The 10 Best Restaurants in Odessa, Ukraine

Sophie Café is a perfect place for those looking for a quiet atmosphere in which to relax and enjoy a good meal. Indeed, the menu offers flavorful European, French, and Ukrainian cuisine. You can order exquisite dishes like foie gras with caramelized apples or get the rich Ukrainian borscht with salo (pork fat) on rye bread. In the evening, the pleasant atmosphere is heightened by a piano player, soft lighting, and candles.

To discover Ukrainian food, head to Kumanets, situated in the city centre. The restaurant follows a rustic Ukrainian theme through more than just its dishes – there’s a collection of traditional embroidery and colourful shawls, vintage accessories like spinning wheels, jugs, and even a wood-burning stove decorated with petrykivka (traditional Ukrainian art flow) paintings. On the menu, you will find homemade sausages, black pudding, potato pancakes, herring, salo, or the typical Black Sea treats like red caviar and puff pastries, among many other things.

Alexandrovskyi is a fantastic fine-dining experience, not only because of the food but also because of its incredible location: a mansion built in the 19th-century and then owned by Odessa merchant, philanthropist, and collector Joseph Konelskiy. Diners get to catch a glimpse of the magnificent interior with classical moldings and chandeliers. Guided tours are also available for those wishing to see the entire building. The restaurant has a lovely garden, which serves as a summer terrace.

Bernardazzi definitely benefits from a great location in a historic building, the Philharmonic. It is most famous for its extensive wine list and delicious high-end Mediterranean cuisine made of fresh local goods. The staff is always happy to help with food and wine pairings. During the summer period, there is an opportunity to sit out on the summer terrace, which perfectly complements the overall southern vibe of Odessa.

Tavernetta is an Italian restaurant that serves homemade pasta, adding a touch of authenticity seldom found in non-Ukrainian restaurants in this city. The mosaic flooring in the entrance and the blue car full of flowers near the open-air terrace make the restaurant an extraordinary and, thus, quite attractive venue. Unfortunately, there is only one vegetarian pasta option, but the range of piadina (Italian flatbreads) makes up for it.

A city on the Black Sea simply has to offer a diversity of seafood restaurants. Among those are Columbus and its great range of fresh local fish and seafood. The atmosphere is very naval, with the entire building constructed like a giant ship; perhaps a little extravagant, but without a doubt, it makes an impression. The atmosphere at Columbus will make you remember an evening spent there for a long time. Just ask for a seat on the terrace and enjoy a sea view, especially during the sunset.

U Gotsmana deserves special attention, since the interior of it looks like someone’s apartment. Indeed, the restaurant is reminiscent of a family home: framed photos hanging above the piano, a hat rack, a clock, and a small kettle in the corner. These details help create a feeling of cosiness. It is not surprising that U Gostmana is constantly full of patrons. In addition to the interior, the food is also reminiscent of home cooking, with simple meat-based, typically Ukrainian dishes.

Grand Prix serves mostly French cuisine, whether it is a starter, main course, or a dessert, with dishes such as salmon tartare, chicken consommé, foie gras, and éclairs. There is a wide wine selection to match the great food. The terrace is great for breakfast on a summer day.

The restaurant has an open area, so wherever you sit you will be on the terrace with a great panorama overlooking the Black Sea. The cuisine at Terrace. Sea View leans toward fusion. The menu has Ukrainian, as well as European and Japanese, dishes. Prices here are quite high, which is due to the tourist-attracting location. But it’s definitely worth it.

The legendary Steakhouse. Meat and Wine is located in the historical center of Odessa. All the meat dishes in the restaurant are prepared in a josper, on natural coals, which helps preserve the unique flavors of the meats. The interior of the venue is a mixture of traditional ideas about stylish design. It has fashionable charm and cosiness that will make your dinner unforgettable.