Kyiv Social: A Heartwarming Celebration of Ukrainian Food, Culture and Courage

Tucked away in the inner-city streets of Sydney is a restaurant that not only fills your belly, but lifts your spirits.

Kyiv Social, part of the remarkable Plate It Forward group, is far more than just a place to eat – it’s a powerful symbol of resilience, pride, and hope. At its core, Kyiv Social is a venue where traditional Ukrainian hospitality meets a meaningful mission: empowering refugees by training them in hospitality, offering employment, and helping them build new lives in Australia.

From the moment you step inside, Kyiv Social feels like a celebration.

The Ukrainian flag, proudly displayed, sets the tone—this is a place of cultural pride, not just in cuisine, but in identity. The walls are warm, the lighting is soft, and there’s a buzz of sincerity in the air that is rare in a dining experience.

What immediately stands out is the energy and warmth of the staff, many of whom are Ukrainian refugees. They’re not just working a shift; they’re sharing a piece of their homeland, their history, and their hope for the future.

READ MORE: The 5 best burgers in Western Sydney right now

A menu steeped in tradition

The menu at Kyiv Social is a loving tribute to classic Ukrainian dishes, lovingly prepared with both authenticity and flair. There are no gimmicks here—just deeply comforting, honest food done exceptionally well.

The Chicken Kyiv is, naturally, a centrepiece—and it does not disappoint. Crisp and golden on the outside, the breadcrumbed shell can be covered in garlic butter sauce that melts onto your plate and into your soul. It’s rich, it’s nostalgic, and it’s exactly what you want it to be on a cold and wet Sydney day – perfect, and full of hearty comfort.

Then there’s the Beef Goulash, a dish that reminds you just how satisfying slow-cooked comfort food can be.

The beef is fall-apart tender, cooked in a deeply savoury paprika-infused sauce that warms you from the inside out. It’s served with a helping of creamy mashed potato—nothing fancy, just beautifully executed. This is food that tells a story. A story of family meals, of cold winters back home, of resilience.

If the mains are deeply satisfying, the desserts are nothing short of revelatory.

Sour Cherry Dumplings—tangy, slightly sweet parcels of joy—arrive swimming in a drizzle of sour cream and just enough syrup to balance the tartness. The cherries burst with flavour and a hint of nostalgia.

And then, the Honey Cake. Layers of soft, spiced sponge interleaved with delicate cream, all soaked in golden honey. It’s indulgent yet comforting—a flawless finish that lingers long after the last bite.

READ MORE: This hidden Sydney cafe brings the French Riviera to Chowder Bay

More than a meal

But what makes Kyiv Social truly special is not just the food—it’s the mission behind it.

The restaurant is one of several under the Plate It Forward initiative, which seeks to change lives through the power of food. Here, refugees and asylum seekers are not only trained in hospitality but welcomed into a supportive community and offered a chance to rebuild their futures.

In Kyiv Social’s case, many of the staff have fled the war in Ukraine, leaving behind homes, loved ones, and careers. To see them working with such pride, joy, and passion is deeply moving.

Each dish is served with a smile and, often, a story. There’s an emotional richness here that you can’t replicate.
Dining at Kyiv Social doesn’t just support a social enterprise—it feels like you’re helping to stitch a torn world back together, one meal at a time.

The power of hospitality

The atmosphere is warm and inclusive, and the sense of purpose is palpable. While we are there, two birthday parties are celebrated with every guest applauding as candles light up a desert.

Kyiv Social is about sharing cultures. It’s about giving people dignity and letting them express themselves the best way they know how through food.

READ MORE: 10 Best French Restaurants Sydney Has to Offer

A restaurant with soul

In a city filled with excellent eateries, Kyiv Social manages to stand out not just because of its delicious food, but because of the deep humanity behind it.

Every bite feels like a small act of solidarity.

Go for the Chicken Kyiv. Stay for the sour cherry dumplings. But most of all, come to feel the warmth of a place where food brings people together for all the right reasons.

Kyiv Social

Where: 202 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008.
When: Open Tuesday-Thursday: 5:30pm-10pm, Friday: 5:30pm-11pm, Saturday: 12pm-3pm, 5:30pm-11pm.

kyivsocial.com.au