In the middle of Winter Park’s tropical landscape, Lacomka Bakery & Russian Store stands as a cozy, flour-dusted defiance of the Florida heat. Located at 2050 FL-436 #140, this family-owned gem is part gourmet deli, part international pantry, and part time-capsule.
Here is a unique description of the place that brings a slice of the "Old Country" to the Sunshine State:
The Vibe: A Slavic Soul in the Sun State
Walking into Lacomka (which translates to "Gourmet" or "Sweet Tooth") is like crossing a border without a passport. The air is heavy with the scent of yeast, smoked meats, and honey. While the outside world is all palm trees and strip malls, the interior is a warm, bustling European bazaar where the clinking of tea glasses and the melodic hum of Eastern European languages create a distinct, homely energy.
Why It’s Truly Unique:
The "Rachael Ray" Approved Deli: This spot gained national fame on Food Network for its authentic, "no-shortcuts" approach. It’s a place where Borscht is served deep-ruby and steaming, and the Golubtsy (stuffed cabbage) tastes like it was slow-simmered by a grandmother in a village outside Kiev or Moscow.
The "Fur Under the Coat" Salad: Yes, that’s its real name. Lacomka is one of the few places in Orlando where you can find authentic Shuba, a sophisticated layered salad of herring, beets, and potatoes. It’s a culinary rite of passage for foodies looking for something beyond the typical Florida fare.
The Grocery Treasure Map: The shelves are a curated museum of hard-to-find imports. You’ll find rows of Georgian wines, jars of specialized pickles, baltic sprats, and "Zefir" (cloud-like marshmallows) that make the average candy aisle look boring.
The Bakery: The Crown Jewel
The bakery case is a visual symphony of honey cakes (Medovik) and Napoleon tortes. These aren't the overly sugary desserts of American chains; they are structured, nuanced, and meant to be paired with a strong cup of Black Russian tea.
Why the Locals Keep Coming Back:
The "Blinchiki" Fix: Their Russian-style blintzes (pancakes) are legendary. Whether stuffed with savory meat and mushrooms or sweet cottage cheese, they are the ultimate comfort food.
The Authentic Deli Counter: From smoked sturgeon to high-quality "Salo" and European sausages, the meat and fish selection is a magnet for the city’s international community and adventurous chefs.
Warmth Over Formality: It’s a "hole-in-the-wall" in the best way possible. The service is personal, and the owners are often there to explain exactly what’s inside a Piroshki or help you pick the right brand of Kvas.
The Insider Move: Don't leave without a loaf of their authentic dark rye bread. It’s dense, fragrant, and pairs perfectly with the salted butter and smoked fish you’ll inevitably find yourself buying from the refrigerated case.
Lacomka Bakery & Store is now owned and operated by David Natlia and Lena Blagodar. David was born in Tbilisi, Georgia and emigrated to the United States in 1991. After working in New York for nearly 3 decades, he decided to chase his dreams and call Florida his new home. Lena was born in Odessa, Ukraine and moved to the United States in 2010. She also worked in New York for 10 years as a grocery manager. They share a love of Eastern European food, and a passion for an authentic home style dining experience that didn’t exist in Orlando. When the opportunity to purchase Lacomka came about, they leapt at their chance to bring their vision for a truly unique dining experience to the central Florida market. They invite you to come and visit the Lacomka Bakery & Store, and experience first hand their passion for excellence.
Lacomka offers some of best traditional European food in Orlando FL. There is also a Café where you can stop by and have a nice meal or lunch. Stop by and try your favorite European dishes.
Eating at Lacomka Bakery & Store is a quintessential European experience. Pelmeni, Pirozhki, and traditional salads and soups are just a few of Lacomka’s greatest hits. Call us to order carry out for any occasion, which will look quite fancy, and be authentic and delicious.
