East Market Street is getting sweeter and sweeter! Sweet&Tasty, a new cafe with a special spotlight on Ukrainian cuisine, brings the flavors of Europe to downtown Harrisonburg. Owned and operated by Nataliia Kyryliuk, along with her son, daughter, and cousin, Sweet&Tasty offers pastries, cakes, savory snacks, espresso drinks, milkshakes, and mocktails. After leaving their home in Ukraine during the war, the Kyryliuk family found a fresh start in Harrisonburg.
Taking over withSimplicity’s old location, Sweet&Tasty welcomes customers into a bright, minimalist interior. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, while a black-and-white aesthetic, a well-stocked bakery case, and a greenery-adorned selfie wall make for a cozy yet modern atmosphere.
“A special place on our menu is dedicated to flavors from Ukraine, the country we proudly call home,” said Kyryliuk. Try a Ukrainian specialty like nalisniki (stuffed crepes), filled with sweet cheese, potato and mushroom, chicken, or beef. Another favorite is sirniki, a lightly sweet cheese pancake that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
For those craving something heartier, European-style hot dogs—served in either a classic bun or wrapped in lavash (flatbread)—provide a delicious twist on a familiar favorite. “We take pride in delivering flavors that are distinct from typical American offerings,” said Kyryliuk.
To complement their food offerings, Sweet&Tasty serves a variety of espresso drinks, milkshakes, and refreshing, colorful mocktails—including non-alcoholic takes on an Aperol Spritz, Blue Lagoon, and Mojito, with more seasonal flavors rotating in.
At the heart of Sweet&Tasty’s mission is the desire to bring people together over good food and warm hospitality. The family takes pride in their traditional Ukrainian desserts, including medovik (honey cake) and Napoleon (Ukrainian-style mille-feuille), both made from treasured family recipes. “These desserts are not only delicious but also filled with warm memories of home,” Kyryliuk shared. “We want every guest to experience the comfort of homemade food and discover the richness of Ukrainian traditions.”
The journey to opening Sweet&Tasty wasn’t without challenges. “Adapting to a new culture, language, and lifestyle wasn’t easy, but we were fortunate to have the support of family and friends,” said Kyryliuk. Their dream was also supported by Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s Bricks & Clicks program, which awarded them a $10,000 grant to launch their business.
A whiteboard inside the café serves as a vibrant collage of languages and a celebration of the business. Kurdish, Korean, Ukrainian, Spanish—each message reflects Harrisonburg’s rich diversity and the way our communities can uplift and support one another. “This café is our pride and joy. It’s more than a business—it’s a part of our soul,” said Kyryliuk. “Sweet&Tasty is now a piece of our heart nestled in the center of beautiful Harrisonburg.”
Find Sweet&Tasty at 66 E Market St., Harrisonburg, VA. Visit them Monday-Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.