Address: 38 Albion St, Merchant City, Glasgow, G1 1LH (View map)
Tel: 0141 553 0733
Email: cossachok@yahoo.com
Web: www.cossachok.com
Cuisine: Russian
Average price*: £15-£18
Cafe Cossachok is an authentic Russian restaurant in Glasgow’s Merchant City. Serving up traditional delights like borsht and blinis, along with live Sunday night music, Cafe Cossachok is a great place to go with friends, or for a romantic meal.
Cafe Cossachok, *Average price based on a 2 course meal from the a la carte menu for 2 people
The charm of Cafe Cossachok is immediately obvious, even before you get inside. Walking through the first set of doors you come across two glass doors, with delightful Russian figures painted on the windows. Inside, the restaurant is swathed in red, with a colourful folk-art ceiling. The soft, yet hearty sounds of gypsy, jazz and classical music warm up the background, all of which creates a comfortably homely, yet vibrant feel.
The menu focuses on nourishing Slavic dishes from around the former Soviet territories; primarily Russian, but also Georgian, Armenian and Ukranian. Savoury blinis (Russian pancakes) are served with a variety of fillings, of which the vegetarian ikra is perfectly seasoned, and sublimely tasty. Served with rye bread and sour cream, Borsht, the traditional cabbage and beetroot soup, is flavoursome and plentiful. The tzimes, duck in a fruity apricot and prune sauce, used to be a regular on the specials board, but is now part of the main menu due to it’s popularity. I had the tzimes last night, and I can see why it was so well-liked. The duck was tender and the sauce tangy; a beautiful combination. And I have never tasted a better stroganoff sauce. Absolutely delicious.
A pre-theatre menu is available, which includes many of the traditional dishes and favourites. And for the full Russian experience, a variety of vodka bottles are available for a refreshing shot to throw down with your meal.
Cafe Cossachok is also a gallery, and on Sunday nights, a music venue. Performances include virtuoso performances by Lev Atlas, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Julia. More information about upcoming performances and exhibitions can be found on the Cafe Cossachok website.