Cafe Dacha — Restaurant in Highland Park

This was my first visit here and all I can say is that it was extremely underwhelming...

The service was ok, she was attentive, but her English wasn't very good and neither was her knowledge of the menu. She was friendly and so was the rest of the staff.

my friend and I ordered a Negroninto start, they were very Campari heavy, when they should be 1/3, 1/3, 1/3 gin, Campari, and vermouth. Also, use a orange peel, not a whole slice of orange... This is Chicago, and we aren't dining at an old school, Wisconsin, supper club...

To start, we had the Pierogi (with cabbage) and the Chebureki(meat pie). Both were ok, but had way too much dough and not enough filling. Both were extremely under seasoned. The Chebureki's dough really tasted like a pizza puff and was just as greasy.

For our entrees, we split the Stuffed cabbage rolls, the Cornish hens, and the homemade pickles. They were good, not fantastic. The cabbage rolls were in a sauce that should have been way more acidic and sweet. It tasted like someone used a modified marinara sauce. The Cornish hens were properly cooked, but lacked flavor. The true stars were the pickled Roma tomatoes, cabbage, and pickles. The Pickled Roma tomato was incredible and wondered why I have never had one before.

The desserts were just alright, we had the Napoleon cake and cherry pierogi's. They were just ok...

To be honest, I don't think I will be back. It seems, outside of the pickles, they need to do some fine tuning all around, from service, bar and food before I think...

From the moment you step into a Dacha restaurant , you’re enveloped in a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. This Ukrainian gem in the heart of Chicago offers an unforgettable dining experience that beautifully combines rich tradition with modern culinary excellence.

The menu is a delightful journey through authentic Ukrainian cuisine, featuring a variety of dishes that are both hearty and flavorful. The borscht, with its vibrant color and perfect balance of sweet and sour, is a testament to the kitchen’s mastery. The staff are knowledgeable and passionate, always ready to recommend the perfect pairing or share the stories behind the dishes.

Service at Dacha is impeccable. The staff exude genuine warmth and hospitality, making every guest feel like family. They go above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience, whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a larger celebration.

The ambiance is equally charming, with traditional decor that adds to the authenticity without feeling kitschy. It’s a perfect setting for a romantic evening, a family dinner, or a casual night out with friends.

In a city with a rich culinary landscape, Dacha stands out as a beacon of Ukrainian culture and cuisine. It’s a place where food is not just a meal, but a celebration of heritage and community. Whether you’re a long-time lover of Ukrainian food or new to this delicious cuisine, Dacha is a must-visit. Highly...

A True Taste of Home at Cafe Dacha

Cafe Dacha is a wonderful haven for Eastern Europeans craving the taste of home. Every dish we ordered was clearly prepared with love and care.

We started with unique drinks—my husband tried a new Ukrainian beer and was not disappointed, while I enjoyed a vodka soda with a delightful cherry twist.

The borsch was full of rich, authentic flavor. We also had a long-standing craving for fried potatoes, which weren’t on the menu, but the staff happily prepared them for us—an unexpected and much-appreciated gesture. The lamb kebab was incredibly tender, melting in the mouth with each bite.

For dessert, I had planned to save part of my Napoleon cake for later, but we couldn’t resist and ended up finishing it on the spot. It was perfectly crusty rather than moist—exactly how I love it and rarely find it prepared.

The service was both quick and exceptionally friendly. Even though the restaurant was full, it remained peaceful and gave us the perfect setting to talk and celebrate our wedding anniversary.

Definitely recommended—we’ll be...