Cherylynn N.
Yelp
Some say we should normalize gatekeeping.
I agree! I'm petty AF and don't want to wait in even longer lines.
BUT some under the radar mom and pop shops deserve the same love as "aesthetic" and "novelty" shops, yea?
I feel like AyDea is being slept on. They're the FIRST Tatar Café in the city and in the entire country. The couple opened their first brick and mortar last year on Bryant street and opened their Outer Richmond location on 3/14/25. They also have a food truck. The business is named after their children.
This week, I was on my way to an appointment so stopped by for weekday lunch.
Takeout and indoor dining available.
M E N U
Tatar Cuisine (Tatarstan) which takes influences from Russians, Eastern Europeans, and Central Asians (i.e. Uzbek).
Morning pastries have French vibes, i.e. croissant and kouign amann. Lunch starts at 10:30 am with heartier dishes.
For drinks, there's coffee, tea, and housemade fruit drink (i.e. kompot).
Catering available.
F O O D
* Qistibi: Flatbread w/ halal beef, mashed potatoes, tartar cream ($13): https://tinyurl.com/85t72y2h
This is one of two of my fav items at AyDea so I had to get it at their new location.
The crisp, chewy leavened flatbread is filled with buttery mashed potatoes and luscious, meltingly tender stewed beef reminiscent of birria. Flavorful but not salty. Each component is delicious on their own but together? Hella bomb.
* Pelmeni: Halal Beef Dumplings, bone broth, chive oil, dill, apple cider vinegar, tartar cream ($16): https://tinyurl.com/56nd24yv
Homey and rustic, the ravioli-like dumplings have a thick, chewy dough with a savory minced beef filling. They're steamed and served in a pool of nourishing 72 hour chicken bone broth with a side of acidic vinegar and sour cream for dipping.
If you like Tortellini en Brodo, this will be your jam!
* Kotleti: Beef Cutlets w/ mashed potatoes, red cabbage salad ($17): http://tinyurl.com/2yzme4rc
This is my second fav dish so I ordered two takeout orders for friends. Pic is from when I dined at their Bryant location.
For a deliciously satisfying meal, look no further. The kofta-like beef patties had a crisp seared crust, juicy and well-spiced. The accompanying mashed potatoes were rich and velvety smooth and the gravy gave beef stroganoff vibes.
S E R V I C E
Friendly and warm service. If you're in a rush, call in your order.
A M B I A N C E
Minimalist and rustic with 9 tables and one communal high top.
P A R K I N G
Easily found metered parking on the same block but can def be challenging on the weekends (they're closed Sundays).
Overall, The Richmond has a significant Eastern European presence compared to other parts of the city so AyDea is a wonderful addition to Outer Richmond. If you're looking for hella delicious comfort food, hit up AyDea!