I'm puzzled why anyone would leave this restaurant unhappy. Their team demonstrates knowledge alongside considerate treatment. Outstanding cuisine available at reasonable prices. The interior combines luxury with homey touches. No additional thoughts needed. read more

I had the $85 per person pre fixe Thanksgiving Dinner at Cafe Bjork, and I chose the Swedish Meatballs option over the traditional American Turkey dinner, as my main entree. I was quite disappointed; the meatballs were extremely dense, and the sauce was made, as far as I could tell, without cream, and not accompanied by noodles, but by pretty unremarkable mashed potatoes. Overall, my diner was not what I expected. My friend, however, had a nice big Turkey leg that she enjoyed, and our appetizers, and the minuscule sampling of various desserts (in particular the Crème brûlée) were good. I should also mention that I tasted lingonberries for the very first time, and enjoyed them. The service was exceptional - attentive and friendly; the ambience was attractive for a cafeteria. read more

Great service, cool atmosphere, and tasty food. They have an authentic menu with a variety of options, included good vegan dishes as well. There's also a cool Scandinavian store adjacent to the dining area. read more

Björk is truly a gem if you're looking for Scandinavian food. From the moment you arrive, owner Ulrika greets you and makes sure you have a wonderful experience. Start with classic appetizers ranging from Skagen, Gentleman's Delight, and Gravlax to an assortment of herring. For main course, you can't go wrong with Swedish Meatballs with Lingonberries, Scandinavian Hash Pytt I Panna, and amazingly prepared fish dishes. To end a wonderful meal, try exceptional homemade desserts and cookies. Yum! The whole experience is truly unique, with Ulrika and her staff going over and beyond. This is a restaurant we love to return to over and over. Absolutely recommend! read more

Bjork Cafe & Bistro - Salad Near Me - New York, New York

Food is ok, service below average. Everyone seemed indifferent, not sure they care at all to retain customers. read more

Bjork Cafe & Bistro - Had lunch at this place today. Food is ok, service below average. - Salad Near Me - New York, New York

Went here for lunch and was excited because I love those little Nordic shrimp (yes I know that's very specific). Enjoyed their wonderful salad packed with peas, sweet cherry tomatoes, warm fingerling potatoes, and a pile of this shrimp. Delicious lemon yogurt dressing was the perfect finishing touch. read more

Back in January 1985, I had the good fortune to reside and school in Kobenhavn (Copenhagen), capital of Danmark (Denmark) and over the next 3 plus years, given the chance, experience Nordic Cuisine. And who could not resist Smorgasbord (along with Carlsberg or Tuborg beer). Traditional Swedish Smorgasbord comprises both hot and cold offerings, with bread, cheese and butter being accompanied by cold fish portions such as eel, herring and salmon as well as dashes of additional meat and veg. All in all a visual delight to feast on. Variations of the Smorgasbord are unique to Scandinavian countries, Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania as well as other nations. After thirty something years had the chance to renew my memories of Copenhagen by dining at Bjork Cafe and Bistro inside of Scandinavia House near Grand Central Station on cool January Saturday late morning. And who better to introduce Nordic cuisine to than my wife, impatiently waiting to taste something extraordinary. Walking in 20 minutes early we had the chance to explore clothing, jewelry, and collectibles at the Shop at Scandinavia House. At 11 am, we were graciously seated by Kirsten Marie, whom we had begun engaging in conversation few minutes before. Goes without saying she made the lunch experience double delight. Best way to slow start is with a strong house coffee and a Cappuccino accompanied by a Crispy Swedish Waffle. And thereafter you have to go for what catches your eye. Fish & Shellfish Bisque, 3 Egg Farmer's Omelette, Frankfutrer Sausage (nestled on top of two swirls of mashed potatoes, topped off with crispy onions, pickled cucumbers and mustard), and their version of Smorgasbord (Pickled Herring, Herb Herring, Mustard, Red Beet Salad, Meatballs, Lingonberries, Picked Cucumber, Cheese and Boiled Potatoes). Perfect combo for two persons, just enough, food made with care, served with care that makes for a lovely Saturday lunch. Bjork Cafe and Bistro may not be for everyone, but give it a try, My wife was impressed and thankful for the experience. Lets keep it at that. read more

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This cafe is cozy and comfortable. I was excited to try the food but was not particularly impressed. The better dish was the brisket, while the potato waffle and bread both felt stale. I love arctic char but the fish wasn't cooked to its full potential for me. Service was also slow (though we think that there was a fire in the kitchen, as we smelled smoke). read more

Bjork Cafe & Bistro - Brisket, cold water shrimp potato, Arctic char - Salad Near Me - New York, New York

Great food. We shared the smorgasbord and roasted cauliflower. The cauliflower was a big chunk with puréed mushrooms on the bottom, pickled onions and some other delicious flavors. I'd order both again. (Was so good we started eating before taking pics) The princess cake is a must if you're not familiar with Scandinavian dessert. Casual, nice atmosphere. Although if you feel like dressing up, you wouldn't feel out of place. read more

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Unexpectedly amazing! Seems like it's just a cafe in a museum but the menu is quite extensive. Everything was just delicious. And apparently I like herring now. Our waiter was very helpful and offered great suggestions. This ain't no Ikea! read more

Delicious traditional Swedish food! We had fabulous gravlax, skagen toast, herring, pytt i panna, and meatballs! Overall friendly ambience and tremendous hospitality! read more

Very good Nordic / Scandinavian. The food, decor and ambiance all hit the foundational points of a solid and good value Nordic restaurant. The service is fine. It gets the work done. The food is solidly delivered everyday Scandinavian food. Nothing exciting, no surprises, no downside. It is a good place for the money. Modern Scandinavian vibes. All good. read more

Good is ok. Not bad, but great. We tried a few dishes. All average. Drinks too. The "fresh orange" juice is not freshly squeezed, but bought in bottle that had "fresh" on it! Price a little above average. The real dealbreaker is that all their dishes are offered once a week.. or at least it looked that way. One dish for each day of the week. And giving dishes fancy little names is cool, but up to a limit. You have to ask the server about half the item you read. Which bring me to the service, which is excellent, from everybody, from the reception, to the waiting crew, to the gentleman yo picks up the empty dishes at the end. But went in for the food too, sorry. A solid three-star otherwise, but because I'm worried I am harsh, I gave it 4. read more

Bjork Cafe & Bistro - Salad Near Me - New York, New York

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I brought 2 friends here for lunch and we were all very, very pleased. We enjoyed our wine and got a variety of food, all good - there are Scandinavian dishes and fish, nice potato leak soup, sandwiches, and other choices. The menu includes both light and larger dishes, with the opportunity to get a couple of cookies if you can't fit a big dessert. The wait staff manage to be totally professional, knowledgeable about the food, and also friendly. The dining room is buffered from busy Park Avenue outside by a small gift shop that carries some Nordic food; Scandinavia House has another gift shop, and usually an art exhibit can be viewed upstairs. Try it! Liz D. read more

The food is always delicious and consistent, both incredibly important for a good restaurant. The restaurant is cozy and sleek embracing the Swedish theme. The dishes are very well plated and cooked to perfection, making the place feel elevated. Servers and hosts are always welcoming, helpful, and efficient. read more

It's a nice place with Scandinavian food. Simple and tasty. There are small stores in the front and the back of the cafe where you can find Kosta Boda items. read more

Went here the other day and being my first authentic Swedish/scandavian food experience other than ikea it was a refreshing experience. I was pleasantly surprised everything was quite good (herring, shrimp). The wine was a nice touch too. read more

Excellent spot for delicious Scandinavian food! The ambiance is cozy and the service very friendly!

Try something a bit different, even for NYC.. Great food and service, just a tad expensive!

Regards. Came in tonight for 2 pieces of Princess Tårta to go & was charged $32.66. Thought that was a bit high considering your other cakes start at about $10. Paid in cash & was told your restaurant had no coins to give proper change. Had to ask for my receipt. The cake piece was small, not good & certainly not worth $16 per piece. Extremely disappointing & a ripnoff to say the least. Shame on you. read more

I had dinner here with a friend before a wonderful concert. We both chose waffles. My friend had the ones with shrimp and lemon/dill dressing. I had the ones with bacon and lingonberries. Both were very good, but I ended up feeling hungry. We had the almond/hazelnut cake and chocolate cakes for dessert. I liked the entrees more than the desserts. If I were to return, I'd probably try to find an appetizer or side dish to order to supplement the main. read more

I visited because early February is the time to get the traditional Swedish Shrove Tuesday bun called Semla - which is a cardamom bun filled with whipped cream and almond paste. I love this treat and I saw from an internet search that it was available at Bjork Cafe. I bought one to go today. It is $8 plus tax. I brought it home and had it with coffee. It was fantastic! It is one of the best semla buns I have had. I am so happy about my food experience from Bjork Cafe! read more

Very good. Nice ,clean ,expertly presented food in a nice space with great service by Stefan. Had the smorgasoard plate, sweedish meetballs nice Austrian wine and for dessert apple cake ,good coffe and home infused aquavit. Highly reccomended read more