In a city celebrated for its diverse culinary landscape, it can be a challenge to find a place that truly feels like home. However, for those seeking the authentic taste of Eastern European comfort food, there is a hidden gem that is quickly becoming one of the most beloved spots for Ukrainian cuisine in Toronto. This cozy ukrainian restaurant is a must-try for anyone looking for a meal that feels like it was made with love.
A short stroll from Kensington Market—just east of Bathurst & College on Lippincott Street—this intimate spot serves bright, ruby borscht, tender varenyky (pierogies), crispy deruny, and holubtsi (cabbage rolls) with the kind of care that turns a quick bite into a memory. The flavors are direct and honest, the portions generous, and the welcome warm enough to thaw a Toronto winter.
The Journey to a Home Away From Home
Located on Lippincott Street, just a stone’s throw from the vibrant energy of Kensington Market and the bustling intersection of College and Bathurst, you’ll find Borscht Kitchen. This charming eatery shares its space with a Ukrainian sushi restaurant, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere for diners. The room is compact and quietly cozy—about ten tables in total, with two on the first floor and the rest tucked upstairs—so it feels more like visiting friends than eating out.
The story behind Borscht Kitchen is as heartwarming as its food. Founded in 2024 by a Ukrainian software engineer and his friends, the restaurant was born out of a deep longing for the homemade meals they grew up with. It began as a take-out and delivery–only project, and word spread fast: within just a few months, they moved to their current address, opened for dine-in, and kept the efficient take-out and delivery operation running for those nights when comfort needs to travel. The team knew they weren’t the only ones in Toronto missing those flavors—and the city proved them right.
An Authentic Experience
The restaurant itself is an intimate and welcoming space, with seating split between a small ground floor and a cozy upstairs. This setup keeps the focus on what truly matters—the food itself, prepared with precision, served fresh, and rooted in authentic Ukrainian tradition.
The menu at Borscht Kitchen is a careful celebration of traditional Ukrainian dishes made with quality ingredients and time-honored methods. The borscht lands bright and layered, built on a slow-cooked base that lets beets, cabbage, and aromatics shine. Varenyky come soft and delicate, with classic fillings that stay true to their roots. Golden potato pancakes crisp at the edges and stay tender inside, while holubtsi deliver that comforting tomato-kissed finish that keeps people talking about the “best cabbage rolls in Toronto.” For a sweet close, crepe-style nalysnyky and apple cake bring a gentle, nostalgic finish. Many guests say it tastes like grandma’s kitchen; some admit the first spoonful of soup brought tears after years without something this true to home.
Dine-In, Takeout, and Delivery
In addition to its dine-in experience, Borscht Kitchen offers straightforward take-out and delivery through platesready website and all major delivery platforms, so a proper bowl of borscht or a pierogi supper is never far—whether you’re around Kensington Market, heading along College, or searching “borscht near me” from elsewhere downtown. Ordering is simple, pickup is quick, and the food travels well, preserving the textures and flavors that make these dishes comforting in the first place.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Ukrainian cuisine or trying it for the first time, Borscht Kitchen delivers the kind of meal that lingers for the right reasons: precise flavors, honest cooking, and a room that feels like it was made for you. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best meals are the ones that taste like home—and that home can be just up the street on Lippincott.
To learn more and explore their menu, visit https://borscht.kitchen
Media Contact
Company Name: PlatesReady
Email: Send Email
Country: Canada
Website: https://platesready.com