Vu Nguyen
Small and cozy restaurant that felt so welcoming. Host made sure they were able to seat us despite not having reservation. At the bar, the bartender was friendly and gave great suggestions as this was our first time trying Ukrainian food. Food was so good I ate so fast it shocked her.
… moreKevin Liao
My first time trying Ukrainian food in DC, and it was wonderful! I loved the chicken varenyky and the holubtsi – the meat was very tender, and everything was seasoned beautifully. I also really loved the richness of the honey cake; it was a nice way to end the dinner!
… moreScott Godsey
Tried Ruta recently and had mixed feelings. The food portions were on the smaller side, and overall the flavor was a bit bland—though that might just be authentic Ukrainian style.
That said, the cabbage roll was absolutely fantastic and easily the highlight of the meal. If you’re going, definitely give that a try. Service was good, but for the price, I was hoping for a bit more flavor and volume. Worth a visit if you’re curious about traditional Ukrainian cuisine, just go in with modest expectations.
… moreIan Harper
Had the best time experiencing authentic Ukrainian cuisine at Ruta! We tried a variety of dishes and everything was unique and delicious.
Definitely recommended the Tsvikli beet salad, the Varenyky with an assortment of fillings, and the Bigos!
My personal favorite had to be the Meat Holubtsi (stuffed cabbage role). I’ll definitely be back just to eat that dish again.
Also the Honey Cake was an amazing dessert and the Lviv coffee martini was the best espresso martini that my wife and I have ever tried.
Be back soon
… moreCasey M
Just in town for a concert. Looked up this place ahead of time. Booked reservation for 1 at 12 PM. Hostess seated me immediately and server Michael was attentive and answered any questions I had about menu. Atmosphere is very laid back and casual, loved the authentic vibes they tried to create. The lighting was soft and helped my visit be calming. I had the varenyky and a side of buckwheat. Server recommended the traditional honey cake. All food was delicious! Prices were fair. Staff made me feel very welcome for my first visit. Will hope to be back next time I’m in the area. Thank you
… moreJennifer Spinella Kochan
Wonderful service, borscht that warmed my heart, and lokshyna that absolutely melted it. Do not miss the cherry varenyky for dessert! Plenty of Ukrainian wine, beers, and spirits as well. We feel so lucky that this restaurant is only a 10 minute walk from our house
… moreOlga Shamarina
Really enjoyed this place. I tried the vegetarian Ukrainian borscht and it was delicious — rich, flavorful, and comforting. They also have a traditional version for those who prefer it. The space feels very cozy, and the décor is beautiful and truly unique. A warm, inviting spot I’d happily come back to.
… morePavlentii Chernov
The food was delicious, everything was prepared as if you were eating at home. The atmosphere was pleasant. The staff was polite. The restaurant was clean and beautiful. The decor was modern, and the tables were conveniently spaced. The windows were large and dimmable, so you could clearly see what was happening outside. There were also tables outside. The food was presented beautifully and in an original way. Water was served in beautiful glass cups. I highly recommend this place and wish them longevity and continued success.
… moreCarissa Cheng
Loved: their honey cake is divine, soft and dense and creamy and perfectly sweet. Would come back just for this!!
Liked: cossack bowl was great, loved the caramelized onions, the short rib dumplings are definitely the best flavor
Skip: the chicken kyiv, which is deep fried chicken breast with truffle oil, was unfortunately dry and the flavor a little flat.
Our waiter was friendly but service was quite slow.
… moreRachel Barker
The restaurant was decorated with bright colors and Ukraine paintings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Service was friendly and attentive.
Lunch prices were reasonable and affordable, offering good value for the quality.
The dishes were freshly prepared, the portions were decent, though the flavors were bland. I used up all the sour cream I got to give my dish more flavor.
We ordered:
4*Ukrainian Lunch Combo
Includes Chicken dumplings, a small sausage, potato pancakes, a seasonal salad, and sour cream. It was a light and healthy lunch. Great presentation.
3* Ukrainian Beef Borscht:
Fresh, light, and bland.
4*Soup of the day: rich creamy soup of beef and mushrooms.
3*Meat Holubtsi: stuffed cabbage were bland and healthy, but not much of taste.
A pleasant spot for trying out Ukrainian cuisine in a cozy setting on Capitol Hill. Ideal for a relaxed meal.
… more