Odessa Food Guide: Discover the Best Dishes to Try in Odessa

Odessa is a city where every dish tells a story about the meeting of different cultures and traditions. Here, seafood delicacies are combined with continental dishes, and ancient recipes coexist with modern interpretations, creating a unique gastronomic palette. Find out more about the top dishes you should definitely try during your trip to Odessa and the best places to taste them

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Odessa is not only the pearl of the Black Sea with its unique architecture and atmosphere, but also the true culinary capital of southern Ukraine. The city's multinational history has created a unique gastronomic palette that combines the traditions of Ukrainian, Jewish, Greek, Armenian and other cuisines. Here, seafood delicacies meet continental dishes, and ancient recipes live side by side with modern interpretations.

Odessa's culinary culture has been shaped over centuries by the city's status as a trading hub. Today, Odessa cuisine is a phenomenon in its own right, one that should be discovered gradually, savouring each dish and experiencing the history in every bite.

In this article, we will tell you about the most striking culinary symbols of Odessa — dishes that every tourist should try to truly experience the spirit of this incredible city.

How to get to Odessa from abroad in 2025 and where is the best place for tourists to stay in Odessa — read here.

What to try in Odessa?

Forshmak

Forshmak is a true culinary legend of Odessa, which has become an integral part of the city's identity. This traditional Jewish dish has become one of the most famous symbols of Odessa cuisine thanks to the large Jewish community that has lived in the city since its foundation.

Classic Odessa forshmak is made from herring, apples, eggs and onions, which are carefully chopped and mixed into a homogeneous mass. The secret to authentic forshmak lies in the right balance of ingredients: the sweetness of the apples should harmoniously complement the saltiness of the fish, while the onions add a spicy note. Some cooks add carrots or potatoes to the recipe for a more delicate texture.

This dish is traditionally served as an appetiser on black bread or as a separate dish with a side dish.

Forshmak is not just food, but part of Odessa's cultural code, passed down from generation to generation.

Read also: “Along the paths of Odessa: top interesting places that everyone should visit” and “What to see on the way from Kyiv to Odessa”.

Odessa gobies

Gobies are small Black Sea fish that have become a real highlight of Odessa cuisine.

These sea creatures are found in the coastal waters of the Black Sea and have been a favourite delicacy of local residents for centuries.

The most popular way to cook gobies is to fry them in a large amount of oil until they are golden brown. The fish become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are served hot with lemon and herbs. The second traditional option is marinated gobies in tomato sauce with vegetables. This dish can be stored longer and has a richer flavour.

Gobies are not just a delicious dish, but a true embodiment of the maritime spirit of Odessa. They are best enjoyed in coastal restaurants or at the Privoz market, where they are prepared according to authentic recipes.

And don't forget: tours will be even more interesting with a good guide. How to find an English-speaking guide in Odessa and other cities — read the link.

Odessa-style rapana

Rapana are sea snails that live in the Black Sea and are a real delicacy for seafood lovers. These molluscs appeared in the Black Sea relatively recently, but quickly became a popular dish in Odessa restaurants.

Rapana meat has a delicate texture and a subtle sea flavour. The most popular ways to prepare them are frying with garlic and herbs or stewing in white wine with vegetables. Some chefs prepare rapana in a creamy sauce or add them to salads.

This is a dish for adventurous gourmets who are not afraid to experiment with flavours. Rapana is a great way to experience the authentic seafood cuisine of Odessa and try something unique that you won't find in other regions of Ukraine.

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Deruny with caviar or mushrooms

Deruny is a traditional Ukrainian dish that has acquired special characteristics in Odessa due to its proximity to the sea and multinational culinary traditions. Odessa deruny are often served with red caviar, which gives them a special festive touch and a maritime flavour.

Classic Odessa deruny are made from potatoes, which are grated on a fine grater and mixed with eggs, onions and flour. They are fried in a pan until golden brown. In addition to caviar, popular fillings include fried mushrooms, herbs or sour cream with garlic.

This dish is especially popular among tourists thanks to its combination of familiar Ukrainian flavours with Odessa characteristics. Deruny can be found in both expensive restaurants and budget cafes, making them accessible to all categories of visitors.

Odessa-style vinaigrette

Odessa vinaigrette is a special interpretation of the classic salad, distinguished by its freshness and lightness. Unlike the traditional recipe, the Odessa version often contains more fresh vegetables and has a less rich dressing.

Odessa vinaigrette consists of boiled beets, carrots and potatoes, fresh cabbage, onions, pickled cucumbers and sometimes beans. The peculiarity lies in the proportions — more fresh ingredients make the salad lighter and more refreshing. It is dressed with oil and lemon juice or light vinegar.

This salad is ideal for the hot Odessa climate and is a popular appetiser in summer cafés by the sea. It goes well with fish dishes and seafood.

By the way, the article ‘How much does it cost to live in Odessa for a month: prices for housing, food, transport’ will help you find out the average cost of living in the city.

Hummus and other dishes with Middle Eastern influences

The multinational character of Odessa has left its mark in the form of Middle Eastern dishes that have organically blended into the local culinary landscape. Hummus — a puree of chickpeas with the addition of sesame paste, garlic and spices — has become a popular appetiser in Odessa restaurants.

In addition to hummus, you can try falafel — fried balls made from chickpeas and spices, tabbouleh — a salad made from bulgur wheat with greens and vegetables, and other dishes brought to the city by its Armenian, Greek and Lebanese residents.

These dishes are especially popular among young people and tourists looking for light and healthy alternatives to traditional heavy food. They are perfect for snacks between excursions and beach relaxation.

Sweets from Odessa — local desserts

Odessa desserts are a real highlight of the local cuisine, combining the traditions of different peoples in sweet harmony. The most popular are cherry vareniki — delicate dough with a juicy filling, served with sour cream or butter. This dish is especially popular in summer, when the wonderful Odessa cherries ripen.

Vertuta is a traditional Moldovan pastry that has become an integral part of Odessa cuisine thanks to the large Moldovan community. Thin sheets of dough filled with cheese, apples or poppy seeds create an incredibly delicate and fragrant dessert.

Cheese ‘fingers’ are an exquisite Odessa interpretation of classic pancakes. Thin pancakes are rolled into fingers with a delicate cheese filling, fried until golden brown and served with honey or jam.

Napoleon cake occupies a special place in Odessa cuisine — a multi-layered dessert made of crispy puff pastry and delicate custard cream. Odessa confectioners have perfected this recipe, adding a special lightness and sophistication.

Prunes stuffed with walnuts are an elegant dessert that reflects the Middle Eastern influences in Odessa cuisine. Juicy plums with crunchy nuts create the perfect balance of flavours and textures, and these sweets are often served with tea in traditional Odessa families.

Planning a trip and haven't chosen your accommodation yet? How to find and book hotels in Odessa and other cities in Ukraine — we tell you here.

Where to try Odessa dishes?

You can try authentic Odessa cuisine in a variety of places, from elite restaurants to affordable establishments and street food.

High-end restaurants in the city centre offer signature interpretations of classic Odessa dishes. Here, forshmak can be served as an elegant appetiser, and gobies as part of a tasting set. Prices in such establishments are higher, but the quality and presentation are top-notch.

Family restaurants and traditional Odessa taverns offer a more authentic experience. Here you can try dishes prepared according to old family recipes in an atmosphere of genuine Odessa hospitality.

The Privoz Market is a separate universe of Odessa cuisine. Here you can buy fresh seafood, taste ready-made dishes and get acquainted with local culinary traditions. This is the cheapest and most authentic way to experience real Odessa cuisine.

Street food by the sea and in tourist areas offers quick snacks — fried fish, potato pancakes and other traditional dishes at affordable prices.

Tips to help tourists experience the gastronomic spirit of Odessa:

– For an authentic experience, visit local establishments where Odessa residents themselves dine.

– Bargain at the Privoz market — it's part of the local culture.

– Don't be afraid to experiment with seafood — it's always fresh in Odessa.

– Ask locals for recommendations — Odessa residents love to talk about their favourite places.

– Plan your gastronomic walks for different times of the day — some dishes taste better in the morning, others in the evening.

Odessa cuisine is not just a set of dishes, but a whole philosophy of life that combines joy, hospitality and a love of good food. Each dish tells its own story about this incredible city, where different cultures and traditions meet.

To try Odessa cuisine is to feel the soul of the city and become part of its centuries-old gastronomic history.

Discover Odessa with Visit Ukraine

After your gastronomic discoveries, it's time to immerse yourself in the true soul of the city. Visit Ukraine offers unique author tours that will reveal all the facets of legendary Odessa — from hidden courtyards to underground secrets.

An individual tour of Odessa's courtyards is a journey to the true heart of the city, where the authentic soul of Odessa lives. Each courtyard has its own history, its own atmosphere and its own unique characters. Here, among the unique architecture that you will not find in any textbook on urban planning, among residents of different nationalities, you will experience the legendary Odessa hospitality. Our guides will share personal stories about life in Odessa's courtyards, tell you about the traditions and customs that have shaped the character of this unique city.

A tour of the Odessa Catacombs is a real adventure for intrepid travellers. This is no ordinary tour, but a plunge into a mystery that hides many secrets. You will see underground bunkers from the Cold War era with a 4th degree of protection, a unique 3.5 million-year-old animal cemetery, and underground lakes with living creatures unknown to science. You will learn about the process of stone extraction, see real gangster hideouts in Moldavanka and the places where a partisan detachment was killed. This is the most unique and at the same time safe journey into the underground world of Odessa.

A sightseeing tour of Odessa is a discovery of a whole planet called Odessa. Forget about boring ‘look left and right’ tours — you will take an interesting path, walking on the same stones that Gogol, Fidel Castro, and Mark Twain once walked on. Every corner of the city will tell its own story, and modern Odessans will add so many new legends that there will be enough material for several tours. This is not just a tour of the sights, but a real introduction to the city-universe.

Behind the scenes of the opera house — a unique opportunity to see the theatre from the inside. You will learn how the theatre ‘breathes,’ how the stage jacks work, and where the scenery is stored. You will visit the orchestra pit, see the prompter's box, the amazing ladder for cleaning the chandelier, and the unique ballet floor. All the secrets of theatre life will be revealed to you!

Each tour is an opportunity to see Odessa from a new perspective, feel its unique atmosphere and understand why this city makes you fall in love with it forever.

Book individual tours with Visit Ukraine and discover the real Ukraine!

Reminder! Odessa has long been a commercial and tourist centre of Ukraine. It is a beautiful European resort city that still retains its unique culture today. The most interesting facts about Odessa and everything you need to know about the southern pearl of Ukraine can be found at the link.

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