The store is small but it has lot of choices. As an Ukrainian, I appreciated the variety. Recently migrated from San Francisco, I was hoping for same quality eg black bread, sverniki, poppy roll, napoleon cake. Quality in San Francisco Russian stores is much better so that's a big minus

WeHo has many Russian/Ukrainian grocery stores. Odessa, as far as I know, is the most iconic one. It is a small brick and motor, but packed with full of pastries, deli/prepared food items, candy bars and even household items. You can find candy bars and deli foods sold in small amounts, so that you can explore unfamiliar items to find your favorite. I always love getting chocolates, zefir (marshmallow), vareniki (dumplings), and kasha (buckwheat). The store is always friendly as well and gives me a nostalgic feeling to the old days that I shop at a local bodega.

Going to this place is like being teleported to an alternate, Russian-speaking dimension. There's one woman behind the counter who speaks a little English and that's it. You will definitely find things here you won't find at Whole Foods. The smoked fish was...interesting. Very gamey, and what most Americans might consider past the sell date. The cold smoked sturgeon is the only thing I'd buy again. But what the heck, give it a try, it's a cultural experience, and maybe you'll like it.

Food is good as well as the service. In terms of pricing they are in the upper end. But still it is possible to shop there from time to time.

Although friendly service, they seem not to be able to understand proper English and answer questions

I feel much like a foreigner in this shop. The woman are helpful and the man who works there usually isn't. Or maybe he doesn't speak that much English? I love the meringue cookies, cheese patties, fruit ( their cherries in season are amazing!) and some of their pastries are addicting!

A number of years ago the foodie magazine SAVEUR had this store on its a best list. It's specialty being smoked fish. Lox , sturgeon and whitefish. The smoked is infact amazing. The employees speak little to no English. But hey, you can point and figure it out. They are not polite or even try to assist you , but for us that part of the charm. Not everyone has to kiss your arse,) they let their world class Lox do that. Stay away if you need to feel welcome. More for us !