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Borscht in California

Made for those who seek out the specific, hearty comfort of a traditional bowl of borscht.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Sofiya Restaurant image 1
Sofiya Restaurant image 2
Sofiya Restaurant image 3
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Uzbeki restaurant

Space features intricately patterned textiles and geometric carved wooden panels creating a warm vibe. Vegetarian Borscht offers a flavorful and delightful taste that pairs well with manti and plov. Soft music adds to the calm and pleasant atmosphere.

Vegetarian Borscht stands out with its flavorful and delightful taste. It pairs well with dishes like manti and plov for a balanced meal.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and truly delicious."

"Everything felt clean and cozy, and the food was delicious."

"The Borscht here is delicious and great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

Expect higher prices for specialty dishes compared to standard menu items.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases.

02
Traktir Restaurant image 1
Eastern European restaurant

Cozy spot with half open-air patio offers a relaxed vibe and views. Authentic Ukrainian dishes shine, especially the borscht with deep earthy flavors. Infused vodkas add a unique touch to the traditional dining experience.

Deep, earthy flavors and vibrant color define the Ukrainian style borscht here. Portions come generous and the taste is often described as impeccable and even better than homemade versions.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, heartwarming, and made with love."

"I found the Ukrainian borscht to be delicious and packed with flavor."

"The salads here are simple, light, and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging during busy times, so plan accordingly.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but check for any additional fees.

3

Expect higher prices compared to other local dining options.

03
Kalinka image 1
Russian restaurant

Authentic Russian decor with intricate woodwork sets a cozy mood. Rich, hearty borscht features tender meat and balanced flavors topped with sour cream. Traditional music adds to the vibe, making it lively and inviting after 4pm.

Rich, hearty soup with tender meat chunks and vegetables. Balanced sweetness and tang topped with sour cream. Served hot with bread on the side.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and tastes like homemade."

"I found the Russian food here to be spot-on and delicious."

"The borscht here is rich, hearty, and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

The restaurant decorates tables for special occasions like birthdays.

2

Kalinka offers complimentary bread with meals.

3

Parking is easy and accessible near the restaurant.

04
U Babci Polish Kitchen image 1

Small restaurant offers a warm, homely atmosphere with Polish folk art and soft traditional music. Borscht features a rich, flavorful broth paired with classic sides like pierogi. Simple wood tables and floral decor highlight pride in Polish heritage.

Rich, flavorful broth and well-balanced ingredients make the borscht stand out. It pairs well with traditional sides like pierogi and sausage with sauerkraut.

People are saying

"The sour rye soup wasn't like anything I've had before and was really good."

"It's a cozy spot that feels like stepping into a warm, welcoming home kitchen."

"I felt transported by this authentic Polish borscht."

Good to know

1

The grand opening is on the 28th.

2

Music and dancing start after 7pm.

3

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

05
Mom, Please Ukrainian food, Playa Vista image 1

Outdoor patio with live piano and handmade clay dishware sets a cozy Ukrainian scene. Borscht is rich and hearty with tender pork rib, salo, rye bread, and garlic. Grassy seating with heaters welcomes families and pets, creating a calm, authentic vibe.

Rich and hearty with the perfect chunkiness, the borscht includes a tender pork rib and comes with slices of salo, rye bread, and garlic. It offers a true traditional experience full of flavor.

People are saying

"The food, especially the syrniky, was a delightful, airy gem."

"It's a cozy place with a great atmosphere."

"I loved the borscht; it was so rich and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Ordering is done at the counter, and food is brought to the table.

2

Reservations do not guarantee indoor seating.

3

The restaurant does not serve any alcoholic beverages.

06
DACHA Kitchen & Bar image 1
Eastern European restaurant

Eastern European restaurant shines with green borscht served monthly, paired perfectly with pirozhki and vinaigrette salad. Cozy atmosphere and handcrafted cocktails with homemade infusions create a warm, lively vibe. Two lounges and modern music add to the exclusive bar scene.

Green borscht appears once a month and stands out with its distinctive flavor. It pairs well with pirozhki and vinaigrette salad, making the soup a memorable choice.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and feels like authentic Eastern European cuisine."

"The cocktails here are amazing and creative."

"You have to try the unforgettable borscht when it's available."

Good to know

1

DACHA Kitchen & Bar hosts monthly bingo night on Thursdays.

2

Mixology classes are available and are a fun experience.

3

Reservations are recommended for special events to ensure a spot.

07
Melodia Restaurant image 1
European restaurant

European restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with warm lighting and vinyl record decor. Borscht features a classic recipe with meat, served with garlic sauce and pampushky. Live music adds a welcoming vibe perfect for casual or special occasions.

Classic recipe with meat forms the base of the borscht, served with garlic sauce, sour cream, and pampushky. The soup tastes flavorful and comforting, standing out among other dishes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The food here is unique, with inventive twists on classic dishes."

"The borscht here is so flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers free parking, which is a significant convenience.

2

The plaza has limited parking, so street parking may be necessary on busy days.

3

Prices are reasonable considering the quality of food served.

08
Stara Pierogi & Sausage | LA image 1

Cozy spot with a casual Farmer's Market vibe and cheerful atmosphere. Authentic Polish cuisine shines with handmade pierogies and classic red borscht served in a cup. Warm, friendly setting buzzes with energy, perfect for enjoying traditional dishes.

Red borscht comes in a cup and pairs well with krokiety and pierogi. It has a classic, hearty flavor that stands out among other dishes.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic, fresh Polish food here."

"These handmade dumplings are generously stuffed with savory fillings."

"I loved the authentic, scratch-made borscht; it felt like a warm hug."

Good to know

1

Parking at the farmers market can be challenging, so plan ahead.

2

Prices are on the higher side for the portion sizes offered.

3

The menu features traditional Polish comfort food with options for dairy-free diets.

09
Lore Speakeasy and Escape Room image 1

Escape room and speakeasy blend into a noir-themed space with creative cocktails like a surprising borscht drink. Atmosphere shifts from cozy quiet to lively puzzle-solving. Staff wear costumes, boosting the immersive vibe.

Creative cocktails include a borscht drink that stands out for its surprising flavor despite the usual dislike for beets. It joins other unique options like Tom Kha and Mango Sago in the lineup.

People are saying

"The escape room experience was incredibly fun and immersive."

"The drinks here are immersive and part of a magical escape room experience."

"The Borscht cocktail was surprisingly good and creative."

Good to know

1

Board game nights happen regularly and are a fun way to spend an evening.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure availability.

3

The escape room features unique themes and immersive experiences.

10
Pomegranate image 1
Georgian restaurant

Cozy space with Russian-themed decor offers rich, flavorful borscht in vegetarian and half sizes. Candlelight creates a warm mood but noise rises after 8 pm. Tight layout adds to the intimate yet bustling energy.

Rich and flavorful, the borscht comes in a vegetarian option and a half-portion size for sampling. It pairs well with dishes like shashlik and beef stroganoff.

People are saying

"You'll find unique dishes like khachapuri and beef stroganoff."

"You have to try the cheesy, eggy bread; it's prepared as a spectacle."

"I found the Borscht flavorful and comforting."

Good to know

1

Parking is very tight in this neighborhood, making it hard to find a spot.

2

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets very busy.

3

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

11
ZORI Restaraunt & Bar image 1

Large bar and beautiful fireplace set a trendy, intimate vibe with live music. Rich, flavorful borscht offers a deep, hearty taste. Warm, inviting atmosphere blends 5-star luxury with casual fun for romantic or friendly nights.

Rich and flavorful borscht stands out as the main national dish here. It offers a deep, hearty taste that many find incredible despite the limited Ukrainian options on the menu.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great."

"You have to try their cocktails; they're unique and perfectly balanced."

"The borscht here is rich and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Drinks are half off on Mondays, not just during happy hour.

2

The restaurant hosts a DJ and dance events on weekends.

3

Valet parking is available for $14.

12
Leleka Ukrainian Comfort Food (San Francisco) image 1

Cozy spot with a covered outdoor patio and soft modern Ukrainian music sets a calm mood. Rich, tender borscht with beef warms the soul like a minestrone. Bright lighting and clean decor highlight authentic Ukrainian dishes and a fine selection of beers.

Rich taste and tender vegetables define the borscht here. It includes a good amount of meat and resembles a warming, easy-on-the-stomach minestrone with beef.

People are saying

"I found the Ukrainian food here to be delicious and comforting."

"The dumplings here are plentiful and exquisite."

"I found the borscht here really tasty."

Good to know

1

The menu is limited to three dishes: dumplings, borscht, and cabbage rolls.

2

Prices are reasonable for San Francisco, making it one of the cheaper options.

3

Expect slow service as dishes are made to order.

13
Traktir Restaurant Valley image 1
Eastern European restaurant

Cross-beamed rooms with overhanging ferns create a cozy vibe. Cold, meatless borscht offers a refreshing twist with rich Ukrainian flavors. Authentic dishes and infused vodka complete the distinctive Eastern European experience.

Cold, meatless borscht offers a refreshing twist, while the Ukrainian style stays on point with rich flavors. Cheesy toast with Gruyรจre complements the borscht for a divine pairing.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the traditional Russian dishes."

"I loved the authentic borscht and fresh cucumber salad."

"The Ukrainian borscht here was on point."

Good to know

1

On-site parking is available for customers.

2

The restaurant has a full bar with a variety of drinks.

3

Prices are generally high compared to the quality of food.

14
Paris Cafe & Bakery image 1

Outdoor seating creates a cozy atmosphere with a nostalgic Eastern European vibe. Borscht is usually rich and flavorful, though recent batches lack depth. Affordable prices and a strong community make it a quiet, authentic spot with early closing hours.

Rich and flavorful borscht stands out with a deep, satisfying taste. Recent versions show a bland profile lacking the usual richness and depth.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"I found the borscht here to be delicious and amazing."

"The outdoor seating here is so inviting and cute."

Good to know

1

The cafe closes at 5 PM, not 8 PM as listed online.

2

Pastries are available at very affordable prices.

3

There is a huge variety of pastries to choose from.

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