7 Eastern European Restaurants Florida Foodies Love

Florida’s food scene has outgrown its greatest hits. Beyond Cuban sandwiches and seafood shacks, a new wave of Eastern European restaurants is quietly becoming the state’s most satisfying obsession.

These are the places where pierogi come pillowy and pan-crisped, ćevapi hit the table still sizzling from the grill, and khinkali dumplings burst with broth at the first bite. Add ruby-red borscht, buttery Chicken Kyiv, and fresh-baked breads, and you’ve got comfort food with serious soul.

From Tampa to Jacksonville, St. Pete to Miami Beach, these spots pair old-world flavor with the kind of hospitality that makes regulars out of first-timers.

1. Nene’s Restaurant & Bar (Tampa)

Walking into Nene’s feels like stepping into a family gathering somewhere between Tbilisi and Kyiv. The hospitality here runs deep—servers genuinely care that you leave happy and full.

The menu stretches across Eastern Europe with standout dishes like pillowy khinkali dumplings, cheese-stuffed khachapuri bread, and a Chicken Kyiv that oozes butter with every cut. Their borscht is rich and earthy, perfect for anyone new to the cuisine.

Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the vibe strikes a balance between casual and celebratory, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

2. Balkan Cafe (Jacksonville)

Family recipes and charcoal smoke define this Jacksonville gem. Balkan Cafe consistently ranks as one of the state’s top Balkan destinations, and one bite of their ćevapi explains why.

These hand-rolled, skinless sausages arrive sizzling, nestled in pillowy somun bread with tangy ajvar and raw onions. The pljeskavica—a massive seasoned beef patty—is equally legendary. Mixed grill platters let you sample the full spectrum of their meats, all seasoned with generations of know-how.

Service is warm, the atmosphere unpretentious, and regulars treat it like their second dining room.

3. Pierogi Bar St. Pete (St. Petersburg)

Think grandma’s kitchen met a trendy neighborhood bar and had a delicious baby. Pierogi Bar St. Pete nails the balance between nostalgic comfort food and a lively, modern hangout.

Their pierogi flights let you taste multiple fillings—potato and cheese, sauerkraut and mushroom, sweet farmer’s cheese—all in one sitting. The borscht is vibrant and tangy, while shashlik skewers bring smoky, marinated perfection. Everything tastes homemade because it is.

Pair your meal with a cold beer or vodka flight, and you’ve got yourself a St. Pete evening done right.

4. Anna’s Polish Restaurant (Winter Park)

Anna’s wraps you in a warm hug the moment you walk through the door. The décor channels a cozy Polish village, complete with lace curtains and folk art that transport you straight to Kraków.

Start with their white borscht—creamy, tangy, and studded with sausage—or the pickle soup, a tangy revelation for first-timers. Pierogi are pillowy and pan-fried to golden perfection, while golabki (stuffed cabbage rolls) simmer in a sweet tomato sauce that tastes like Sunday dinner.

Locals have been coming here for years, and it’s easy to see why.

5. Rakija Lounge (Miami Beach)

South Beach vibes meet Balkan soul food at Rakija Lounge, where the energy is as intoxicating as the namesake fruit brandy. This spot brings Serbian classics to the Miami nightlife scene with serious style.

Ćevapi are smoky and savory, burek (flaky meat or cheese pies) are crispy and indulgent, and schnitzels are pounded thin and fried to golden perfection. The rakija menu is extensive—try a few flights if you’re feeling adventurous.

6. Taste of Poland Market & Deli (Naples)

Part market, part deli, all delicious—Taste of Poland brings a slice of Kraków to Florida’s Gulf Coast. This Naples gem is where Polish expats and curious foodies alike stock up on authentic flavors.

Pierogi are made fresh daily, hunter’s stew (bigos) simmers with layers of sauerkraut and smoked meats, and the rye bread is crusty and tangy. Shelves are lined with imported chocolates, pickles, and pantry staples you won’t find anywhere else.

Grab lunch to go or load up on groceries for a homemade Polish feast.

7. Babushka’s – Hyde Park (Tampa)

Babushka’s brings a dose of old-world charm to Tampa’s trendy Hyde Park neighborhood. Named after the Russian word for grandmother, this spot channels that same warmth and care into every dish.

Expect classics like blini (thin pancakes) served sweet or savory, tender beef stroganoff, and pelmeni dumplings floating in rich broth. The décor leans vintage Eastern European, with samovars and folk art adding character.

It’s intimate, cozy, and perfect for anyone craving comfort food with a side of nostalgia and a touch of Tampa sophistication.