Babushka Pierogies, Wodka Bar Founder to Open Eastern European Restaurant Downtown

The menu will feature modern twists on classic European dishes, like rye pelmeni, varenyky and green borsch.

May 29, 2024 at 2:23 pm
Sarah Dworak at her Babushka Pierogies walk-up window
Sarah Dworak at her Babushka Pierogies walk-up window Photo: Hailey Bollinger

A new restaurant celebrating the flavors of Eastern Europe will soon open in downtown Cincinnati.

Sudova is the newest restaurant from culinary entrepreneur Sarah Dworak and her Selo Hospitality Group. Dworak, who also owns Babushka Piergois at Findlay Market and founded Wodka Bar in Over-the-Rhine, says her new restaurant will be a place where traditional dishes, timeless European style and modern tastes blend into a welcoming and convivial space. It’s set to open at 22 W. Court St. mid-summer.

The name Sudova translates to “judicial” in Ukrainian — a nod to its location, as well as Dworak’s heritage. She says the restaurant is the next chapter in her exploration of her family’s Ukrainian roots and her passion for Eastern European food and culture.

On the menu, guests will find modern takes on classic Eastern European dishes, including rye pelmeni (a type of dumpling) with salt cod and potato brandade and topped with caviar beurre blanc; hand-formed varenyky — another type of dumpling — stuffed with house-made tvorog (similar to cottage cheese) and crispy pork belly; Ukrainian specialty green borsch, made with chicken, sorrel and a soft boiled egg; and ice cream made with sea buckthorn berries. It’ll also serve brunch on Sundays with a daytime menu featuring a blend of familiar and new dishes. Dworak says ingredients will be sourced both locally and internationally.

Sudova will have a gated courtyard for al fresco dining, as well as large skylights inside and a fully retractable garage door. The dining room will feature a warm, Old-World style with its custom millwork and back bar, framed Ukrainian tapestry, stained glass windows from Wooden Nickel Antiques and locally salvaged Eastern European sconces. But the highlight of the dining room will be a family heirloom — a well-worn and well-loved dining table that was once in Dworak’s grandmother’s home.

Dworak partnered with Daffin Properties and Sediment Design on the interior, as well as Orange Chair, which created custom-built banquettes.

Once open, Sudova’s operating hours will be 5-10 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Sudova, 22 W. Court St., Downtown. More info: sudovaoncourt.com.