The best Eastern European restaurants in London

This nostalgic eatery greets you with lace, matryoshka dolls, old tomes, delicate china, candlelight and a grandiose beflowered entryway, overwhelming you with grandmotherly cosiness – if she was also a powerful Russian matriarch, of course. The menu at Mari Vanna is inspired by the cuisines of various former Soviet republics, offering dishes such as beef Stroganoff, dumplings with different fillings and blini.

Nope, this isn’t a mistake – Iberia is not a misplaced Spanish restaurant, but one named after the early Georgian state of Iberia. In addition to the famous famed khachapuri, boat-shaped baked breads with different toppings, the menu here features plenty of less familiar specialties with a long tradition, such as ajapsandali ratatouille, chakhohbili – chicken braised in tomato, coriander and Georgian spices, served with baby potatoes, or khinkali dumplings. You can also try Georgian wines.

Mriya was originally launched as a Ukrainian neo-bistro that tells the story of contemporary Ukraine through its dishes, infused with Ukrainian creativity, heritage, and memories. Menu highlights include veggies fermented according to traditional Ukrainian methods, and there's also a Ukrainian twist on afternoon tea. The restaurant is staffed with refugees from the Russo-Ukrainian War.

One of London’s most renowned upmarket restaurants, the glitzy Bob Bob Ricard features flamboyant dining booths that recall the Golden Age of Train Travel or the nautical opulence of super yachts, with a sumptuous menu to accompany the journey. British dishes such as Beef Wellington mingle with Russian classics such as vareniki dumplings and Chicken Kyiv, while the caviar selection and the "Press for Champagne" button at your table represent peak luxury.

Daquise is London's oldest Polish restaurant and has attracted some big names like Roman Polanski and exiled Polish president Edward Raczynski. The space is rustic and traditional with tiled walls and round tables. The concise menu offers lots of variety, with classic dishes like filled dumplings, soup, Russian salad, and pork chops.

Soho’s elegant Zima restaurant displays a curated collection of vibrant Russian fine art in a pristine, winter-white setting. The menu features Russian staples such as pirozhki buns, freshly baked each day, Beef Stroganoff and borscht soup. Zima supposedly also offers the best-priced caviar in the capital, and the drinks include an array of vodka infusions. There’s also a karaoke bar located downstairs.

Specialising in genuine homemade Armenian, Georgian and Russian delicacies, Erebuni's menu includes cold starters such as salted herring, sharing platters of Russian salami, Georgian khachapuri breads, dumplings, Armenian dolma rolls and more. The venue is spread across two floors next to the Barbican and also encompasses a karaoke lounge with table service, dancing and a resident DJ.

One of the oldest Ukrainian restaurants in London, Albina draws inspiration from the country’s nourishing cuisine. Preparing authentic dishes according to traditional recipes, the Canning Town restaurant serves classics such as Beef Stroganoff, soljanka saltwort soup, mamalyga porridge with pork cracklings and feta cheese, and more. They are also happy to host or cater private events.

Located in an elegant Grade II listed building in South Kensington, Ognisko brings classical Eastern European hospitality to the affluent area. The white dining room with wood floors and furnishings provides a tasteful, romantic setting, and there’s also a large covered terrace. The menu draws on traditional Polish cuisine, with highlights including pierogi dumplings with different fillings, whole roast duck, pork schnitzel and more. The bar boasts a sizeable list of wines from all over the world, as well as cocktails.

The sleek urban TDO Cafe-Bistro offers a café-style menu with hints of Eastern European cuisine during the day, including, for example Chicken Stroganoff, in addition to more commonplace breakfast and lunch fare. On Friday and Saturday evenings, however, the proprietor draws on her roots for a homemade menu of traditional specialties from the East such as golubtsy rolls, potato pancakes and herring.

Head to the Little Georgia eateries if you’d like to experience authentic Georgian cuisine. These popular restaurants serve comforting dishes that are full of flavour. The famous khachapuri, freshly baked bread boats packed with melted cheese, are just the thing for cheese lovers, while others will want to check out the selection of Georgian classics such as dumplings, stews and salads. You can also try traditional wines and spirits.

Borscht 'n' Tears is supposedly the first Russian restaurant to have opened in the capital, having been founded more than 50 years ago. Its dimly-lit red interior sticks to that vintage charm, serving a menu of staples from all over the vast country, including, of course, borscht and pirozhki. Head out back to relax in a hidden garden, or smoke some shisha out front. The venue also regularly hosts live music and karaoke.

Mamuśka! relocated to South Bank from Elephant & Castle, bringing a touch of Poland's old milk bar cafeterias to a vast new dining hall that includes an open-air mezzanine for private hire. The menu includes Polish classics such as the Schabowy pork schnitzel, bigos sauerkraut stew and traditional Polish soup. The handmade pierogi dumplings come with different fillings, for example goat cheese and spinach. Mamuśka! also serves many Polish commercial or craft beers, as well as vodka shots by the half dozen.

An authentic Georgian restaurant in Maida Vale, Geamos serves an array of traditional specialties such as chakapuli lamb stew, giant, meat-stuffed khinkali dumplings or the khatchapuri breads in boat-shaped and flatbread variants, both filled with melted cheese. You can try some Georgian wines with your meal at this cosy eatery, or freshen up with traditional Georgian lemonades.

Folk House Zakopane is styled after the mountain cottages found in the Tatras Mountains and serves hearty, nourishing Polish grub that hits the spot after a hike or hitting the slopes. You can enjoy generous portions of traditional delicacies such as żurek sour soup, pierogi dumplings with various fillings, potato pancakes and others, all in a cosy setting decorated with Polish folk bric-a-brac.

The Land of Fire eatery next to King’s Cross St Pancras serves authentic Azerbaijani specialties in an intimate dining room with exposed brick walls and green banquette seating. Signature dishes on the menu include piti stew made with diced lamb, potatoes and chickpeas, and levengi, a whole chicken filled with onions, walnut and plum sauce. There’s also an array of grilled dishes to choose from.

Autograf’s simple yet welcoming interior and Polish-English menu hint that this is a place you come to for a casual atmosphere and homecooked fare. Indeed, you can find various Polish staples such as borscht and żurek soups, smalec lard with bread, pork schnitzel, goląbki stuffed cabbage leaves, bigos stew and more here. The restaurant also prides itself on its pierogi dumplings, prepared with quality ingredients and according to traditional recipes, as well as its array of flavoured vodkas.

Next to Highbury & Islington Station, Tbilisi offers ethnic food from the different parts of Georgia, rich with the country’s spices and herbs. The menu at this elegant restaurant includes regional specialties such as ispanakhi steamed spinach puree, lobiani stewed red beans, spicy chahohbili chicken stew and, of course, the famous khachapuri bread boats topped with cheese and eggs. At this beloved North London spot, you can also try a selection of Georgian wines and spirits.

The no-nonsense Mikrus eatery, located in Streatham, is a simple affair that sticks to Polish culinary classics. The convivial atmosphere provides a relaxed setting for digging into plates of meat, pierogi dumplings, goląbki rolls, goulash and other hearty and unpretentious fare that sees Poles through the cold winters.

Formerly known as Sowa, Polka Kitchen is a Polish restaurant in the heart of Ealing. Expect a warm and cosy setting where traditional Polish recipes are served, attracting London's Polish community as well as other diners. On the menu you'll see favourites like Polish black pudding, pork tenderloin, and pierogi served with a variety of fillings.

Miod Malina is ideal if you're looking for Polish cuisine in Acton. This relaxed restaurant has an elegant and contemporary look and specialises in hearty dishes from Poland. It's popular for takeaways as well as dining-in. Classic recipes here include pork shank, potato pancakes, and cabbage rolls. Plenty of vegetarian options are also available.

Polish restaurant Paleta Kitchen is popular in Hounslow, particularly with the local Polish community. This cosy restaurant has a smart look and a friendly atmosphere. The menu is packed with authentic dishes, including meals for kids. You can try the likes of dumplings, salads, and mains like potato pancakes or chicken schnitzel.

Sample authentic Polish sausage in Camden Market by checking out Highlander Game. This bustling street food venue is known for its metre-long Polish sausage - try it (or a half- or quarter-metre version) as a hot dog or get Polish sausage with chips and salad. Fried pierogis with a choice of fillings are served as well.

Located in Brick Lane, Aba-Ra! serves the classic Georgian dish of khachapuri. Try the traditional option or one with extras like spinach or meat for a comforting taste of this vibrant cuisine. The atmosphere at this homey restaurant is friendly and welcoming, with Georgian wine and spirits on offer to complete the experience.

Kinkally in Fitzrovia offers an upscale spin on classic Georgian dumplings (khinkali), stuffing these miniature delicacies with ingredients like wagyu, butternut squash, and black truffle, or pheasant in a wild-mushroom broth. It also serves other Georgian small plates, desserts, and the like. The restaurant decor incorporates traditional Georgian symbols, yet maintains a light-hearted ambiance, further embracing its cheeky name with Bar Kinky in the basement.