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Borscht in New York

A bowl of borscht that captures the depth of slow-simmered beets instead of tasting like a thin, vinegary broth.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
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Polish restaurant

Cozy milk-bar style spot offers rich borscht with tangy flavor, paired with crispy kielbasa and stuffed cabbage. Nostalgic Polish art and decor create a family kitchen vibe. Small, simple setting invites a quiet, intimate experience with calm energy.

Hot borscht comes with a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with mini pierogi soup and potato pancakes. It stands out alongside dishes like crispy kielbasa and stuffed cabbage.

People are saying

"The Polish food here is delicious and authentic."

"This place is a hidden gem for amazing Polish food."

"The borscht here is really good and delicious."

Good to know

1

Food is brought to guests after ordering from the counter.

2

The restaurant does not serve draft beer or hard liquor.

3

Prices are at pre-pandemic levels, offering good value.

02
Retro Polish Restaurant and Wine Bar image 1

Polish restaurant offers authentic pierogis and rich red borscht with potato croquette. Cozy retro decor and live music on Sundays create a relaxed vibe. Menu also features refreshing cold borscht, blending tradition with a modern twist.

Red borscht stands out with its rich flavor and pairs well with a potato croquette. Cold borscht also appears on the menu, offering a refreshing option.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic, just like traditional Polish cuisine."

"They have live music on Sundays, adding to the cozy vibe."

"I really enjoyed the red borscht here."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every Sunday evening, enhancing the cozy atmosphere.

2

Reservations are recommended for Sunday evenings due to live music popularity.

3

Expect a lively vibe on Sundays with the 'Gypsy Jazz Jam' event.

03
Da Damaso image 1
Italian restaurant

Old school Italian charm meets genuine hospitality in a cozy, rustic setting. Borscht shines with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Warmth and home cooking aroma create a welcoming vibe for every guest.

Hearty and flavorful, the borscht offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory with a slight tang. It stands out as a simply perfect dish alongside other strong choices like stuffed cabbage.

People are saying

"I found the food to be really good and authentic."

"It's so cozy here, like a family gathering, not a restaurant."

"I thought the Ukrainian borscht was fabulous."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is conveniently located only a short walk from the SIR Great Kills train station.

2

Parking is easy after 5pm.

3

The restaurant is BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle).

04
Beets and Carrots image 1
New American restaurant

Small New American spot shines with farm-to-table freshness and cozy, artistic decor. Vegan Russian borscht offers deep, rich flavors with a unique wine hint. Soft jazz and laid-back vibe make it perfect for fine dining without fuss.

Deep, rich flavors make the borscht feel both comforting and elevated. The vegan Russian version stands out with its exceptional taste and hints of something special, possibly a touch of wine.

People are saying

"The Date Spots here have dishes packed with flavor, like the borscht."

"The farm to table dishes were delicious and beautifully presented."

"I found the vegan borscht to be really good."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times for food due to a small kitchen and limited staff.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your own drinks to enjoy with your meal.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with a half chicken costing around $30.

05
Sho Tse image 1
Ukrainian restaurant

Tiny space with covered outdoor seating offers a cozy vibe filled with local Ukrainian art and loud music. Authentic Ukrainian dishes shine, especially the rich borscht with homemade flavors. Casual dining and takeout make it perfect for quick, tasty meals.

Rich, delicious borscht stands out with flavors reminiscent of homemade recipes. Variations like green borscht and accompaniments such as potato pancakes and perogies complement the experience.

People are saying

"I found the Ukrainian food here to be so authentic and homemade."

"It's a cozy place with kind people and a warm atmosphere."

"I found the borscht to be really good and home-style."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers traditional Ukrainian cuisine with a focus on homemade dishes.

2

Delivery is available through GrubHub for convenient ordering.

3

There is no seating available to enjoy the food inside; takeout is recommended.

06
Kitchen at Cobble Hill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean flavors shine with cold borscht offering a refreshing tang and rich beet taste. Cozy, mid-century modern decor sets a warm, chic mood. Attentive bartenders craft generous cocktails while live jazz keeps the vibe chill and welcoming.

Cold borscht stands out with its refreshing tang and rich beet flavor. It pairs well with other dishes like Carrot Skordalia and latkes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious."

"The atmosphere here is so cozy and warm."

"The borscht here is delicious and less fatty than grandma's."

Good to know

1

The restaurant can accommodate approximately 70 attendees, including 10 children comfortably.

2

For $20, patrons can have a Michelin star worthy meal.

3

They have a BYOB wine Wednesday with no corkage fee.

07
Russian Vodka Room image 1
Russian restaurant

Dark space with Slavic aesthetic and Russian symbols creates a unique vibe. Hot borscht is warm and hearty, rich with beet flavor. Live jazz and piano music add a lively atmosphere that feels authentically Russian.

Hot borscht here is warm, hearty, and vibrant with a deep red color from beets. It pairs well with dishes like lox and pelmeni, offering a rich East-European flavor.

People are saying

"The borscht and dumplings at these dinner spots are outstanding."

"The live music here was a nice bonus during my visit."

"The borscht here is delicious, with earthy, sweet, and tangy flavors."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great drink deals from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant does not accept late orders after the last order time.

08
Veselka Grand Central Terminal image 1
Ukrainian restaurant

Ukrainian diner buzzes with standing tables for a lively vibe. Rich, flavorful borscht warms you up, paired perfectly with potato pierogies. Casual space suits quick meals, complemented by Ukrainian beer and spritz.

Rich, flavorful Ukrainian borscht offers a warming, nourishing experience. It pairs well with potato pierogies or pancakes, making for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"The borscht here has such a rich, home-style taste."

"The breakfast burrito was huge and very filling."

"The food here feels like authentic Ukrainian home cooking."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located on the -1st floor of Grand Central Station, in the food court.

2

There are no seats available in the restaurant.

3

Itโ€™s not a sit-down restaurant.

09
Complete Cafe, LLC image 1

Bright, spacious interiors feature a large indoor playground perfect for families. Fresh, flavorful homemade borscht delights all ages with beef or vegetarian options. Interactive tables with touch screens add fun, while outdoor seating offers cozy greenery views.

Fresh and flavorful borscht comes with options like beef or vegetarian. It tastes homemade and appeals to all ages, with some eating multiple portions.

People are saying

"The digital tables are so fun and kid friendly for all ages."

"I found the food to be delicious and filling."

"I thought the borscht was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The Complete indoor playground is the largest in Manhattan.

2

The restaurant offers healthy food options for both kids and adults.

3

The indoor playground is safe, spacious, and filled with creative play areas for kids.

10
Varenyk House image 1
Restaurant

Authentic Soviet-era canteen style meets cozy atmosphere with nostalgic Ukrainian music. Borscht offers rich, comforting flavors and pairs well with hearty short rib varenyky. Staff provide personalized service making every visit warm and welcoming.

Soul-warming soup with rich, comforting flavors stands out in their borscht. Staff offer personalized service for special requests, and the soup pairs well with hearty sides like short rib varenyky.

People are saying

"The food here tastes like my grandma made it."

"I found their authentic Ukrainian varenyky tasted just like homemade."

"This borscht is the best soul-warming soup I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Street parking is the only option available.

2

The prices are very reasonable compared to some other places nearby.

3

Refrigerated ready-made cheese and potato varenyky can keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

11
Veselka image 1
Ukrainian restaurant

Old school restaurant buzzes with a cozy atmosphere and lively street views from its large outdoor dining area. Borscht shines with a rich, flavorful broth in both hot and cold versions. Freshly made Ukrainian classics keep the energetic vibe alive in the neighborhood.

Rich, flavorful broth defines the borscht here, with a taste that recalls traditional family recipes. Both hot and cold versions stand out, offering satisfying options for different days.

People are saying

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

"I found the borscht hearty, delicious, and cozy."

"This Ukrainian Diner serves hearty, authentic comfort food like pierogis and stuffed cabbage."

Good to know

1

During restaurant week, you can sample pierogies and stuffed cabbage for about 30 dollars.

2

Come early if you don't want to wait in line; expect a 30-minute wait.

3

Veselka does not seat customers after 10:20 PM.

12
Karczma image 1
Polish restaurant

Polish farmhouse decor creates a cozy, rustic feel. White borscht served in a bread bowl offers a unique taste. Live folk music adds a lively atmosphere near the bar, making it a homey, traditional spot.

White borscht stands out, often served in a bread bowl. The Ukrainian borscht comes warm, offering a different take on the classic.

People are saying

"I found the Polish food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I loved the amazing selection of Polish beer here."

"I loved the white borscht, especially served in a bread bowl."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a great lunch special with your choice of soup.

2

Main dishes are priced between $15 to $20, offering good value.

3

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets busy.

13
Euroasia Cafe image 1
Eastern European restaurant

Cozy Eastern European spot shines with rich borscht and cheese pastries. Casual vibe suits families and small groups. Sidewalk seating adds charm to the welcoming atmosphere.

Rich and tasty borscht stands out here. It pairs well with other dishes like salads and cheese pastries.

People are saying

"The kebabs here are juicy and flavorful."

"I found the food to be tasty and affordable."

"I found the borscht to be the best I've tried, with rich flavor."

Good to know

1

The cafe is close to the B & Q train at Brighton Beach.

2

The prices are affordable.

3

I advise visitors to pay by card if they donโ€™t have small bills.

14
Aragvi image 1
Georgian restaurant

Georgian restaurant offers a warm atmosphere with authentic decor and a giant plasma screen showing Georgian scenery. Rich, flavoursome borscht stands out and pairs well with khinkali and honey cake. Space suits both intimate dates and large gatherings.

Rich, flavoursome borscht stands out here, drawing people back for its taste. It pairs well with other dishes like khinkali and honey cake, making it a memorable part of the meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and wonderfully prepared."

"It's a really cozy spot with a warm atmosphere."

"I found the borscht to be extremely delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for special events like graduation dinners.

3

Free parking is available for restaurant guests.

15
Ocean View Cafe image 1
Ukrainian restaurant

Small cafe with authentic Soviet atmosphere offers a quiet vibe and a dog-friendly patio. Rich, meat-free borscht with sour cream delivers a comforting, satisfying taste. Enjoy cold beer and traditional dishes in a casual, comfortable spot with 90s rock videos and a resident cat.

Rich and meat-free, the borscht offers a comforting taste enhanced by sour cream. It stands out as delicious and satisfying, often praised for its flavor and warmth.

People are saying

"I found the Ukrainian borscht perfectly spiced and delicious."

"This lunch spot's Eastern European food tastes like homemade."

"I found the environment to be cozy and inviting."

Good to know

1

They don't accept contactless payments and Amex/Discover.

2

Prices include lamb dumplings for about $11 and Greek salad for about $17.

3

A 10% service fee is added to the bill, and tips are expected on top of that.

16
Nargis Cafe image 1
Uzbeki restaurant

Two floors blend modern chic decor with live saxophone music for a lively, warm vibe. Authentic traditional Ukrainian borscht shines with rich flavor, paired with pickled veggies. Elevator access ensures easy entry for strollers and wheelchairs, making it welcoming for all.

Authentic traditional Ukrainian borscht stands out with its rich, classic flavor. It pairs well with pickled veggies and complements dishes like lamb kebab and beef dumplings.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and always delicious."

"It's so cozy and welcoming, like being at home."

"I found the borscht to be rich, flavorful, and super."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a banquet menu available for large parties.

2

Reservations are recommended for groups of 10 or more.

3

The venue can host events like birthday parties and baptisms.

17
Russian & Turkish Baths image 1

Old building features hot Russian-style banya and an ice-cold plunge pool for sauna lovers. Homemade-tasting borscht offers perfect comfort food after heat sessions. Rooftop patio provides a quiet break from the lively, crowded atmosphere inside.

Delicious and homemade-tasting borscht offers a strong sense of comfort. It stands out as a satisfying, perfect comfort food to end a meal.

People are saying

"The steam room left me feeling relaxed and my skin incredibly soft."

"I experienced an authentic banya, unlike typical North American saunas."

"I ate good borscht; it tasted homemade."

Good to know

1

Avoid weekends because itโ€™s PACKED!

2

The $60 entry fee is not mentioned on their website.

3

Shorts, slippers, and towels are included in the cost of visiting the bathhouse.

18
Sweet & Favorite Cake Shop #2 image 1

Cozy cafe offers a warm atmosphere with a back terrace for relaxing. Borscht features a rich broth served with black bread and salo, making it feel like home. Loud gym-style music contrasts the calm vibe but adds energy.

Rich, flavorful broth comes with black bread, salo, and onions.** The balance of ingredients makes it feel just like home.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious and fresh."

"I loved the fresh, tasty sushi here."

"The borscht here is rich, flavorful, and just like home."

Good to know

1

Delivery orders should include utensils as they may not be provided.

2

The place is super clean, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

3

The prices are good, making it an affordable option for meals.

19
Cheeseboat Hell's Kitchen image 1
Georgian restaurant

Cozy space buzzes with live music and servers who sing and dance. Ukrainian Borscht offers rich flavors that warm you up. Unique artwork and a glass kitchen add charm to the lively vibe.

Hearty and warm, the Ukrainian Borscht bursts with rich flavors that stand out. It pairs well with the mushroom cheese boat for a satisfying meal on a cold day.

People are saying

"The Georgian food here is so authentic and flavorful."

"The cheeseboat is a caldron of cheese in bread with egg."

"The borscht soup was bursting with hearty flavors and warmth."

Good to know

1

The kitchen closes at 9:45 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect to spend around $87 for two cocktails, one appetizer, and one main dish.

3

Come hungry, as portions are large and meant to be shared.

20
Pierogi Boys image 1
Polish restaurant

Open kitchen and counter seating create an interactive dining space with lively music and friendly service. Rich, earthy borscht shines with beet-powered flavor and pairs well with handmade pierogis. Polish beer on tap adds to the energetic food court vibe.

Rich, earthy, and subtly sweet, the borscht offers a vibrant, beet-powered flavor with a meaty depth. It comes with sour cream and pairs well with potato pierogis topped with onion and sour cream.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and flavorful."

"The vegetarian pierogis were delicious and packed with savory filling."

"I thought the borscht here was the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The prices are good, with hearty meals that can fill you up after a $15 meal.

2

The platter of pierogis costs $16.

3

The restaurant can get crowded during lunch.

21
Pierozek image 1
Polish restaurant

Cozy Polish spot shines with rich borscht and authentic dishes like pierogis. Spacious courtyard offers a chill beer garden vibe perfect for relaxing. Traditional decor adds home-cooked charm that blends well with well-crafted cocktails.

Rich, balanced flavor defines the borscht here. It pairs well with pierogis and golabki, creating a satisfying Polish meal.

People are saying

"I tasted authentic, homemade Polish food that tasted like home."

"The vegetarian pierogi are amazing, especially the savory ones."

"I found the borscht here to be the best I had in New York."

Good to know

1

The menu includes options for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and meat-heavy dishes.

2

Parking was not an issue when we went on a Sunday.

3

The restaurant is likely very busy during brunch.

22
Oda House UES image 1
Georgian restaurant

Cozy dining room with folk art and live jazz sets a warm, romantic mood. Hot Beef Borscht is flavorful and authentic, served in generous portions. Pair it with Khinkali or lamb stew for a true Georgian experience.

Flavorful and authentic Hot Beef Borscht comes in a good portion. The soup pairs well with other dishes like Khinkali and lamb stew.

People are saying

"The authentic Georgian food here is packed with flavor."

"The atmosphere here is so cozy and welcoming."

"The borscht here is flavorful and comes in a good portion."

Good to know

1

Oda House offers several gluten-free dishes, including cheese boats.

2

Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available on the menu.

3

The restaurant can accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor.

23
Mari Vanna image 1
Eastern European restaurant

Cozy vintage decor with intricate wallpaper sets a warm tone. Borscht shines with tender beef cheek and a strong beet aroma, softened by sour cream. Lively music blends Russian tunes and house beats, while staff performances add unique charm.

Hearty soup features tender beef cheek and a strong beet aroma. Adding sour cream softens the tang and balances the flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is really delicious and authentic."

"It's a cozy, atmospheric spot with a nostalgic, homelike energy."

"The borscht with sour cream and rye bread was rich and satisfying."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required, especially on busy weekends.

2

Customers risk losing $25 per person for late cancellations.

3

Food is not served on Monday evenings.

24
FARIDA - Finest World Dishes image 1
Kazakhstani restaurant

Central Asian style shines with authentic decor and traditional Uzbek design. Borscht offers hearty flavor and comforting warmth, perfect for cold days. Live jazz and soulful bongo create a cozy, homey atmosphere that feels like a journey to the Kazakh homeland.

Rich and warming, the borscht stands out with its hearty flavor and comforting warmth. It pairs well with other dishes like Ukrainian vareniki and Uzbek plov, making it a solid choice on cold days.

People are saying

"The food here is wonderful, especially thanks to Maria."

"It's a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with beautiful traditional touches."

"I thought the borscht was perfect, just like homemade."

Good to know

1

Every Monday night, the restaurant has a 'Monday Magic Plate' dinner show.

2

Live music happens on Fridays and Saturdays from 7-10pm.

3

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

25
Skovorodka image 1
Ukrainian restaurant

Large space with authentic Slavic decor sets a cozy, lively mood. Rich, flavorful borscht pairs well with pelmeni, offering a home-cooked taste. Evenings buzz with live music and a dance floor playing Russian pop, perfect for dancers.

Authentic borscht arrives rich and flavorful, often paired with pelmeni or potato dumplings. The taste stands out as very tasty and satisfying, evoking a home-cooked feel.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic, homemade borscht; it was excellent."

"The atmosphere here is so cozy and inviting."

"The live music here is fun, especially closer to evening."

Good to know

1

You need to bring your ID for the drinks.

2

The prices are not expensive, especially for the lunch set at $14.95.

3

A 10% service charge is added to the final bill.

26
Pyza image 1
Polish restaurant

Old-school Polish cafeteria offers a quiet atmosphere with soft Polish TV sounds. Rich, flavor-packed borscht comes with hearty sides like stuffed cabbages and mashed potatoes. Cash-only, self-service spot has a family-run feel and cozy, nostalgic vibe.

Rich, flavor-packed borscht comes with hearty sides like stuffed cabbages, mashed potatoes, and sauerkraut. It pairs well with traditional dishes such as potato pancakes and goล‚ฤ…bki on the Polish plate.

People are saying

"It felt like Poland, but more authentic than Poland today."

"The pierogi are soft, pillowy dumplings filled with savory meat or cheese and potatoes."

"I found the borscht here to be outstanding and homemade."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only, so make sure to bring cash before ordering.

2

The portions are massive and prices unbeatable.

3

Customers are expected to clean up after themselves, which helps keep prices modest.

27
LOFT by Hot Potato image 1
Eastern European restaurant

Rustic space buzzes with live saxophone and piano music, creating a warm vibe. Families enjoy the cozy patio and close tables. Eastern European dishes shine, especially the spicy borscht and stroganoff, all served with exceptional service.

Borscht stands out with its spicy and oversalted flavor profile. It appears as a notable dish alongside herring and stroganoff.

People are saying

"The atmosphere here is so warm, friendly, and cozy."

"I loved the upbeat live music here."

"The borscht soup was delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Live music occurs on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 PM and Sundays at 6 PM.

2

Board game gatherings happen every weekend with minimal kitchen orders.

3

The restaurant charges a 10% service fee for parties of 6 or more.

28
Veselka Williamsburg image 1
Ukrainian restaurant

Ukrainian restaurant offers a cozy bistro vibe with a lively, festive energy. Borscht features rich beef meat and a vibrant color, delivering a hearty, delicious taste. Space feels welcoming with well spaced tables and decor that nods to its history.

Beef meat in the borscht adds rich flavor, paired with a vibrant color that stands out. The soup often comes with chicken broth and offers a delicious, hearty taste.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful and tastes like home."

"This diner's pierogi are perfectly doughy and flavorful."

"This borscht is rich, vibrant, and warmed me to my core."

Good to know

1

The location being reviewed is only open for five hours a day.

2

The restaurant does not open until 5 PM.

3

The new location offers a lunch special for $14 that includes 4 pierogi and a cup of borsch.

29
Ukrainian East Village Restaurant image 1

Hidden behind plain doors, the place offers an authentic Ukrainian atmosphere with wood walls and simple decor. Borscht is served in vegan and cold versions, both sweet and refreshing. Loud talks and traditional dances create a cozy, home-like vibe.

Borscht here comes in vegan and cold versions that are both sweet and refreshing. The soup tastes authentic and pairs well with traditional sides like perogies and pickled herring.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, like my grandmother used to make."

"I found the potato latkes so delicious, I dreamed about them."

"I loved the cold borscht; it was so refreshing and vibrant."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is not open for lunch on weekdays, only on weekends.

2

There is no wait for seating.

3

The bathroom is outside and downstairs.

30
Streecha image 1
Ukrainian restaurant

Cozy basement spot feels like a Ukrainian grandmother's kitchen with authentic decor. Rich, flavorful borscht balances sour and savory, with vegetarian options and sour cream to enhance taste. Simple order-at-counter service accepts only cash.

Rich and flavorful borscht offers a good balance of sour and savory tastes. Adding sour cream enhances its flavor, and vegetarian options are available alongside traditional versions.

People are saying

"I found the most authentic Eastern European food, like my mother used to make."

"It's so cozy here, like a little Ukrainian island."

"The Borscht here feels like a warm, homely visit with good friends."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only; bring cash for your visit.

2

Streecha is open Friday to Sunday from 9am-5pm.

3

Finding the restaurant is tricky due to limited signage.

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