London’s culinary scene is a tapestry of flavours from around the world, and when it comes to Ukrainian cuisine, the city is home to some remarkable restaurants.
Ukrainian restaurants in London offer a delightful journey through the rich and diverse tastes of this Eastern European country.
In this article, I’ll help you to discover the best Ukrainian restaurants in London, each offering a unique and authentic taste of Ukraine’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur of Ukrainian cuisine or new to this cuisine, these restaurants promise to transport you to the heart of Ukraine.
The Best Ukrainian Restaurants in London
Mriya – Contemporary Ukrainian Bistro
Mriya, translating to ‘dream‘ in Ukrainian, is a restaurant owned by Ukrainian chef, Yurii Kovryzhenko, and his wife, Olga Tsybytovska. The restaurant is staffed by refugees fleeing the Ukrainian war, and all of the furniture and decor come from Ukrainian designers.
Fusing traditional Ukrainian dishes with modern cuisine, Mriya offers a contemporary twist to their menu, making it stand out from other Ukrainian restaurants in London.
The menu offers a variety of special dishes, including the popular borsch with pampushkas, a sour beef soup served with garlic rolls. My favourite dish was the delectable honey cake, which was perfectly light and sweet.
This modern restaurant intertwines traditional Ukrainian decor with contemporary aesthetics, reflected in the food. I loved how the aspects of old and new were merged together.
Mriya is an ideal spot if you’re looking for Ukrainian flavours with a contemporary twist, and what’s more, you’ll be supporting a fantastic cause.
Address: 275 Old Brompton Rd, London SW5 9JA
Dnister Restaurant – Luxury Ukrainian Restaurant
As one of the very first Ukrainian restaurants to open in London, Dnister serves traditional Ukrainian food, along with other European dishes, in a stylish setting.
Dnister’s traditional recipes have been handed down between generations; the menu features an array of Ukrainian delicacies, such as delectable holubtsi (cabbage rolls) and aromatic shashlik (skewered and grilled pork).
The dishes are beautifully presented, appealing to both the eyes and taste buds, and the drinks menu complements the food perfectly, with a selection of Ukrainian beverages.
This restaurant exudes elegance, making it a perfect destination to celebrate a special occasion. However, the food is on the more expensive side, so it’s not ideal for diners on a budget.
Address: 300 Romford Road, Forest Gate, E7 9HD
Restaurant Albina – Rustic Hidden Gem
Bringing a taste of Ukraine to East London, Restaurant Albina offers a variety of rustic Ukrainian dishes. This spot is a real hidden gem in the city, offering a variety of special dishes and a delightful atmosphere.
A true homage to Ukrainian culinary traditions, the food at Restaurant Albina is flavourful and authentic.
This restaurant’s decor is rustic and informal, exuding the warmth of a Ukrainian countryside home. The cosy ambiance and friendly service only add to the charm of Restaurant Albina, making you feel right at home while you enjoy your meal.
On Saturdays, live Ukrainian music performances give this spot a lively atmosphere. This is definitely one to check out if you’re looking for a fun, delicious evening with your friends.
Address: 239 Barking Road, Canning Town, E13 8EQ
XIX Nineteen – Upscale Ukrainian Dining
XIX Nineteen serves modern Ukrainian cuisine in the heart of Stratford. Their menu boasts a variety of special dishes; including the hearty machanka, a pork and sour cream stew, and the delightful vushka, which are boiled dumplings.
The servers at this restaurant were very knowledgeable and were able to offer recommendations for food and drinks based on our preferences, as well as their own personal favourites to help us decide.
I ordered the fried potato and meat pancakes, and cabbage rolls based on our waitress’s recommendation and was very impressed with both dishes. I’m also intrigued about XIX Nineteen’s brunch which seems to have very positive reviews online.
While this isn’t the cheapest option, the quality of the dishes and the level of service was worth the extra money. XIX Nineteen is a lovely spot for a special occasion meal.
Address: 369 High St, London E15 4QZ
Olenka Ukrainian Kitchen – Homemade Ukrainian Takeaway
While not an eat-in restaurant, I am including Olenka Ukrainian Kitchen, a Ukrainian takeaway service based in East London, for its incredible, authentic cuisine.
The menu showcases a variety of traditional dishes, including ‘herring in a fur coat‘ which is a multi-layered salad made with herring, and the succulent chicken Kyiv stuffed with garlic butter. Every dish is bursting with flavours, and the portion sizes are very generous, making this brilliant value for money.
Eating these homemade dishes feels like you’ve been invited into a Ukrainian family’s home for dinner. All of the food tasted so fresh; the potato dumplings were particularly impressive!
My only complaint about Olenka Ukrainian Kitchen is that the packaging isn’t very strong, so if you’re ordering a soup-based dish, be sure to eat it immediately, or it might end up on the floor!
Olenka Ukrainian Kitchen is a delightful takeaway service to try some authentic, home-cooked Ukrainian dishes without breaking the bank.
Address: 36 Bow Triangle Business Centre, London E3 4UR
Tips for Visiting a Ukrainian Restaurant
Research the menu. Before visiting a Ukrainian restaurant, take some time to research the menu and look up traditional Ukrainian dishes such as borscht, varenyky, holubtsi, and chicken Kyiv. Don’t be afraid to be adventurous and try some new dishes!
Book in advance. Some of these spots can become quite busy at peak times and on weekends, so book your table prior to visiting to ensure you can eat there.
Ask for recommendations. Ukrainian restaurants often have very friendly, knowledgeable staff, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or inquire about the dishes. Some of the best dishes I tried were recommended by the waiters/waitresses!