When in Odessa it will be hard to stick to a diet with the mouth-watering variety of delicious food that's available. Food plays a central role in the lives of the locals, who have taken cuisine and cooking to new levels. Everyone in Odessa has an opinion on food. People will readily dole out advice and suggestions and debate endlessly on where the best place is to find a certain dish and how different foods should actually be made. Food is certainly a passion here!

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For a real taste of the local food, always try the house specialities, as you will rarely go wrong. Chefs take great care to perfect their menus, and restaurants are gourmet heaven.

The traditional local food of Odessa is tasty and cheap and our Odessa Restaurant Guide below will tell you all you need to know to find a great meal. So, after a day of sightseeing or shopping in Odessa, take a break and relax in a traditional Odessa restaurant and savor a locally prepared meal. For further information on the food and cuisine of the Ukraine, take a look at our Ukraine Restaurant Guide.

Food & Cuisine in Odessa

The melting pot of cultures that make up Odessa have each in their own way influenced the food here. Tourism, too, has helped open up new culinary frontiers and speciality restaurants serving up authentic food from different places in the world are aplenty.

Most restaurants open for service at 11am and continue until midnight. Fine dining comes at prices comparable to the rest of Europe. Menus in such establishments come in English as well as Russian and the staff usually speaks English as well. For a less expensive meal, step into one of Odessa's many cafes and feast on a great meal for a reasonable price.

The foodie trail here can take you to Russian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian, Thai, Indian, American, Japanese, Chinese and French restaurants. But remember, wherever you go, the food is likely to be quite rich and heavy on the fat.

The city also has its selection of mid-range eateries, which cater well to the budget traveller. Pizzerias and the ubiquitous fast food chains are also available when a craving for junk food sets in.

Local Delicacies

Some Ukrainian food every traveller must try on a holiday here:

Borsch - This traditional and hearty one-dish meal comes in two varieties - sorrel green and tomato red.

Dumplings - You can easily make a meal of dumplings filled with a variety of meats, potatoes and mushrooms or cheese.

Golubtsy - A local favourite, these cabbage rolls are filled with a delicious meaty mixture of fried onion, carrot, rice and meat. They are usually served with a sour cream dip.

Other popular foods include suckling pig, stuffed fish and the ominous sounding jellied meat and horseradish.

Most recipes incorporate fresh local produce like cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, sweet onions, apples, watermelons, peaches and grapes.

Eating out in Odessa

The hip restaurants in Odessa tend to be grossly overpriced, with meals costing quite a bit. Dinner at one of these ‘in' places could set you back around 40 to 50 US dollars a head. For cheap eats, head to the tinier outlets that serve up fresh, hot, local food for well under 10 dollars. The fast food restaurants are all right for the odd meal - if you must. Sadly, frequent travellers to the city suggest avoiding the local shawarma sandwiches (gyros) that are usually a safe bet anywhere else in the world. The meats at these stalls are often quite bad and not always safe to eat. If you'd prefer to eat in your room, then the supermarkets will sell you ready cooked foods as well.

If you can manage to get yourself invited over to a local home then good for you! If not, the local canteens will serve up pretty much the same style of food at rock bottom prices. In the Greek part of town you will be able to get a 3-course meal, including dessert, for a song. Such places expect you to serve yourself and clear up after yourself when you're done.

A moderately priced eatery will set you back no more than 20 dollars on average. If you decide to splurge on wine at a restaurant, you will have to spend 40 to 50 dollars for an ordinary, imported bottle. The Moldavian and Ukrainian wines are much cheaper but not of especially high quality. Vodka and cognac (brandy) are hugely popular and come at great prices - 5 to 10 dollars for a half litre bottle. The local women favour the Martini vermouth and inexpensive imitation champagne. The beer here is quite good and though a lot of it is locally produced, most breweries are owned by global brands. The other local brands can be a little lacking in flavour.

Avoid drinking tap water on your trip to Odessa, and stick to buying bottled water (even for rinsing your mouth and brushing your teeth). Water processing and treatment plants here leave a lot to be desired. You can take your pick of bottled water from the supermarkets and grocery stores. There's a choice of sparkling or still water, mineral or plain potable water.

Restaurants are not always cheap and a lot of seemingly free add-ons can end up being charged when your bill arrives. Be wary of things like bread, fruit baskets, cream and butter being served to you if you haven't ordered it. Check if they are complimentary before accepting them. There is a service tax of between 5 and 10% and you can choose to offer a tip over and above this amount.

Restaurants List

Kumanets

Kumanets Restaurant is located next to the City Garden, in the very centre of Odessa. This place is definitely worth visiting to get a unique impression about the Ukrainian Village. The charm of the Ukrainian folk life is perfectly depicted in the interior atmosphere. It is a wonderful restaurant which features original Ukrainian cuisine. The menu is abundant with dishes prepared according to old recipes. There is also a great outdoor seating area in summer time.

Type : Ukrainian restaurant

Address : 7 Gavannaya, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 0482) 376 946; 37 86 21

Opening hours : 11:00

Steakhouse

This restaurant offers a good range of international cuisine, including beef, duck, fish, roast pork and a variety of tender steaks. You can choose a light appetizer from the salad-bar and enjoy the enthusiastic work of the chef. Patrons are also welcome to see the whole process of cooking in kitchen through the glass.

Type : Restaurant

Address : 20 Deribasovskaya, Odessa, Ukrane.

Phone : (+38 0482) 348 782

Website : http://www.steak.od.ua

Opening hours : 09:00

Ukrainian Lassunka

A genuine Ukrainian restaurant located at the crossing of Deribasovskaya and Ekaterinenskaya streets where you can order a lot of Ukrainian national dishes including varenyky, borshch and others - and have a good time there!

Type : Ukrainian Restaurant

Address : 17 Deribasovskaya, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 048) 731 2754

Website : http://www.lakomka.od.ua

Opening hours : 11:00

Vasilisa

The decoration of this restaurant is a wonderful reflection of Russian traditions and culture. Visiting Vasilisa, you'll get the chance to go back in time and be impressed by the abundance of historical elements that create the unique atmosphere. This marvelous restaurant offers a wide range of specialties of Russian cuisine cooked according to old recipes with duck, pork, beef, fish, and sausage accompanied by vegetables and salads. There is also a rich variety of alcoholic drinks including traditional Russian vodka and soft drinks.

Type : Russian Restaurant

Address : 7 Gavannaya, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 0482) 322 377

Opening hours : 11:00

Boulevard

Boulevard is an elegant restaurant located next to the famous monument Duc de Richelieu on Primorsky Boulevard. You can reach it by climbing the Potemkin Steps, a symbol of Odessa. Boulevard is a wonderful place where you can enjoy European and Ukrainian cuisine accompanied with a good selection of wines.

Type : Restaurant

Address : 1 Ekaterininskaya Square, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 048) 777 0339

Opening hours : 11:00

Mick O'Neill's Irish Pub

Mick O'Neill's sits like an alluring emerald on the end of Deribasovskaya Street and is a very popular place. Have a look and you will not be disappointed. Perfect service, rich assortment of dishes including delicious "Buffalo Chicken Wings", barbeque pork ribs, and Charles Grill Steak. There are 6 different kinds of refreshing cold beer, Irish apple-pie, billiards, table tennis, banquet hall, and live music in the evenings!

Type : Irish Pub

Address : 13 Deribasovskaya, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 0482) 268 437;(+38 048) 721 5333

Pecheskago

It is one of the best places where you can try real Odessa cuisine. The fashion interior as well as a fine selection of Ukrainian and other types of cuisine contribute to the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant.

Type : Restaurant

Address : City Garden, Odessa

Phone : (+38 048) 726 09 79

Opening hours : 11:00

La Veranda

La Veranda, formerly Greenwich, prides itself on freshness. Elegant setting and delicious food make up this a quiet ambient restaurant in the center of Odessa. Here you can enjoy Classics of French cuisine in combination with real wines from Chateau. The menu is downsized to a delectable untarnished shortlist. The country French fish soup, and the province style lamb with stuffed vegetables all attest to the brilliance of La Veranda's simple plan.

Type : Restaurant

Address : 21 Bunina, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 0482) 347 401

Website : http://www.Greenwichcom.ua

Opening hours : 12:00

Balalaika

This very stylish restaurant is located in the centre of Odessa, the same street as Opera House. This place is really worthwile to visit if you want to enjoy traditional Russian cuisine. The Russian oven which is an attractive part of the interior let you watch the process of cooking.

Type : Russian Restaurant

Address : Lanzheronovskaya 24, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 048) 784 02 03, 784 07 08

Email : post@euroclub.odessa.ua

Website : http://www.euroclub.odessa.ua/balalaika

Opening hours : 09:00

KlaraBara

A very quiet cozy and stylish restaurant in the City Garden where you are sure to find Mediterranean, Ukrainian and Odessan cuisines. In summer you will spend a great time sitting outdoors in the shade of the trees enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of Odessa City Garden.

Type : Restaurant

Address : City Garden, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38048) 731 33 31

Website : http://www.klarabara.od.ua

Opening hours : 10:00

Pivnoy Sad

Pivnoy Sad is a family brewery that serves great food and delicious beer in the City Garden the very center of Odessa. The restaurant features both International and Ukrainian cuisine. The beer is as fresh as it gets - they brew their own German style largers and ales on site. The quick and friendly service and live music (Thursday - Sunday) helps a lot to enjoy your stay. It's is a very popular pub restaurant and reservation is advisable.

Type : Restaurant

Address : City Garden, 6 Gavannaya, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38048) 777 8888

Website : http://www.pivnoysad.com.ua

Opening hours : 10:00

Zara Pizzara

Zara Pizzara is a very popular place in the center of the city specializing in Italian cuisine. It has a modern style the walls in pizzeria are covered with newspapers it looks like an expression of democracy. It is the only one restaurant in Odessa with TV in a lavatory. You can have a breakfast here at the 9 a.m. with a cup of coffee or Italian espresso with toasts or omelet. Pizza is very tasty here, and also it offers a large selection of bear and wine.

Type : Italian Retaurant

Address : 5 Rishelievskaya, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 048) 728 8888

Opening hours : 09:00

Murphy's Irish Pub Kavanach

Nice place with authentic Irish touches in its decoration where you can enjoy the best dishes of the North-European cuisine. The restaurant offers beef, fish, roast pork, tender steaksas well as a varied selection of desserts including traditional Irish pie, fruit and ice-creams. For drinks, you get the chance to sample several kinds of beer and other alcoholic drinks.

Type : Irish Pub

Address : 1-a Tamoshennaya Square, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38048) 738 45 45

Opening hours : 09:00

Columbus

Located right next to the coast line, so you may enjoy both a breathtaking view of the sea and delicate fish dishes accompanied with excusite wines.

Type : Restaurant

Address : 9 station of the Big Fountain, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 048) 728 00 05

Website : http://www.columbus-odessa.com

Opening hours : 11:00

Papa-Costa

A marvelous place where you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine. The menu features an impressive range of fresh ingredients. In order to accompany dishes they have a wonderful selection of wines.

Type : Greek Restaurant

Address : 17 Grecheskaya, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 048) 738 48 48

Aliye Parusa

The name of the restaurant means scarlet sailes. This well known Odessa restaraunt located in the crossing of Deribasvoskaya and Ekaterininskaya sreets is one of the oldest in the city. Its walls carefully store a history of Odessa. Choose from an extensive menu of European and traditional Ukrainian cuisine and enjoy nice atmosphere.

Type : Restaurant

Address : 14 Ekaterinenskaya, Odessa, Ukraine

Phone : (+38 048) 725 758

Website : http://www.alie-parusa.odessa.ua

Opening hours : 08:00 to to 10:00

Kobe

Located directly across the Opera Theater, this Odessa restaurant has some of the best sushi in the city. Highly recommended!

Type : Japanese Restaurant

Address : 22 Lanzheronovskaya,Odessa, Ukraine

Phone : (+38 048) 734 8871

Website : http://www.kobe.odessa.ua

Opening hours : 10:00

Fanconi

Located directly in the center of Odessa, this place is great for tasty brunch or breakfast. Specializing in various pancakes and coffee.

Type : Cafe-Restaurant

Address : 15/17Ekaterinenskaya, Odessa, Ukraine

Phone : (+38 048) 34 6666

Assol

The restaurant built as an ancient frigate. Soft aroma and sound of burning logs in the fire place... Romantic dinner with candles right near the sea... All sorts of beverages, wines from the ship basement and of course pirate rum. Perfect cuisine and good service will satisfy your taste.

Type : Restaurant-Tavern

Address : Arcadia Beach, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38048) 715 38 45; (+38 048) 760 123

Opening hours : 10:00

Mario

Perfect place in the center of the city to taste a real Italian pizza in Odessa.

Type : Italian Restaurant

Address : 15 Sadovaya, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 048) 777 0000

Website : http://www.mariospizza.itgo.com

Opening hours : 09:00 to to 23:00

Fat Mozes

Fat Mozes is a bear restaurant of mixed European cuisine. The restaurant is in German style. The dark wood and stone used for its interior, the muffled illumination, massive wooden tables and benches with high backs, pleasant music and perfect service create a very cozy and domestic atmosphere.

Type : Restaurant-Cafe

Address : 8 Ekaterinenskaya , Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 048) 714 47 74

Seven Samurays

Seven Samurays is Japanese restaurant with a stylish design in a centre of Odessa. It is an ideal place to visit at any time of the day. The flavour rich menu offers true delicates of refined Japanese cuisine, special rolls and very popular sushi sets at moderate price with good service.

Type : Japanese Restaurant

Address : 59 Rishelievskaya, Odessa,Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 0482) 300 938; (+38 0482) 300 937

Buffalo 99

This trendy cafe by day and restaurant by night is one of Odessa's most popular. Huge outdoor seating area during the warm months makes it a spot not to miss.

Type : Cafe-Resaturant

Address : 7 Rishelievskaya, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 0482) 348 399; (+38 048) 728 3691

Opening hours : 09:00

Yakitoriya

Elegant and fine restaurant in the city center. Here you can enjoy superb Japanese food and a wide variety of delicious sushi and sashimi at reasonable prices.

Type : Japanese Restaurant

Address : 27 Rishelievskaya, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+380 482) 364 778

Salieri

A wonderful place right to the Opera House with a fantastic area outside near the fountain in Palais Royal Garden. In fact, this charming courtyard of the Opera House during imperial times was reserved for the select few. Now it is not only a place for a morning cup of coffee but also a modern artists' gallery where you can even buy the exibited pictures.

Type : Cafe-studio

Address : 14 Lanzheronovskaya, Odessa, Ukraine

Phone : (+38 048) 725 0000

Opening hours : 10:00

Viva Maria

This restaurant is located in Deribasovskaya, the center of the city. A cosy atmosphere, delicious internatinal cuisine and good service. There is a very nice seating area outdoors open in summer season.

Type : Restaurant

Address : 22 Deribasovskaya, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 048) 726 15 69

Opening hours : 10:00

Svecha

This is a charming place located quite far from the city-center but next to the sea coast. Svecha which means 'candle' is a spacious two-leveled restaurant featuring international cuisine .This place is really worthwhile to visit, if you like to dine and relax enjoying a fantastic sea view.

Type : Restaurant

Address : 15 Mayachniy lane, Odessa, Ukraine

Phone : +38 048 796 53 10; +38 048 796 53 11

Website : http://www.svecha.od.ua

Opening hours : 10:00

Captain Morgan

Restaurant by day and a fashionable club by night make this one of Odessa's best picks. Make sure to get here early, particularly in the winter months Captain Morgan is a tough place to get a table after 9pm.

Type : Restaurant

Address : 30 Zhukovskogo, Odessa, Ukraine

Phone : +38 048 728 84 82

Opening hours : 11:00

Paparazzi

Very popular and highly recommended Italian eatery located right near the Opera House and Ekaterinenskay Square. Great outdoor seating and fantastic food.

Type : Restaurant-Cafe

Address : 10 Ekaterinenskaya,Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 0482) 34 80 70

Opening hours : 11:00

Dacha

This restaurant is located in one of the most picturesque streets of the city, not far from the center and close to the sea. It serves traditional Ukrainian and International food. Ideal place for business and leisure.

Type : Restaurant

Address : 85 French Boulevard, Odessa, Ukraine

Phone : (+38 048) 714 3119

Website : http://www.dacha.com.ua

Opening hours : 12:00

Bize

This is a nice cozy place which offers a varied selection of deserts. The bakery goods are made fresh daily. Here you may taste delicious pastries, cakes and pies of different kinds. It's an ideal place for a sweet-tooth!

Type : French Confectionery

Address : 26 Lanzheronovskaya, Odessa, Ulraine.

Phone : (+38 048) 784 02 68

Opening hours : 09:00 to to 22:00

Munchhausen

Somewhat unexpected but a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city, an oasis of calm to the north of Odessa, outside the city. The well-tended restaurant with its large garden looks like castle and sits surrounded by a lake, complete with botes. The interior is done in wood and you can watch the food being prepared. Take a small trip to Baron Munchhausen's if you want to get away from the hectic city and relax.

Type : Restaurant

Address : Chabanka, 25 km Nikolaevkaya Rode, Poselok Kotovskogo, Odessa.

Phone : (+38 048) 750 99 59; (+38 0482) 5910 05

Opening hours : 12:00

Estrellita

Located next to Ekaterinenskaya Square, Estrellita is far and away the best Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurant in the city - if not in the country. Their salads, soups, burritos, and creative main dishes are all excellent and the service is great. The owner's nationality is revealed by an excellent American-style breakfast menu which is widely known as the best in Odessa and includes real maple syrup. Enjoy genuine margaritas, or maybe one of the wide selection of tequillas, local & imported beers, Georgian wines, or Cuban cigars from their full service bar. Estrellita is open 24 hours a day and there is live music most evenings.

Type : Mexican Restaurant

Address : 1 Ekaterinenskaya

Phone : (+38 0482)37-29-20; 37-50-49

Mimino

Mimino is a great restaurant where delicious national Georgian cuisine is served. It provides wonderful service with a wide choice of Georgian traditional dishes. And of course you can enjoy a perfect selection of world-famoous Georgian wines

Type : Georgian Restaurant

Address : 2 Zhukovskogo, Odessa.

Phone : +(38 0482) 332 508

Khutorok

Khutorok is situated right on the beach Lanzheron. It takes about 20 minutes on foot and 5 by car to reach it from the center of the city. This is an extremely popular summer destination and is a wonderful place for travellers to get acquainted with traditional local cuisine. They serve exquisite home-made vareniki and vodka from their own distillery as well as a wide array of Ukrainian specialities. Other mentionables include live Ukrainian folk music and a children's playground.

Type : Ukrainian Restaurant

Address : 1-4 Shevchenko Park, Lanzheron Beach, Odessa Ukraine

Phone : +(38 048) 735 38 73

Website : http://www.xutor-ok.com

Tucked away on a pedestrian only garden walkway just off Deribasovskaya Street, this is a must for coffee connoisseurs. The menu and service is exceptional. Ultra elegant interior and outdoor seating is available.

Type : Cafe

Address : 28 Preobrazhenskaya, Odessa, Ukraine.

Phone : (+38 048) 717 74 73

Opening hours : 09:00 to to 23:00

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Your Local Connection

Welcome to Odessa!

Meet your local connection in Odessa, Helen, Vicki, Tatiana and the team of Primexpress! We are excited to be onboard with whl.travel, working with nice people and a modern attitude towards tourism! We want to enlighten people about our culture, history, art, etc- and we like to present it in a very artistic way. For example, our tour "Home Visits" offers guests the chance to visit ordinary Odessa people in their apartments, meet their family and converse- isn't it a wonderful way of promoting our local culture?

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