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Borscht and dumplings in California

You are looking for a meal that pairs the warmth of borscht with the substance of a dumpling.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
U Babci Polish Kitchen image 1
U Babci Polish Kitchen image 2
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Small restaurant with warm, homely atmosphere and Polish folk art on the walls creates a feeling of dining with family. Traditional Polish music plays softly, enhancing the authentic cultural vibe. The space combines simple wood tables and floral decor, reflecting 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.

Stuffed with pork and beef, the dumplings are wonderfully chewy and not like gnocchi. Varieties with potato and cheese, cabbage and mushrooms come with a flavorful mushroom sauce likely made with porcinis.

People are saying

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

"I felt transported by this authentic Polish borscht."

"The pierogi were plump, tender, and pan-fried crisp."

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.

02
Sofiya Restaurant image 1
Uzbeki restaurant

Space showcases traditional Uzbek decor with intricately patterned textiles and geometric carved wooden panels creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Music plays softly, complementing the calm and pleasant vibe. Seating includes tapchan arrangements suited for groups, enhancing the cozy and friendly environment.

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

Handmade dumplings feature beef melting in the mouth and include varieties like pumpkin dumplings and samsa. They pair well with grilled meats and pilav, offering a satisfying, rich taste.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and truly delicious."

"The handmade dumplings here are absolutely delicious and melt in your mouth."

"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.

03
Melodia Restaurant image 1
European restaurant

European restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with warm lighting and vinyl record-themed decor. Live music and carefully curated playlists create a welcoming vibe that suits both casual and 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.

Offers a wide variety of dumplings including meat, fish, and cherry dumplings. The cherry dumplings stand out as exceptionally good and highly recommended.

People are saying

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

"The borscht here is so flavorful and delicious."

"You have to try the cherry dumplings; they're a must."

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.

04
Mom, Please Ukrainian food, Playa Vista image 1

Outdoor patio with live piano and handmade clay dishware creates a cozy, authentic Ukrainian atmosphere. The space feels calm and welcoming, with attention to cultural details and a community vibe. Seating includes a grassy area with benches and heaters, making it comfortable for families and pets.

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.

Homemade dumplings stand out with options like beef varenyky and mushroom dumplings in cream sauce that are pillowy and full of flavor. The menu offers a diverse range including potato dumplings and other Ukrainian specialties.

People are saying

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

"I found the dumplings here to be so delicious and flavorful."

"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.

05
Stara Pierogi & Sausage | LA image 1

Cozy spot with a casual Farmer's Market vibe and cheerful atmosphere. Serves authentic Polish cuisine featuring handmade pierogies and traditional dishes. Offers a warm, friendly setting with a buzzing energy.

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.

Handmade dumplings offer a comforting, home-style taste with a meat-filled variety that stands out for its flavor. These dumplings deliver a satisfying, hearty experience that lingers after eating.

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.

06
Traktir Restaurant image 1
Eastern European restaurant

Cozy Eastern European restaurant with white tablecloths and a half open-air patio offering views of the neighborhood. Atmosphere blends traditional Ukrainian symbols with a relaxed, breezy vibe. Infused vodkas and authentic dishes like borscht and vareniki highlight the 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.

Potato dumplings come with chicken broth or stand alone as simple, light dishes full of flavor. Variations like Pelmeni, Vereniki, and Pierogi offer different tastes similar to Chinese dumplings but with distinct Eastern European flair.

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."

"I loved the divine potato dumplings with chicken broth."

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.

07
Leleka Ukrainian Comfort Food (San Francisco) image 1

Cozy spot with covered outdoor patio and modern Ukrainian music playing softly. Atmosphere feels more like a quiet cafe with bright lighting and clean, simple decor. Offers authentic Ukrainian dishes alongside an excellent selection of Ukrainian 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.

Dumplings come in plentiful portions with a homemade feel and tender texture. Varieties like lamb and beef pelmeni pair well with sour cream and chicken broth.

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.

08
Pomegranate image 1
Georgian restaurant

Cozy sit-down space with Russian-themed decor and handwritten menus creates a nostalgic, authentic vibe. Candlelight sets a warm mood, but the atmosphere grows loud after 8 pm, making conversation difficult. Tight, cramped 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.

Small dumplings come with a cream sauce that adds richness. Khinkali, a type of Georgian soup dumpling, arrives with a tzatziki style sauce and offers authentic, flavorful bites.

People are saying

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

"I found the Borscht flavorful and comforting."

"The dumplings here are juicy and packed with flavor."

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.

09
Kalinka image 1
Russian restaurant

Authentic Russian decor with intricate woodwork and ornate details creates a warm, cozy atmosphere. Music plays a key role in setting a unique vibe that feels both traditional and inviting. The place grows lively and a bit noisy after 4pm, attracting those seeking genuine Russian dining experiences.

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

Flavorful and perfectly cooked dumplings come in small portions that cost around $14 to $15 for less than half a small bowl or 9 pieces.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved the dumplings; they were flavorful and perfectly cooked."

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.

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