KY’s first authentic Ukrainian restaurant is open. See inside new spot from refugees
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kentucky’s first authentic Ukrainian restaurant is soft open in Nicholasville.
- Owners are Ukrainian refugees who hired fellow refugees and designed cultural decor.
- Menu lists borscht, varenyky, deruny and mains; grand opening planned Feb. 14 .
A much-anticipated restaurant has opened in downtown Nicholasville.
After several months of renovations, Taste of Ukraine soft-opened Jan. 15 at 106 E Maple Street in the former location of Downtown Dogs Spa.
The restaurants’ operators say it’s Kentucky’s first authentic Ukrainian restaurant.
Opened by a Ukrainian refugee couple, the restaurant has a menu of authentic meals.
“Most of our dishes are made from scratch using home-style recipes — from our baked goods to our meat dishes,” said Tetiana Soloshchuk, who fled the war with Russia three years ago, coming to America with her husband, owner Taras, and three small children. “We want every guest to feel at home, comfortable, and welcomed with warmth and love.
Ukrainian restaurant decorated to represent country
Soloshchuk said they have felt overwhelming support from the Nicholasville community since they announced plans to open.
“We wanted our restaurant to be more than just a place where Ukrainian food is served,” Soloshchuk said. “We wanted it to be a space filled with the spirit of Ukraine, its history, beauty, and symbols. That is why we created every interior detail with special care, love, and meaning.”
Each part of the restaurant is designed with Ukraine in mind. On one wall, there are 26 paintings symbolizing the regional capitals of Ukraine. Next to it is a giant, lighted map of the Eastern European country.
“It constantly reminds us of our state, its unity, strength, and right to freedom,” said Soloshchuk. “For us, it is not just a decorative element, but a symbol of unity and love for our homeland.”
Lining the restaurant’s windows are wheat decorations, a Ukrainian symbol of life, fertility, prosperity, peace and hard work, Soloshchuk said.
“For us, it is also a sign of the resilience of Ukrainians who, despite the war, continue to work, grow grain, and believe in victory,” Soloshchuk said.
Soloshchuk said when they left Ukraine, they lost everything they had in a single day, including their restaurant. It was a goal for her husband to open and own a new place in America. Part of that goal was to employ Ukrainian refugees, and that’s the case for more than half of the restaurant staff of about 20.
What’s on the menu at Taste of Ukraine?
The menu at Taste of Ukraine highlights the dishes of the second-largest country in Europe.
Starting off the traditional Ukrainian dishes is borscht, a sour soup made with red beetroots ($14). Soloshchuk said it’s been the favorite so far, but they also offer a green borscht ($10) made with sorrel and spinach.
Varenyky, dumplings filled with potato ($17) or pork or chicken ($22) are also on the menu, as are other traditional Ukrainian offerings like Deruny (crispy potato pancakes; $17) and holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls; $18).
Other menu items include homemade Ukrainian sausage ($29), pork schnitzel ($27) and beef stroganoff ($33).
There’s a selection of Ukrainian desserts like stuffed crepes ($14), cheese pancakes ($15) and freshly-made cakes and pastries.
Is Taste of Ukraine open for breakfast?
Taste of Ukraine will have a grand opening Feb. 14. At that time, they will expand their hours, opening at 6:30 a.m. with a full breakfast menu.
“We created this space so every guest could not only taste Ukrainian dishes but also feel the atmosphere of Ukraine — its warmth, cultural depth, and strength of spirit,” Soloshchuk said. “For us, this is a way to tell the world about Ukraine as we love it: beautiful, alive, dignified, and unbreakable.”
Taste of Ukraine
Where: 106 E Maple Street, Nicholasville
Hours: 9 a.m.-10:00 p.m. daily (expanding after Feb. 14 grand opening)
