This is the type of neighborhood restaurant and bakery one dreams to have nearby. Yura is a rare gem in this part of the Upper East side. This was kind of a culinary Siberia until recent years, but Yura has always brightened up the scene with her excellent food and bakery. The prices here are very reasonable and the quality of food is always high.
Situated in a corner storefront with windows all around, there is a large bakery area on one side and a dining room on the other. It has a nice country feel to it, with warm color paint on the walls and stainless steel colanders as ceiling lampshades. The open kitchen is huge and tucked in the back.
Yura serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. It does close early, with a last seating at 8:45pm. Breakfast and brunch share the same menu. Selections of granola, eggs and apple smoked ham, and all kinds of gourmet (or mix your own ingredients) omelettes. My favourite is always the bread pudding french toast. It has a custard layer on top of the french toast and with maple syrup over, is excellent and unlike anything else.
The lunch and dinner menu overlaps with the sandwiches and soups offered. Soups are very good, from carrot ginger to curry vegatable to beef and barley. My favourite sandwich is the rare roast beef. It comes on a garlic semolina bun with a wonderful simple green salad and a side of potatoes gratin. There are also other choices such as turkey pinwheels and roasted chicken.
As if that is not enough, dinner is another highlight. For between $12 to $17, there are set meals with a simple salad (not just iceberg lettuce!), a choice of about 6 or 7 entrees, a choice of delicious desserts, and coffee or tea. My favourite entrees include a moist meat loaf with sweet and sour sauce and homemade mashed potatoes, and the goat cheese and spinach lasagna. Roast chicken, osso bucco, and duck breast are also on the menu. Dessert choices include a light and airy angel food cake, apple or cherry crumble, chocolate cake with bourbon sauce and a few others depending on what's available.
Some of what's on the menu is also available for take-out. This is convenient if you want to stay home or need to bring a dessert to a dinner party. The service here is wonderful and attentive. Most of the staff have been with the restaurant for years. The clientele is varied. Brunches and lunches are crowded with families, young professionals and older couples. Dinner tends to bring the age group way up, but that's never been a problem for me. It's tranquil and a quiet place to enjoy a good meal.
Note that there is another location at 1292 Madison Ave (at 92nd St). This is a take-out only branch.