A good cabbage roll is a simple thing done right: tender leaves wrapped around seasoned meat and rice, usually tucked under a light tomato sauce. Ohio happens to be full of Eastern European kitchens that still make them the old way, from busy North Market counters to historic dining rooms and neighborhood diners.
Whether you grew up eating them at a family table or you are just curious what all the fuss is about, these six spots know their way around the dish. Here are the kitchens worth pointing your car toward the next time the craving hits.
1. Sudova • Eastern European Kitchen, Cincinnati, OH
Downtown Cincinnati gets a modern take on old-world cooking at 22 W Court St, where the menu balances tradition with a trendy, upscale feel.
The kitchen leans into Eastern European classics, and the cabbage rolls are a repeated favorite alongside dumplings, latkes, and potatoes. You will also find dishes like Khachapuri Georgian Cheese Bread, Halushki, Rye Dumplings, and a Layered Honey Cake for dessert…