A Beachside Cafe That's Just Okay
add_circle Pros
- The view of the sea is absolutely stunning, especially from the wooden promenade.
- The prices are pretty reasonable, with a good value for money.
- The entrance is super cool, looking like a magical sailor's hut.
- The location is convenient, right by the sea.
- The staff seems friendly and welcoming.
- The food is decent, even if it's not the best.
- The atmosphere could be cozier, but it's still a nice spot to relax.
remove_circle Cons
- The experience was pretty standard, and there's nothing that really stands out.
- The menu is pretty basic, with nothing too exciting.
- The food is just okay, nothing special.
- The atmosphere is a bit lacking, it's not really a cozy spot.
- The parking can be a bit tricky, especially during peak hours.
- The service can be a bit slow, but the staff is friendly.
Gallery
Editor's Summary
I stopped by Cafe 'Dacha' in Zelenogradsk for lunch, but it didn't blow me away. The view of the sea is absolutely stunning, especially from the wooden promenade. Prices are pretty reasonable, with a good value for money. However, the experience was pretty standard, and there are way more interesting places to try in the area. The entrance is super cool, looking like a magical sailor's hut. It's a solid choice if you're in the area, but don't expect anything too special. I'd say it's worth a visit, but don't go out of your way.
Specifications
"A summer house by the sea..." Yeah, it's just a cafe, but it sounds amazing.
We stopped by for lunch once, but we didn't feel like going back, so it was just a one-time visit. To be honest, the experience was pretty decent, but there are way more interesting and tasty places in Zelenogradsk.
The entrance looks like a magical sailor's hut - it's really cool.
Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk
Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk
Location
Cafe "Dacha" is indeed right by the sea - on a wooden promenade with an amazing view. You can enjoy the view from the second-floor window (like we did), or from the terrace. But it was windy outside, so we hid inside. On a good day, even finding a spot might be a problem - we often walked by and saw that all the tables outside were taken.
It's no surprise - what's better than watching the sea while you eat?
Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk
Interior
It's really simple in here - almost like a summer house. The interior design is pretty unique, with a lot of wood and white-washed walls.
We were offered to go upstairs, where there were tables by the windows. And up there, there are these wooden columns that look just like the ones in many rural houses.
Cafe "Dacha" ZelenogradskAnd there's even a real fireplace - it's a nice touch.
Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk
There are these cute, simple pictures on the walls, and all these quirky, colorful things that didn't fit in the city apartment.
Cafe "Dacha" ZelenogradskThe atmosphere's not bad, I'll give it that. It's got a certain dacha vibe going on. To be honest, I'd rather be somewhere else, but I guess this is what you get with this kind of concept.
Menu and service
I've got to give credit where credit's due - the menu's a real showstopper. It's like a sea of options, and I mean that in a good way. The design's beautiful, both inside and out, and even the pages of the menu are a treat to look at.
Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk
The food's not bad, but the presentation's pretty basic. I mean, it's not like they're trying to be fancy or anything.
Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk
We had to mix our lemonades ourselves, or else the top would be too sour and the bottom would be all syrup. We ordered three - Malinovoe Leto, Sokhny Mandarin, and Vishneva Buzina. Each one was 340 rubles, which is a bit pricey if you ask me.
Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk
I ordered the kids' macaroni for 230 rubles, and to be honest, it was a bit of a letdown. The cheese was only on top, and even that was pretty meager. My daughter was surprised - she was expecting more.
Cafe "Dacha" ZelenogradskThe salad with calamari for 420 rubles was a real winner, though. The calamari were tender, the sauce was great - all in all, it was just what I was looking for. I'd give it five stars if I could.
Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk
The fries for 140 rubles were a nice surprise - they had just the right amount of spice. I mean, who doesn't love a good fry?
Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk
The pike-perch stroganina is a real hit - not just at this cafe, but all over Kaliningrad and the surrounding area, as far as I know. It's a great appetizer for 590 rubles, but the presentation here was a bit lacking. The sauce was just a straightforward lemon and oil mix, and there was way too much onion - you couldn't even see the fish.
Cafe "Dacha" ZelenogradskThe Bavarian-style bavette from the chef for 590 rubles was just okay - didn't really impress my husband.
Cafe "Dacha" Zelenogradsk
We also took out some chicken nuggets with fries (280 rubles) for the kid. They were pretty basic, like the kind you can buy frozen in a cardboard box.
The food was just okay - some dishes were great, some were a letdown. But, as they say, at least we didn't get food poisoning.
I might have gone back for another meal, but we decided not to come back.
The service was good, though - the staff brought everything quickly, and the waiter would occasionally pop up to check on us. At first, the second floor seemed a bit deserted, but once they filled up some more tables, the place really came alive.
The bill
We spent around 3700 rubles for three people for lunch, and took one dish home for dinner. So, it was pretty reasonable, considering the prices at other beachside cafes and restaurants.
I couldn't say anything bad about "Dacha", but it wasn't particularly impressive either. It was just okay.
So, I'm giving it four stars with a minus, but since we can't do that, I'll just say it's good.
And speaking of other great spots in Zelenogradsk:
Getting here wasn't easy... I never managed to come back for a second time, even though I really wanted to. The massive menu, great service, and the sea view were all tempting.