Wow! The food here is VERY good. The dumplings and borscht are really really good and totally top notch - both have amazing flavor and you can tell the ingredients are very high quality. I've had plenty of borscht and this is the best one I've tried. The dumplings are also way better than some of my favorite Chinese dumplings from back home :) Ambiance is chill and European - super spacious with airy indoor seating and plenty of covered outdoor seating. The people who work here are also really kind and attractive! I took my order to go so I can't comment on the service. read more

Wow! This place is amazing! It's my first time having Russian/Ukranian food and my friend introduced me to this place. The dumplings are phenomenal with sour cream (who knew? this combo works very well). Coming from a Chinese background, I originally thought it was sacrilegious to add sour cream?! Now I'm completely sold on it. I liked the lamb the most, but the beef is very good as well. The borsch is also very solid. Definitely come check this place out, its in a little food court so make sure to go down the stairs. read more

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Been meaning to try Pushkin out since I first saw it on Ritual. Besides borscht and pirojkis, I've never had Ukrainian food before. I ordered the small beef pelmeni and the chicken pelmeni. One small was enough food for me for lunch, I'm actually quite stuffed. The pelmeni were delicious. I even reached out to my Ukrainian friend to see authentic the food is since I have no idea and he said it was legit. The service is quick, the staff is kind. They recently moved from the International Food Court to a nice space in Belden Place with outdoor seating. Would recommend if you've never had Ukrainian food before and wanted something comforting. I'm excited to try the rest of the menu, everything looks scrumptious. edit Returned and tried the borscht and beef and gouda pelmeni. Both were great, the beef and pelmeni was so savory, I think that's my favorite of the three that I've tried. read more

Ordered a small portion of the beef pelemi and the mushroom pirojki for lunch. The broth was very flavorful and the dumplings were perfectly cooked. The small portion was filling because it had about 8 dumplings, so you definitely can also split it with someone! The pirojki contained lots of mushroom inside which also made it filling as well. Side note: they offer sour cream which you can dip your dumplings in! read more

Leleka - Ukrainian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Delicious and definitely unique. It was very nice to have outdoor under the shade on the small alley not far from financial district. It caught me eyes walking by so I decided to give it a try since this place is like 4.5 rated so far! And I loved it. I know people don't read five stars review, they would care more of one star review lol I mean yes! Don't you dare say that you do not. Anyway! I wanted to try everything while I was here but my stomach also has a limit. So. No. I tried Potato Mushroom Vareniki It was definitely potato and mushroom flavor. I likes the how flavor was very honest with the name of the menu. Very clean, simple. I felt homie. Almost felt like Asian homemade dumplings. Surprising it originated from Ukarin and some Russia I think. Beef Beef Pirojki was another interesting part. There wasn't any spice in the meat. Maybe some. Pure beefy flavor in the well baked bread. I mean who doesn't like bread and meat? I instantly fell in love with it. Most Americans would think this food is pretty plain. But not SF folks! Also I tried #Borsh it was very clean flavor with some beef and mostly cabbage and Tomato flavor. They gave us sour cream to eat with it and it was awesome! It matched the food very well. Nothing crazy or spicy. And the Cabbage rolls! It was super good. The egg noodle came with it was delicious and perfectly seasoned in my taste bud. The beef inside of the roll was juicy :$ The price I didn't quite look but it was pretty cheap. You should definitely try for the unique experience. I would think about this place for brunch or daily breakfast place. read more

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Great new place located inside the International Food Court. Ordered the Chicken Dumplings (Large-$10) and a Chicken & Mushroom Pirojki ($3.50). I normally love dumplings so I really wanted to try the chicken dumplings here. I ordered the large and it contained more than a dozen deliciously seasoned cheesy chicken dumplings! I will have to go back to try the other dumplings. Their pirojki flavors change daily/weekly, they didn't have the Pepperoni today, so I got the chicken & mushrool pirojki instead. These are a pretty good size, one of these are pretty filling. I will have to try the pepperoni next time. I will be back! Update on 9/4/2018: Since they opened in 2017, I've been visiting at least 4-5 times a month. I am so pleased by their rotating menu's and consistent quality. Update for MealPal: Today's option was beef pelmeni. I love their pelmeni's and the broth. The container looks really small, I counted 9 beef pelmeni's and I was satisfied but not overly stuffed, it is a nice portion especially after you finish the broth. I will be looking out for their other MealPal offerings. MealPal tip, dont wait in line, just make eye contact with the cashier and tell them you are picking up for MealPal. :) read more

Leleka - Beef Pelmeni - MealPal order - Ukrainian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Located in a narrow alley way, it felt like we were going to a secret spot. Leleka claims on their sidewalk sign that they have the best dumplings in the city! You'll have to try them yourself to judge, but I will say that their dumplings are very good. The skin to filling ratio and flavor of these were on point! We had half/half beef and chicken dumplings in chicken broth and it was hard to decide on a favorite. If I had to choose it would be beef for me but my boyfriend's favorite was the chicken. I'd love to return to try their other flavors and to bring home a few bags of frozen dumplings! We also had the borscht, it tasted healthy and clean to me; my boyfriend didn't really want anymore so I finished it! It was good but I'd say it was my least favorite and would have just preferred more of the dumplings instead. We had a sausage piroshki on the side, which was very flavorful. It was a bit too salty for my taste but having the cleaner flavor of the borscht balanced the flavors out. I also tried the Kompot, which is a lightly sweetened fruit drink. I thought it was ok. In a way it tasted kind of like a healthy sweet drink. Not sure it's actually healthy or not but it tasted like I was going for a lighter healthier juice alternative! I might go with a different drink next time, but it was refreshing and slightly tart. Mine didn't come with ice (probably because it would water down the already very subtle flavor of the drink) so if you want ice you'll have to request it. Would love to come again to try out their other dumplings! read more

Leleka - Half and half beef/chicken dumplings in chicken broth (regular size)...best things we ate. Borscht. Sausage piroshki. Kompot drink. - Ukrainian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Solid lunch spot if you're working in the Soma/Fidi area. Pretty reasonable prices for their pelmeni and piroshki. Will be back for more!

Their pelmeni are the best! I hadn't have such a good dumplings for a long time. Try the borshch or pirojki if you are adventurous! Come early to grab the lunch as the lines tend to get lengthy some minutes past noon. I usually get their beef dumplings, although I had their salmon dumplings quite a few times as well. Equally delicious! Staff is very friendly and works hard to delivery fresh home-mage Eastern European experience! read more

Leleka - Salmon dumplings. Large bowl. - Ukrainian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Pushkin! Was worried it was gone from the food court and its been reincarnated here in better form! read more

Lovely dumpling , these are eastern European style dumplings, and I love the different ones they have. I've tried their chicken dumplings and the vegetarian ones as well, and they were both very flavorful. You should also try their hand pies. They are baked really well. read more

Got the Borschch and dumplings. Extremely good! The dumplings will look less appetizing than they are, perhaps because I'm normally eating gyoza. But as soon as you bite into them, it's simply a universe of flavor! I haven't had borschch before so I have nothing to compare it with but I am greatly enjoying it. Indoor plus outdoor seating; no a/c but that's only an issue on the hottest of days. The Chronicle said that, as of Summer 2022, this is the only Ukrainian restaurant in SF; give it a try and read more

Leleka - Borschch & Dumplings - Ukrainian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Delicious! Everything we ordered. Today was our first time eating at Leleka and definately not our last. The potato dumplings were perfection as were the Borch Soup, Beef Meat Pie, Beet Salad, and Honey Cake for dessert. Very Authentic Ukrainian food. read more

Leleka - Borch Soup, Potato Dumplings, Beet Salad, Rye Bread. - Ukrainian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is the second time I've come to Leleka for lunch. It was pretty busy when I had arrived and was concerned that it would take a while to receive my order. However, it came out pretty soon. The staff suggested some sauces to compliment the meal but I quite enjoy the food here as it is. Maybe next time . Anyway, my go to order has been a small serving of dumplings with chicken broth on the side. Perfect for these chilly days. I look forward to trying out more menu items. read more

Delicious dumplings. We tried beef and chicken in broth . Casual eatery. Long line at lunch on a Friday went quickly.

This place is such a gem! Authentic, homemade style Ukrainian food, and one of the only Ukrainian places I've seen in SF. Located near downtown in a cute alleyway called Belden Place. The chicken and beef dumplings (Pelmeni) were amazing - warm and juicy inside. You can also donate to Ukraine alongside your meal. Would definitely come back here and try more things on the menu! read more

Leleka - Ukrainian Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is a small shop in a basement food court. The staff are very friendly and the menu is quite simple. I grew up eating pirojki and pelmeni. In general, pirojki are a great to go food and pelmeni are a good comfort food. And the ones they have at Pushkin are awesome! I would definitely recommend trying this place and will come back when I'm in the area. read more

Leleka - Beef Pirojki & Beef Pelmeni - Ukrainian Near Me - San Francisco, California

This spot is wonderful... I walked up the alley and the smell outside was already excellent. Caught me by the nostrils.... I ordered a soup and some dumplings... it was definitely the best I've ever had in my life! Must try, must love! read more

Easily the best pelmeni, vareniki, and piroshki in town. If you didn't like (or haven't had) Eastern European food before coming here, there is nowhere better to change your opinion. Highlights: - Every dumpling on the menu (especially any pelmeni with broth) - delicious wrapping with a variety of savory fillings, including beef and cheese, chicken, and salmon - Beef and Gouda piroshki, mushroom piroshki - Borscht - beefy and rich in flavor Lowlights: - Really, none. They don't have a second location next to my house? Can't think of much else. If you need a quick bite at home, they also sell take-out bags of frozen dumplings (45 pieces for about $25). Enjoy! read more

Stopped by and managed to grab a table before the lunch rush. We ordered the potato dumplings, borscht, beef piroshki, and had the honey cake for dessert. The potato dumplings were delicious and creamy inside. They did not skimp on the beef in the piroshki and it was seasoned well. Will definitely be back and happy to support a Ukrainian business read more

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Mega delicious. Super fast. Ukrainian owner. Very friendly staff. Great selection of dishes.

The food was really good and not typical on the area. If in the area again would definitely go back.

I've ordered some frozen pelmeni for the party. I've bought them about 6 days prior to the event via the website and have missed the delivery window because they deliver on Mondays only. I was determined and collected my order from the location itself. To be honest, the customer service was great. They are answering the phone in a reasonable time and prepare them ahead of time. One of the staff took my order out to my car, which is extremely helpful because there is nowhere to park in SF around their location. I've ordered about 5 different kinds to try. Beef kind was too dense and spicy. Chicken was good. Tvorog and cherry was nice as well. But the cherry they use there is a frozen kind, of course. The interesting part is that most their pelmeni has different colors, which might result in a problem when feeding children: Green chicken pelmeni. How odd. I'll try a few more times to taste all different kinds and try the delivery on Mondays. read more

Pelmeni are to kill for , unbelievable how fluffy and delicious they are , my favorite were the chicken but they also sell lamb and beef , very decent price. Hard to find parking but what do you expect it's San Francisco. read more

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We ordered a selection of frozen Ukrainian dumplings delivered to our doorstep during their regular delivery run. OMG they are SO GOOD! So far chicken is our #1 with an incredibly well seasoned filling full of broth (how do they do it??) Lamb is #2, flavored with mint among others I think. Potato and onion also awesome and we're really looking forward to tasting cherry filled dessert piroshki. The ingredients are all local, Marin Sun Farms meats, Rosie's chicken... We're considering a subscription! read more

Leleka - A selection of Ukrainian piroshki with a simple salad - Ukrainian Near Me - San Francisco, California

Delicious Ukranian style dumplings. The lamb & the chicken were great. Very reasonably priced. Restaurant is an an alleyway off Bush street in the financial district. read more

Pushkin is the eatery that we need but we don't deserve. The food is fantastic. I love love love pirojkis. It's a combination of my two favorite things: baked goods and well-seasoned meat. I'm used to fried, greasy pirojkis, but I prefer them baked like these. I wish I could give Pushkin 5-stars, but the food court where it's located reminds me of a set to a Chris Nolan Batman movie -- dark and dingy. I order food from Pushkin via MealPal. This is such a bargain! Pushkin gives good size portions, so I'm always full after a meal. I've gotten lunch at least 3 times already, and it's been fantastic every time. The borsch is also delicious--heartier than I expected! This is a great comfort soup. I really need to try the dumplings. My co-worker loves them. I wish there was a Pushkin on every block, and I could get pirojkis any time of the day. read more

Supporting our local Ukraine business was only part of reason we ordered from Pushkin. The dumplings here are good indeed. Strongly suggest ordering online ahead. I liked chicken Pelmeni over beef Pelmeni and Olivier salad over coleslaw. Not a big fan of onion Pelmeni. The dumplings look small but are very filling. Their spicy sauce is a must try. read more

Leleka - Ukrainian Near Me - San Francisco, California

All I can say is I am VERY sad I don't live here and can't eat here all the time.

22.05.06. First & accidental find Ukrainian food Tip ... Order ahead or buffer your wait time especially around 11 am to 1 pm Today special --- Mushroom Piroski SCP Incredibly tasty sturdy thin crunchy crust the mushroom filling was pretty good Grass Fes Lamb Dumplings Nice, tasty Good for cold days Honey Cake read more

Wow, my husband loved this place!!! I ordered a chicken pirojki, beef pirojki, and some kind of dessert, I don't remember the name. But not only was the food delicious, it was very reasonably priced. The staff were super friendly and patient as I was getting to know the menu! They also gave me very clear and simple reheat instructions and they came out perfect. I was impressed, if your in the area, this is a must eat at place!!! read more

I hadn't really ever had proper Russian food before, but I've always heard jokes about how it's nothing but borscht, which is clearly not true. Still wasn't entirely sure what to expect flavor-wise, but I'm always looking to try new foods, so I was excited to pop in here a couple weeks ago. I got a small order of the beef pelmini and a beef pirojki, and they were both absolutely fantastic. Also really convenient for a quick lunch, since everything was premade, so there's basically no wait (but they still taste fresh, since they're basically selling them as fast as they make them.) Honestly, it was kinda too much food (I eat a lot, and even I would say, unless I was super hungry, a small order of dumplings is plenty of food, so it's a pretty great value, too, for 7 bucks), but I'm not sorry I ate it all anyway. And make sure to try all the condiments! I wouldn't have thought of putting sour cream and spicy mayo in a dumpling soup, but it works so well. Only real complaint, which is totally out of their hands: not a lot of seating if it's busy, and it's probably always busy. We lucked out and got a table, but they were in pretty high demand. read more

The best borsht in the city! Always great quality and service. Lucky to have Leleka close to the office in downtown.

I am so stoked that an Eastern European lunch place opened up in the FiDi. It's a strange state of affairs when you can easily get a paneer burrito or bulgogi tacos, but struggle to find pierogies. Limited menu, but what they do offer, they do well. Borsh: I really liked this soup. It had a light broth filled with tons of tender beet chunks; a nice departure from more stew-like versions. Also, the generous portions of tender brisket added a nice meatiness to the background of beets. Potato Vareniki: Had a mixed experience with these. Some were the perfect mix of fluffy potato filling and supple dough wrapper. Others had that left-out-too-longer rubbery dough texture. Probably because these are picked out of a catering container rather than boiled to order. When loaded with sour cream and raw garlic (spicy, but pepper spicy), they were fine. Chicken Pirojki: Seemed liked these were freshly baked before the lunch rush. Nicely spiced minced meat, still a tad warm. Fluffy bun exterior. Definitely a highlight here. read more

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My biggest "complaint" about Pushkin is that no matter how many bags of the beef/gouda pelmenis I order, they never last long - in the freezer or fridge. Latest record, 2 days! And then there are the arguments over the beef, sausage, and chicken pirojkis... First introduced to Pushkin via Bentocart and we've been fans since! Some restaurants (any cuisine) use bread/dough as a filler. Pushkin's pelmenis and varenikis feature the filling as the stars. Same with the pirojkis! This has been a rare find. Kids' favorite is the beef/gouda pelmeni. I personally enjoy the chicken/cabbage pelmeni, but any of the other options are equally delicious. It comes down to personal taste. The pelmeni quality is amazing and appreciate that they use natural ingredients to color the dough, such as tumeric and spinach. Local Bay Area delivery with a $100+ order. Otherwise they have local pick-up (Belden Place/SF) and home delivery through Bentocart. read more

I've been a few times for lunch and have really enjoyed everything I've tried. I've tried an assortment of dumpling flavors - salmon, chicken, beef, as well as the piroshkis. The soup that comes with the dumplings is very light and satisfying and has a hint of cilantro flavoring as well. They give you some kind of cream cheese to eat with your dumpling.. although I'm not entirely certain how to best pair with the meal. Sadly they close at 2pm so you can't come for a late lunch or mid-afternoon snack. They also accept credit cards via Square. read more

Leleka - Dumpling - Ukrainian Near Me - San Francisco, California

My family and I LOVE Pushkin! We have only used their online ordering for Ukrainian dumpling (pilmeni and vareniki) delivery and have had a great experience. I highly recommend them! My family and I are Ukrainian and I grew up making pilmeni and vareniki with my grandparents. Those were obviously the best but Pushkin comes in a very close second! The flavor of them are just amazing. My favorite are the vareniki with sour cherries. I can eat an entire package on my own (oink oink), but try and share with my husband. My mom loves the lamb pilmeni and my husband loves the beef. Honestly, everything we've ordered has been delicious. The dough is thin and the fillings are very fair. There's no cheating on anything when it comes to Pushkin and we appreciate it. The prices are also very fair! The ordering system is super easy and delivery is even better. I appreciate the fact that they are able to sometimes deliver quicker than the initial delivery date and time. Everything comes in separate packages and even has directions on how to cook them! Pro tip: grab yourself a container of sour cream to put on top of the pilmeni and vareniki! read more

Delicious!!!! We ordered potato and onion vareniki with extra fried onions on top, lamb pelmeni with a side of chicken soup, beef pirojki, beet salad, and honey cake (medovik). Everything was reasonably priced and absolutely delicious! Hands down favorite was the potato and onion vareniki! It was definitely worth it to pay an extra $1 for the fried onions and the chicken soup (comforting and full of dill flavor). Honey cake was light and hit the spot. Highly recommend! read more

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I recently tried this place out for the first time and I loved it! I got a variety of different dumplings that were recommended to me by the chef & I was very pleased with what I got! I got the pelmeni -beef (white), chicken (green), salmon (orange), borsh (soup), and the vareniki-potato mushroom. Amazing! read more

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This is THE SPOT for Ukrainian dumplings. Don't get me wrong-it can be a bit pricey but it's definitely worth! Absolutely love the chicken and potato dumplings. The sour cream, Garlic mayo, and sriracha mayo go so well with the dumplings. It's a great meal or a snack to share with your friends! read more