Oleandr Restaurant

Oleandr organized a wonderful banquet for a luncheon following my grandmother’s funeral with less than 24 hours notice. I have been to many Russian restaurants, and this one is hands down one of the best on all accounts — the food was delicious, the room beautiful, and the service excellent. Everyone from management to wait staff was very nice and very amenable to special requests that made for a very nice afternoon despite the somber occasion.

I haven’t been to a Russian restaurant on Brighton Beach since I was a child and recently had to go to Oleandr for a relative’s birthday. I was pleasantly surprised! The service is very upbeat and professional. The waiters are friendly. The most pleasant surprise of all was that the food was actually really good! The tuna steak was heavenly and cooked just right – perfect consistency, not overdone and came in a delicious sauce. It looks like they’re really trying!

nice food, nice restaurant, but horrible music, this is ukrainian restaurant, but i didn’t hear even one ukrainian song.

Came here after we couldn’t get reservations at an old standby. Great food albeit a smaller menu than some of the competitions. Mostly Russian food. No Georgian unfortunately. Borscht and chicken Kiev was well done. Service is friendly… well friend Lu enough for the traditional russian hospitality associated with commerce. Atmosphere is nice and well maintained. Recommend this place.

Have been here on several occasions — a casual dinner, a birthday and most recently a wedding. Giving Oleandr the full 5 stars since I have yet to be even close to disappointed with the food and the service.
At a wedding this past weekend, the appetizers were plentiful. Traditional Russian/​French salads as well as platters of picked veggies were very tasty. But my favorite was definitely the salmon tartare which I selfishly hoarded (I would probably come back for that alone). Fresh, perfectly flavored and served with cucumber slices. Simple yet so so good. In general, the fish dishes here, including the smoked fish platter, are just excellent.
Then we had the main course, potatoes with mushroom — a traditional staple that my picky mom absolutely loved, followed up with a salmon/​shrimp/​pasta dish — I didn’t have much of this but saw that dish disappear quickly among the guests (always a good sign). Finally, we had the grilled meat platter. God bless anyone that can cook lamb to juicy tender perfection, need I say more?
After we made room in our stomachs with plenty of dancing, we were wooed back to the table by the smell of baked goods. Dessert included a platter of fresh fruit and amazing strudel-​like pastries. Filled with a dessert cheese and drizzled with a bit of chocolate had our table asking for more.
Can’t wait to go back. Thinking of hosting my birthday here in the fall!

oleandr was a roller-​coaster ride. the appetizers were highly unimpressive although the traditional plate of russian pickled veggies (probably not house made) was delicious. the mixed grill following the appetizers was an impressive carnivorous feast of tender chicken, succulent lamb, and pork. while the meats were well prepared, they lacked somewhat in flavor… and then there was the plunge into dessert. a very very substandard dessert (probably not house made).
maaaaaybe worthy of 3 stars but not with the prices they charge and not when there’s far better russian food on every corner.

Best place for celebration birthdays on all Brighton Beach!
Live music is amazing, big dance floor !
Love this restaurant !