A Hidden Gem on Nevsky Prospekt: Brynsa Delivers

We'd been itching to try out the Brynza chain restaurant on Nevsky Prospekt for months, but it's always been super popular with locals and tourists alike.

The first time we tried to get in, we were on our way home from a boat ride and saw a massive crowd outside. We weren't up for waiting an hour or more for a table, so we bailed and went somewhere else. The second time, I was determined to get in during the new year's holidays. We went to the circus on Fontanka, then walked to Brynza, but again, we were met with a huge crowd and had to give up.

It wasn't until the end of January that we finally got lucky. We were walking back from a stroll on Palace Square and stumbled upon Brynza with no wait at all!

Brynza's Location Brynza is a chain restaurant with multiple locations. We visited the one on Nevsky Prospekt 50.

There are reportedly 12 Brynza locations in total, including one in Peterhof that we'd visited before.

That earlier experience was totally different from this one. In Peterhof, it was more like a cafeteria-style setup, where you grab a tray and serve yourself. This one, on the other hand, is more like a traditional restaurant.

Hours of Operation

According to the sign, Brynza is open 24/7.

Interior

We didn't get a chance to take photos because it was so packed! The restaurant has two corridors with tables lined up on either side. It's a bit cramped, but the atmosphere is lively.

I struggled to get a shot without the decor getting in the way. When you're seated at the table, be aware that the neighbors are right next to you. That's definitely a minus, but it grew on me.Restroom

It's located to the right of the bar. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a photo because the cleaner was there (which, of course, was a plus). There were four stalls in total, and they were all spotless.

Menu

The menu is pretty extensive. I didn't take a photo, but if you're interested, you can find it online and check it out.

The standout dishes are the chebureki. We came here specifically for those, and the other dishes were just a bonus.

The chebureki in Brynza are to die for - you can get them with any filling you like. Everyone will be happy! The prices are pretty reasonable, especially considering what we paid in Peterhof.

In addition to the chebureki, you can also order a salad. I really wanted to try one because I've been trying to eat healthier lately, and a salad is a great way to balance out the fried goodness of the chebureki. The salad options are amazing - I only managed to take a photo of a few of the many choices available. There are plenty of soup options, and, of course, the hot dishes. For my main course, I wanted to try the meat dishes. I'd read a review from a friend about Brynza recently, and I'd already decided that I was going to order the Georgian-style meat. In addition to the meat, there were also fish options available. You can also order pasta, vegetables, rice, potatoes, and many other dishes. The choice is really impressive.

Our dessert spread

We opted for the sweet treats, and I managed to snap a quick photo of one of the desserts to give you an idea of what's on offer.

Now, let's get to the main event - our order and the dishes we tried.

Our picks

We went for the "Cheburek" option, and I was dreaming of their signature cheese-filled pastry. My friend was on the same page, and our daughter joined in on the fun. We all opted for the cheese-filled cheburek. And, as luck would have it, they arrived first.

The cheese-filled cheburek costs 295 rubles, and it comes with a seriously tasty tomato sauce.

The cheburek is incredibly delicious. When they arrive, they're piping hot and puffed up. As they sit, they gradually deflate. The pastry is incredibly tender, not at all rubbery. I haven't had such delicious cheburek since my last trip to Feodosia.

We shared the salad, choosing the tuna salad with cucumber, celery, and beans for 545 rubles per 200-gram serving.

The salad is tasty, filling, and nutritious. When it arrives, it looks like it's been warmed up. The tuna is cooked to perfection, and the dressing is out of this world.

I decided to go for the meat in a Georgian-style dish. It looks absolutely appetizing.

So, what's the deal with this dish?

Pork chop from the neck, pan-fried with onions and tomatoes, topped with melted suluguni cheese, tarragon, and dill, served with countryside-style potatoes and salsa sauce.

I was blown away by the tender meat, with just the right amount of fat, perfectly glazed with the melted suluguni cheese. The countryside-style potatoes were a great match – soft, fully cooked, and not a bit raw inside. It was a match made in heaven, and absolutely delicious.

My friend ordered the pork chop à la cossack.

This is another take on the pork chop: Roasted with potatoes, zucchini, pumpkin, mushrooms, and cheese.

Apparently, it was just as incredible.

Our second dishes and salad didn't quite hit the mark with our kid, though. She devoured the cheese chiburek and asked for the honey cake. She was intrigued by the bee on the pastry, and was curious to see how it would look in real life.

As it turned out, the real thing was an exact match for her expectations.

The honey cake was fresh, well-soaked, and had amazing honey cookies and a pleasant filling. The promised bee was there, made of chocolate. All in all, the pastry was gobbled up in no time. We had a simple cup of tea for drinks.

The bill came out to be over three thousand rubles.

You can pay with cash, by QR code, or credit card. We went with the third option. You can also leave a tip in one of three ways. Our Overall Impression

We loved it. This place is a gem. The food is unforgettable, and the chebureki are cooked to perfection. The service is top-notch. We had a charming young woman who was both unobtrusive and friendly at the same time.

The prices are reasonable.

I'd definitely go back and highly recommend it to everyone!