Sudova, a highly anticipated Eastern European restaurant from Sarah Dworak, who also owns Babushka Piergois at Findlay Market and founded Wodka Bar in Over-the-Rhine, has set a grand opening date.
The restaurant, located at 22 W. Court St. in downtown Cincinnati, is set to open Thursday, Aug. 29, with hours from 5-10 p.m. on that day, as well as on Friday-Saturday, Aug. 30-31. Reservations can be made on Sudova’s website or OpenTable, but walk-ins are also encouraged.
Dworak says Sudova will be a place where traditional dishes, timeless European style and modern tastes blend into a welcoming and convivial space. The name 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. 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.
Starting Tuesday, Sept. 3, Sudova’s normal operating hours will be 5-10 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Sudova, 22 W. Court St., Downtown. More info: sudovaoncourt.com.
This article appears in Aug 21 – Sep 3, 2024.
