Image: Tasty little dumplings!
Last Updated: October 2024
Overview:
Like many things involving Ukraine, the timeline was delayed, but the anticipation was high. A chef from the legendary Ukrainian restaurant in New York, Veselka, announced that he was going to open a spot in May 2022. And we waited. World events placed Ukraine, Ukraine’s people, and Ukraine’s culture front and center, especially in D.C.
Ruta finally opened in 2023. Chef Dima Martseniuk left after six months. The place has a stable foundation to carry on. The menu is anchored with classic dishes, borscht (including a vegetarian version), potato pancakes, cabbage stuffed with beef or mushrooms, and especially the varenyky, the pierogi-like dumpling. At Ruta they are done with beef, potato, sauerkraut, or buffalo chicken (a mild version). The rest of the menu contains items that cover ground that can match many preferences – fish, steak, etc – making it a good choice to try something out of the ordinary without losing some of your audience. One standout from our visit that might be overlooked, Tsvikli, a beet and horseradish salad. More dumplings are available for dessert, but it is hard to skip the classic honey cake.
The walls are decorated with copies of Ukrainian art, especially great figures from history. The staff has a large number of people who recently came from the country under brutal attack from Russia. Seating is available inside and on the patio carved from the sidewalk out front.
Other Guidance: From the Post: “No barriers to entry; wheelchair-friendly restrooms.” Located at street level. Vegetarians and GF can do ok.
Summary:
Cuisine: Rest of World – Ukrainian
Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
Address: 327 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Website: https://www.rutadc.us/
Reservations: Toast Tables via website.
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Tom’s thumbs up one month after opening.
Washingtonian: Preview.
Washington City Paper: Nevin Martell’s take.