Support Veteran-Owned Restaurants in Lviv
After surviving everything from shelling to curfews, many Ukrainian veterans and active military personnel have returned to Lviv to reopen or start their own restaurants—making each visit even more meaningful.
Discover over 15 veteran — and military-owned spots across the city, offering everything from specialty coffee at Origami to flavorful dishes like Central Asian Lagman, craft burgers, aromatic pizza, hummus, and falafel.
As restaurant marketer Vsevolod Polishchuk notes: "The military are the most important people in our country. Any success we achieve—on the front or at home—is thanks to them."
Explore the list and meet the people behind these remarkable places in Lviv
Lagman Bar
Kryva Lypa Passage
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Founded by Sasha Boiym, currently serving in the 59th Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Lagman Bar brings the flavors of Central Asia to the heart of Lviv. The menu features three types of homemade lagman (including a vegan option), freshly baked samsa, kombucha, and a small selection of wines. The hand-pulled noodles and flavorful broth offer a satisfying, soulful alternative to ramen—each dish clearly crafted with care and passion.
Sasha is also involved in two other projects nearby:
- Dovhi Burkhlyvi Oplesky (3 Sichovykh Striltsiv St.) — Open from 4:20 PM to 11:00 PM
- Papi (19 Valova St.) — Open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Whether you're in the mood for comforting Central Asian cuisine or curious to explore more of Sasha’s culinary ventures, these spots are well worth a visit.
Bratyska
Kryva Lypa Passage, 11
12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Located just above Lagman Bar in Kryva Lypa, Bratyska is a cozy pub co-founded by Oleg Vynnyk—not the singer, but a well-known local restaurateur. In early 2022, Oleg volunteered with the 103rd Brigade in eastern Ukraine, bringing kitchen gear and food to the frontlines. He has remained in service ever since.
In addition to Bratyska, Oleg is involved in other well-loved Lviv venues:
- Varenyky Tut network
- Zelena Slyvka (11 Staroievreiska St.)
Hours: Mon–Fri: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Sat–Sun: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Whether you're visiting for a pint or a plate of homemade comfort food, these spots offer both flavor and a story of resilience.
Cork Factory
17 Lesi Ukrainky Street
3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cork Factory is a charming wine bar in the heart of Lviv, offering a warm, intimate atmosphere perfect for unwinding with a glass of carefully selected wine. Its founder, Roman Kravets, joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine in February 2022—a fact that brings even more meaning and respect to this small but special place.
Limoncello
25 Lesi Ukrainky Street
3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Located in the heart of Lviv on Lesi Ukrainky Street, Limoncello is a lively and trendy bar offering infused spirits and delicious pasta dishes. The bar’s founder, Yevhen Shaptala, is currently serving in the military.
The venue features a unique loft-style interior with vibrant yellow accents that create a modern, energetic atmosphere. The simple yet flavorful menu showcases a selection of classic Italian dishes.
In the mornings, the bar serves set breakfasts, and throughout the day, guests can enjoy fresh salads, soups, pasta, and traditional Italian desserts.
Porco Marco
14/1a Virmenska Street
Wed–Thu: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Fri–Sun: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
A hidden gem on Virmenska Street, Porco Marco offers more than just delicious Italian-style porchetta, fluffy house-made bread, and authentic pizza. The heart of the place lies in its founders—Anastasiia Hren, who brought the concept back from Italy, and her partner and head chef Dmytro, currently serving on the front lines. The care and passion behind the menu are as memorable as the food itself.
Black Honey
20 Halytska St.
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM;
Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Black Honey on Halytska Street, once a beloved spot for quality coffee in the heart of Lviv, was recently destroyed. The café’s franchisee, serviceman Luka Karpyuk, is currently defending Ukraine. Restaurant community—and many loyal guests—remain hopeful that Black Honey will soon be rebuilt, despite the significant damage.
In the meantime, Luka and his team have opened a new project:
- Riy
Shevchenkivskyi Hai
Daily: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Riy is a modern Ukrainian café serving locally sourced dishes, reimagined Ukrainian classics, and excellent Lviv coffee. The space offers a fresh, authentic experience deeply rooted in tradition yet presented with a contemporary touch.
Veterano Pizza
18 Staroievreiska Street
11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
A staple of Ukraine’s veteran-owned business movement, Veterano Pizza on Staroievreiska Street is part of a well-known national initiative. The Lviv location is led by a veteran from Truskavets, who joined the fight in 2014. Known for its hearty pizzas and strong sense of purpose, the pizzeria continues to serve great food while honoring those who serve the country.
Tse Falafel, krykhitko!
10 Staroievreiska Street
11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tse Falafel, krykhitko! is a cozy spot serving flavorful falafel and Middle Eastern-inspired bites in the heart of Lviv. It’s run by local journalists Ira Smertyha and Dmytro Borysov—longtime friends and colleagues. While Dmytro currently serves in the military, Ira continues to lead the café with heart and care. And no, not that Borysov—this is Lviv’s own.
Cantona Pub
16 Dzhokhara Dudayeva Street
2:00 PM – 11:00 PM, closed on Mondays
Cantona Pub is a football-themed bar in Lviv, named after legendary French player Eric Cantona. It offers a wide selection of draft and bottled beer and regularly screens football matches and other sports events.
After February 24, the pub became a volunteer hub—more a warming shelter than a craft beer spot in its first weeks. Today, the team is back in business but continues supporting the military, some of whom were regulars before heading to the front.
In 2022, Eric Cantona himself expressed support for the pub and its owner, Andrii (Andy) Markovets, saying he was proud to have the bar named after him. No doubt, this place has made its name heard around the world!
Luna Pizza
30a Ivana Velychkovskoho Street
Mon–Thu, Sun: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fri–Sat: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Luna Pizza in Lviv is a cozy family pizzeria with a modern yet simple interior—light walls, minimalist decor, wooden tables, and comfy chairs—creating a warm, relaxed space for gatherings with friends or family.
Plav
19 Valova Street
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Plav is a wine-focused venue offering thoughtfully curated pairings. Its wine list features both classic European selections and local Ukrainian wines, handpicked by a sommelier. The menu includes light bites, cheeses, antipasti, and seafood—especially mussels, symbolizing support for Ukraine’s Black Sea.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Plav became a peaceful refuge for guests—thanks to the protection provided by Dmytro Pashchuk, who joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. On March 12, 2023, he was killed in action during a mission in the Kherson region. Plav and the entire Lviv community deeply felt his loss.
Vrazhaie!
26 Staroievreiska Street
8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Vrazhaie! is a cozy café decorated in soft, sandy tones with gentle lighting that creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Thoughtful details—like the entrance mirror with “You Impress!” written on it and posters inviting you to sketch yourself or a loved one—add a personal and emotional touch.
The café was founded by war veteran Serhii, together with his wife Anna and their son Nazar. Their presence brings a special sense of warmth and care to the service.
Respublika Sadu
20A Vynnychenka Street
10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Another peaceful city café in the quiet center of Lviv, Respublika Sadu opened in March 2023 on the site of the former Karmel coffee shop. It was founded in memory of Dmytro Pashchuk, who was killed in action in the Kherson region.
The café is well worth a visit, offering a warm, welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and drinks. The menu features a variety of dishes and house-made baked goods, including freshly baked bread.
And here are also the coffee shops:
- "Bike me a coffee" | 8 Shevchenka St. | opening hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Sat 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- "Coffee for Two" | 77 Chornovola Ave | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- "Military Coffee" | 93 Chornovola Ave | opening hours: Mon-Sat 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Sun 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
And don't forget to buy sweet potatoes from a soldier's family at "Batatko" and strawberries from a veteran at "Faina Berry"
