Black Sea Restaurant
(651) 917-8832
737 Snelling Ave
St Paul,
MN
55104
44.9634
-93.1672
Neighborhood: Hamline - Midway
Reviews & Ratings for Black Sea Restaurant
20 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 20 reviews
What a great little Place!! Awesome food and so friendly :)
by santonissen
November 20, 2008
I created a map on Google of restaurants in my area that I want to try. Today my friend and I tried the Black Sea, what a pleasure!! We arrived around 1:30 and we were quickly greeted by the owner Ali, he sat us at one of the little tables. As previous reviewers have said there are beaded curtains dividing the tables and there is great Turkish items everywhere you look. We decided to split some appetizers and a sandwich so we could taste quite a few things on our visit. We had the Meze Platter (cabbage rolls, falafel, humus, olives, feta cheese, tomatoes, peppers) to start with, followed by the Veggie Sandwich (eggplant, falafel, cabbage rolls, lettuce, tomato, onion, sauce) and we both enjoyed the Turkish lemonade with unlimited refills. The food was great, all of the flavors were spot on and quite enjoyable. We were served quick and the owner.. who was also or waiter was super friendly. Our lunch with drinks and tax was under $20.00 and we enjoyed this better then any big chain meal. I suggest checking it out, it is an unassuming little place so don't let the outside scare you off.
- Pros: The friendly owners, great food and the fantastic prices
- Cons: parking, not a ton of seating
A favorite twin cities restaurant
by Fooooooooooooood
April 17, 2008
Every student at Hamline comes to appreciate The Black Sea. I have since moved away but always visit Black Sea when I come back. The owner and his wife are friendly and serve great food. Great gyros. Great Hummus. Great Baklava. Who could ask for anything more?
- Pros: Price, taste, service.
- Cons: Not enough seating when busy
Unbelievable Bargain and Fantastic Service
by amoryblayne
March 19, 2008
Probably my favorite small restaurant in the cities. Ali and his wife make this a truly great dining experience whether take out or dine in. Parties of no more than 10 for dining in because it's a small place!
The food is phenomenal. Both Ali and his wife are vegetarian so they put on a great spread of falafel, hummus, pita bread, cabbage, spinach, etc.
My favourites are the falafel veggie plate and the Black Sea Combination. You will not be dissappointed! With ALL entrees under $9, how can you go wrong!
Filling to the Stomach, and Not Emptying to your Wallet. by Dan B. at InsiderPages
Contributor
June 28, 2007
The couple that owns the restaurant are from Turkey, and have the most authentic, and delicious Mediterranean food you can eat. They have everyone's favorite, the gyro (called the Doner here), and they have plenty of other great dishes, served with rice, fries, or a salad. They also have world class Baklava that is a must!
If you want a good meal that is VERY cheap, head on down to the Black Sea!
FYI: It's a small place, try and get there early before it gets busy or you might not get a table.
Wonderful authentic turkish food at even more fantastic prices!
by kristinmath
April 19, 2007
Wonderful food and fantastic prices! The owners do it all everyday! Great for a gyro for lunch, or dinner! Great mezes platter!
- Pros: Prices, great tasting food, not a chain restaurant
- Cons: small size dining area, so get there early or order take out!
Excellent Food, Generous Portions, Low Price!
by twink_q
December 29, 2006
I have never been disappointed with the food at Black Sea. Try the Turkish Lemonade - it's a wonderful cool drink with layers of flavor. I recommend the Kebab Combination platter for two - great variety, and can easily serve 3 people. The Doner (gyros) are also very good - the meat is tender and spicy, the vegetables are crisp and fresh, The Baklava and Sutlac (rice pudding) are both heavenly for dessert. Everything is cooked fresh by the owner, Ali; he loves what he's doing, and he does it well. His wife Sima (sp?) is the only server. They are warm and friendly people, but service can be a bit slow when the place is packed, as it often is for dinner. If you want a table, try to go at an off-peak time, because the place is tiny (I think it seats about 14). The tables are separated with beaded curtains, and the walls are thoroughly decorated with art, clothing, and other items from Turkey - I spend the time waiting for my food admiring it all. There is a small parking lot in back, if you go through the narrow alley next to the building. They also do takeout, which I would recommend for a large group or those in a rush. Their menu and other information (including the Ali's e-mail) is available online at their website at: blacksearestaurant. com.
- Pros: Excellent food, generous portions, low price, friendly service, fun decor, free parking
- Cons: Small place, service can be slow when busy
Billed as Minnesota's first Turkish restaurant, this tiny mom-and-pop eatery near Hamline University is packed with home-cooked flavor.
by Contributor
November 29, 2006
In Short
Beaded curtains separate the tables in this minuscule spot, while walls are covered in a kaleidoscope of the owner's native culture--everything from traditional clothing and bright mosaic tiles to photos of the homeland. Neighborhood regulars and college students keep the budget-priced place bustling, as the owner and his wife cook and serve up lemony lamb or spicy chicken shish kabobs and gyro-style sandwiches. Platters of hummus and cabbage rolls, plus fresh vegan salads are also options.
Best Turkish Food. Great Customer Service
by pranksterwi
October 07, 2006
My friend and I went to lunch at the Black Sea. Although the restruant is tiny, we were seated extremly quickly. There is no wait staff execpt the for the husband/wife owners. The wife came and took our order very quickly, and commented on the amount of food we ordered. She was surprised that we'd eat that much. The food was served pretty fast. I will definatly be back to this restraunt.
- Pros: Too many to mention
- Cons: None
Good food for a good price!
by dancing_pat
May 25, 2006
The food was excellent and my meal was under $6! I'd definately go back!
- Pros: good food, pleasantly decorated
- Cons: small space
Great food with a good price
by mikecho
May 18, 2006
My girlfriend and I love this mom and pop shop (and I mean just a husband and wife run it). The food is great and the price is cheap but don't let that discourage you from trying. Service is so-so depending how busy it is. The wife is the only one there taking orders and she is not very fast so it might take a while. It is all made fresh.
- Pros: Food, Freshness, Price
- Cons: Slow Service





