Russian Food in Columbus, Ohio

If you're in the neighborhood, Ohio's capital city is now home to a Russian restaurant called "Hawa Russia" (Nasha Rossiya). The restaurant is extremely new, so some of its kinks in service and atmosphere need to be ironed out, but the traditional Khokloma plates decorating the walls, the mural in a similar theme, and the other friendly touches are a welcome sight for anyone missing Russia.

Reviews are mixed about this restaurant, but if you're new to Russian food, Hawa Russia makes a good introduction to some of the most popular dishes. Beet soup, pelmeni, pirozhki, and other traditional specialties are on the menu. If you so choose, you can even try kvas.

Life is too short not to try Russian food. Though your fellow Columbus diners may attempt some unorthodox combinations (one blogger used pirozhki as "bread sticks"), and your fellow Russian diners may mock any attempts at reproducing their national cuisine, Hawa Russia makes available dishes that would otherwise remain unknown to a city that has long been bereft of Russian food. Full credit should be given to those behind Hawa Russia for giving residents of, and visitors to, Columbus, Ohio, the opportunity to experience this tasty cuisine.

Hawa Russia is located at 2680 E. Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, Ohio. The chef is from Ukraine and has worked at other restaurants serving classic Russian dishes.