Support Ukraine at these Orlando restaurants

World news leaving you feeling powerless? You're not alone. But one thing Orlandoans are really good at is rallying around their friends and neighbors to do good. As the war in Ukraine escalates, there are a few things you can do around town to make a difference in the lives of those affected, including ones here at home.

Here are a few ways to support Ukraine and some of our local Ukrainian-Orlandoans this weekend.

Sample Eastern European delights at Lacomka Deli & Bakery. Ukranian co-owned, this market and restaurant on State Road 436 and Casselton Drive has, unfortunately, received threats and harassment over the last few weeks. Go in, be nice, and pick up a few jars of pickled vegetables, delicious cookies and breads or sit down for a meal of chicken paprikash and savory pirozhki.

Poland has been instrumental so far as a staging area for Ukrainian refugees, and just down the street from Lacomka are two Polish spots you can swing by and support: Anna's Polish Restaurant has the kind of goulash dreams are made of, and Europol Polish Deli is a hidden-gem resource for meats, cheeses, beverages and snacks.


Tartini Pizzeria & Spaghetteria on the south end of Orange Avenue in Edgewood is currently owned by Ukrainian Oleksandr Nechyporenko. According to a post on the Orlando Foodie Forum Facebook group, his home city is under attack and some of his family members are fleeing to Poland. Tartini's antipasto platter is one of the most beautiful and delicious you'll find in the city, and their wood-fired pizza slaps.

Either of these dining options would be excellent choices to visit before or after heading to the Russian Ballet Orlando's fundraiser for Ukraine on Saturday, March 12, at Lake Eola Park.

Foxtail Coffee Co. (Winter Park, University Blvd, Altamonte and Lake Mary/Heathrow locations only) is selling an adorable fox cookie  sporting the azure and yellow of the Ukrainian flag for $5. All proceeds from the cookie's sales will go to RazomForUkraine.com, which helps Ukrainian refugees receive critical aid. Here's hoping the promotion will expand past their flagship and into all 35 locations for maximum impact.

Ricky Ly of Tasty Chomps has launched a "Orlando for the People of Ukraine" fundraiser for World Central Kitchen, where celeb chefs like Marc Murphy and Hugh Acheson are currently cooking at the Polish border alongside Jose Andres. They're feeding Ukranian refugees, and your donation goes to help supply the nonprofit with supplies and resources.

Bulla Gastrobar in Winter Park has renamed their Moscow Mule cocktails as "Bulla Mules" and are donating $1 from the sale of each cocktail the Ukraine Crisis Fund.

James Beard Foundation Award nominee chef Hari Pulapaka is pulling together some of the biggest names in Central Florida culinary scene for a fundraiser dinner on April 23 to benefit Ukraine's efforts. Featured chefs include John Rivers of 4Rivers, Kevin Fonzo (also a James Beard Foundation Award nominee) and Tonda Corrente of La Femme du Fromage. Tickets are $100 and are on sale now.

This is a developing story, so as new information becomes available, we'll add to the list. Send us a tip at [email protected].



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