A Taste of Ukraine in Vienna: Our Review of Elvira’s
Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the Vienna City Centre Station (Wien Mitte), Elvira’s offers a delightful slice of Ukraine right in the heart of Austria’s capital. Our afternoon visit took us to this charming restaurant, where modern décor meets Ukrainian tradition, and the relaxed ambiance invites guests from all over the world. With thoughtfully chosen Ukrainian décor and a menu brimming with traditional dishes, Elvira’s delivers a taste of home for some and a culinary adventure for others.
Where Ukraine Meets Vienna
At Elvira’s, Ukraine truly meets Vienna in a space that feels both modern and inviting. The décor is clean and crisp, with a relaxed ambiance that welcomes everyone, from locals to tourists like us. It was clear that the restaurant attracts a diverse crowd, including Ukrainians, Austrians, and international visitors. Ukrainian elements are thoughtfully incorporated into the design, with features like monkata dolls, decorated plates, and a beautifully adorned long seat. The décor strikes a balance between authenticity and minimalism, giving the space a distinctly Ukrainian character without feeling overdone.
The menu offers all the classic dishes you’d expect from a Ukrainian restaurant. For starters, you can choose from blini with red caviar, deruny served with smetana, and holubtsi filled with rice, meat, and topped with a traditional mushroom sauce. There’s an impressive variety of varenyky options, including spinach with sheep cheese, cabbage, minced meat, or potatoes and mushrooms. The varenyky are also available in vegan and gluten-free versions, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
For those not in the mood for dumplings (if those people even exist!), the menu features meat dishes like grilled lamb, chicken Kyiv, and even grilled calamari. To finish, there are delightful desserts such as sweet cherry varenyky, Verhovyna cake, Napoleon cake, buckwheat pancakes with honey, and syrniki.
The Main - Вареники
Our order arrived promptly, and we opted for varenyky filled with spinach and sheep cheese, as well as varenyky with kapusta. The dumplings were very petite in size, garnished with chives, onions, and a generous serving of soured cream. They were pleasantly light and delicate, offering a refreshing alternative to heavier, more filling dishes. Our varenyky were served in charming terra cotta bowls adorned with traditional Ukrainian patterns, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.
To Drink - Горілка, пиво та вино
To accompany our meal, we indulged in a taste of Ukraine with a cold bottle of Obolon beer and a glass of crisp white wine, both of which paired nicely with the flavours of the varenyky. And naturally, no Ukrainian dining experience would be complete without a toast, so we followed up with two shots of Ukrainian vodka.
The Location
Elvira’s Restaurant is conveniently located at Seidlgasse 39 in the vibrant 3rd district of Vienna, just a short distance from the main train station. This charming spot is easily accessible and nestled within a neighbourhood that invites you to explore its local parks and surrounding attractions.
The Verdict
We would rate Elvira’s a 5 out of 5 for the delicious food and authentic atmosphere. Whether you’re a local looking to try something new or a tourist eager for a taste of Ukrainian cuisine, this restaurant is a must-visit when in Vienna.
I know just how hard it is to find authentic, tasty Ukrainian food abroad. That’s why I started this series – I find the hidden Ukrainian gems so you don’t have to! For more restaurants make sure to check out our section dedicated to Ukrainian Restaurants.
If you have any restaurant recommendations, please drop them in the comments below. Смачного!
