I've been to Ukraine before and absolutely fell in love with their food, so I was really excited to try Leleka. It didn't disappoint! Their borscht is fantastic--rich, flavorful, and just like I remember. The cabbage rolls were another highlight, perfectly hearty and delicious. I wasn't as impressed with the hand pies, though--they felt a bit dry to me. The dumplings were okay, nothing special. But honestly, the hits outweigh the misses, and I'll definitely keep coming back for those standout dishes. The ambiance is a big draw too. They sometimes have football (soccer) games playing, which adds a fun vibe, and the outdoor seating in the Belden Place alley is perfect for snacks or drinks--especially on a nice day. I've even brought my dog along, which is a bonus. Overall, it's a great spot for Ukrainian comfort food with a cozy, welcoming feel.

I've never had Ukranian food. When I saw this, I didn't think twice about going. Leleka is spacious. It's also almost full self service. You pretty much put your orders on a screen, seat yourself, get your utensils and sauces. Beef dumplings were fine. They were boiled; you have to tell them if you want them pan fried. They have to be dipped in sauce. Soy sauce or spicy mayo are available. The apple pie was good. It was not super sweet; the poppy seeds gave it additional texture. The farmers cheesecake Zapekanka was also not that sweet. Soft but still a little crumbly texture. Goes well with chocolate sauce. Overall experience was good. Giving it a 4/5.

Delicious food and friendly staff! Food came out quickly, and portions were huge. Don't skip out on the sauces on the side counter

A friend took me here and I can't wait to go back! We got the Chicken Hand Pie, beef Borsh , lamb dumplings! It looks basic but I tell you nothing basic about the flavors! We got here a little before noon and glad we did the place filled up! They even have a nice outside patio. Highly recommend

The chicken dumplings (20) with chicken broth is amazing and so are the cabbage and Kiev cake. Order at the counter and they bring the food to you.

Well I went for the pelmeni of course, and quite liked the cheese+potato ones, but what really got me hands down with my knife and fork was the hand pies (piroshki, not to be confused with polish pierogi, which are more like pelmeni). The spinach one amazing to the last bite, better than any spinach quiche or pasties I had had before. The sweet piroshkis were calling to me, but I saved them for next time. The kompot was interesting, an acquired taste probably. Didn't stick with me but worth experiencing. The staff is caring and helpful.

I love borscht, so I always go to this place when I'm around here as there are only a handful of places in the city that have it. The restaurant is convenient if you work in the financial district otherwise there aren't any easy parking options. I'm not sure why it's not open on the weekends but I can only guess it's more for office workers during the day. I've tried the cabbage rolls which are very good, the sauce is not too sweet which I like. Sometimes if you get them in a store there is a more sweet ketchupy taste instead of a savory tomato sauce. I like sitting outside if it's nice enough weather, it' on Belden street so there's always foot traffic.

I walk by Leleka, every week. I work close to it. The smells from inside, are so inviting. Exotic is what Ukrainian food is to me. I finally caved in. On a busy Friday evening. People (Locals & Tourists) are flowing in, as large groups. There is plenty of seating. Inside and out. Thankfully. This place is located in a food plaza that is frequented by throngs of people, especially at dinner time. The chairs inside are small and wooden, with magnetized legs. It's tough to move the chairs around. Kinda cool. The legs are almost one with the floor. I spent more money than was intended. Ordered multiple items. Cheese pancakes, that come with a delicious raspberry puree to drizzle over them. A Spinach hand pie. Borsh that was savory and full of stewed beef. Also a slice of Caramel Honey Cake. I read many reviews raving about how fluffy, filling, and flavorful this cake is. I am truly a fan of it. So good. The level of service might suffer a bit, if there are many people here at once. A sense of frustration may arise, if one is new and unfamiliar with the items on the menu. I indulged fully and ordered a drink called Kompot. It was a lovely burgundy color, tasting like a sangria without alcohol. The staff was hard at work making sure the guests were well fed and wanting for nothing. I will return to try the cabbage rolls and potato (or the cherry) dumplings. Maybe a beer too and possibly the beet salad.

I had Ukrainian food at another restaurant in the past but wasn't that good. I'm glad I went to this place. It closes at 8pm, a little early for me but wanted to try the food. I had: Kompot. Not sweet, perfect drink. Borscht is tasty. Potato and cheese dumplings. Honeycake. Beef Hand pie. I liked the dough. I wish it had something else like onions and bell peppers like in a regular beef empanada, but I guess the flavor is different in this Ukrainian version. Loved the mural, the staff is friendly. I'll comeback!

I actually really loved this place. The service was great; my friend was running late so I asked the workers if they could bring out the food once he's here. I also love the simple, casual vibe with the whimsical painting on the wall and Ukrainian flags on each table. The food was PERFECT for a rainy San Francisco night. We ordered the beef dumplings which were chewy and had just the right amount of carb to meat ratio. The borsch soup was also warm, flavorful, and filling. They also have sour cream, soy sauce, garlic mayo, and spicy mayo sauces for the dumplings. I'm coming back here !!