Café Dacha is a Ukrainian restaurant with a modern twist in Highland Park. Café Dacha has a small but flavorful traditional menu from verenyky to golubtsi, but also a large selection of wines, cocktails, beers, and more.
One customer, Bohdana Andrusyk, said, “Upon arrival, I felt excited. The exterior reminded me of restaurants I visited in Ukraine as a child.” Andrusyk has lived in the United States for over 15 years after moving from Ukraine.
The “Ukrainian Hot Borscht” is made with chicken, which is not typically 
considered traditional, but it gives a modern and delicious spin on this dish. There is a common misconception that borscht is a Russian dish however, “How Is Ukrainian Food Different From Russian Food?” an article from Flavor 365, states: “In 2022, UNESCO recognized the ‘Culture of Ukrainian borscht cooking’ by adding it to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.”
When arriving at the restaurant, I was greeted with the warm and loving Ukrainian hospitality and felt like I was home. “The ambiance was cozy and reminiscent of home,” said Andrusyk. The potato vareniki were authentic, and from the first bite I was transported to my Ukrainian grandmother’s kitchen, tasting the caramelized onion and soft dough on the outside. There is a much deeper meaning to Ukrainian vareniki than most people realize.“What Are Varenyky? The Rich Heritage of Ukrainian Cuisine,” an article from Veselka.com, explains: “Kneading the dough was thought to represent the creation of the universe, while the filling symbolized family continuity.”
When it comes to packing a punch with flavor, the solyanka and vinegret are top tier. If you are interested in having a diverse level of cuisine, Café Dacha includes a few dishes such as chebureki and kharcho that have a Georgian flavor infused with the Ukrainian. “A Story of Friendship: Georgia and Ukraine Stand Together,” an article from The Caspian Post, explains: “The history of Ukraine and Georgia are very similar, with both countries fighting for their independence throughout the centuries. These shared histories have brought the two peoples closer to each other.”
A sweet treat to finish off your meal is a must. “The highlight was definitely the dessert. The honey cake exceeded my expectations. It had a rich honey and cream flavor that was truly enjoyable,” said Andrusyk. Although Café Dacha presents itself as a Ukrainian restaurant and promotes its support for Ukraine during the war, much of the staff communicated with each other in Russian, using Ukrainian primarily when speaking with a few customers. Overall, I believe that if you enjoy a cozy ambiance and heartwarming home-cooked meals, this restaurant is perfect. Even if you are searching for a new spot to try for a chilled night out with interesting cocktails such as a Compote Cocktail. And for those missing home in Ukraine, Café Dacha is the perfect place to feel close to it again.
