Located in downtown Nyack, Corner of Ukraine is more than just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of tradition and culture. Owner Ivanka Dashko, originally from western Ukraine, never planned to stay in the U.S. But after meeting her husband, Ivan, she built a life here, first launching Green Tie, a catering business, and later fulfilling her dream of opening a Ukrainian restaurant
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“It was always in the back of my mind,” Ivanka says. “I wanted to bring real Ukrainian food to this area, but I knew it had to be done right.”
Spring Valley has a large Ukrainian community, yet no authentic Ukrainian restaurants nearby. Ukrainian food is a labor of love—like borscht, which requires layers of carefully prepared ingredients to achieve its deep, rich flavors.
“Ukrainian food isn’t fast food,” Ivanka explains. “Everything is made from scratch—no shortcuts.”
During a visit to a Ukrainian restaurant in NYC, she realized how much of its menu had been Americanized. That moment solidified her mission: to serve food that remains unapologetically Ukrainian.
Her restaurant is truly a family effort. Her mother hand-makes pierogies, and many staff members came to the U.S. through Uniting for Ukraine, allowing them to share their culture through food. “I tell my employees every day: You’re not just working for me—you’re working for Ukraine.”
Beyond the food, the space itself tells a story. Embroidered textiles from different regions of Ukraine decorate the restaurant, each piece carrying history and craftsmanship. The Nyack community has embraced Ivanka’s vision, showing unwavering support.
Looking ahead, she hopes to preserve tradition and educate others through food. An affordable lunch special makes it easy for more people to experience authentic Ukrainian flavors.
From borscht to vareniki to Chicken Kyiv, every dish at Corner of Ukraine offers a taste of home, no matter where you’re from.
