Cabbage Pie in Atlanta: Where to Find It, What It Is, and How to Enjoy It

If you’re searching for “cabbage pie” in Atlanta, you’re probably curious about one of those cozy, old-world dishes that shows up in several international cuisines—especially Eastern European, Russian, and some Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions.

Atlanta’s restaurant scene doesn’t always list “cabbage pie” by that exact name, but you can absolutely find dishes that match what most people mean by it: savory pies, pastries, and baked casseroles built around cabbage.

This guide walks you through:

• What cabbage pie usually is
• Which international cuisines in Atlanta serve something similar
• How and where to look for it in metro Atlanta
• What to expect when you order it (flavors, portions, pricing vibe)
• Ideas if you want to make a cabbage pie at home using Atlanta resources

What People Usually Mean by “Cabbage Pie”

“Cabbage pie” isn’t one single standardized dish. In Atlanta, it typically shows up in a few main forms:

• Eastern European–style baked pie
  Layers of sautéed cabbage (sometimes with onion, carrot, and dill) baked in a crust or batter. Sometimes vegetarian, sometimes with ground meat.

• Russian/Slavic pirog-style pie
  A yeasted dough or shortcrust filled with seasoned cabbage, then baked in a large pan and cut into slices.

• Greek or Mediterranean cabbage bakes
  Occasionally you’ll find cabbage layered with phyllo or baked in a casserole with eggs, cheese, and herbs.

• Cabbage hand pies
  Turnovers or small pastries stuffed with cabbage, onions, and sometimes beef or lamb, served as appetizers or bakery items.

If you’re in Atlanta and see any of the following words, you’re often in cabbage-pie territory:

• Cabbage pirog / pirogi / pirok
• Savory cabbage pie
• Cabbage pastry
• Cabbage and cheese bake
• Cabbage casserole (in some Eastern European or Russian menus)

Cuisines in Atlanta Where You’re Most Likely to Find Cabbage Pie

1. Russian, Ukrainian, and Eastern European Restaurants

In metro Atlanta, Russian and Eastern European spots are your best bet for a classic version of cabbage pie.

Common menu descriptions include:

• “Cabbage pie” or “cabbage pirog”
• “Baked cabbage pastry”
• “Cabbage and egg pie”
• “Cabbage and meat pie”

Dishes to ask about:

• Pirog / pirogi / pirok with cabbage – typically a large, shareable pie
• Cabbage turnovers – hand-held versions with similar fillings

What to expect:

• Flavors: buttery crust, soft cabbage, mild seasoning (dill, pepper, onion)
• Texture: soft filling, sometimes slightly sweet cabbage; crust ranges from bread-like to flaky
• Portion: often generous; can be a meal on its own with a side salad or soup

If a restaurant has borscht, pelmeni, or blini on the menu, it’s worth asking staff whether they ever offer cabbage pie or cabbage pastries, even as a daily special.

2. Polish, Balkan, and Other Central/Eastern European Spots

Atlanta occasionally has Polish, Czech, or Balkan-influenced menus—sometimes as full restaurants, sometimes as bakery cases inside international markets.

Look for:

• Savory pies or pastries with cabbage and sauerkraut
• Mixed fillings like cabbage + mushrooms or cabbage + ground pork

You might see:

• Cabbage strudel (cabbage baked in a rolled pastry)
• Cabbage pastries in bakery sections of Eastern European markets

If you’re shopping at an international grocery store (especially along Buford Highway or in the northeast suburbs), check the refrigerated or bakery cases for ready-made savory pies and pastries.

3. Greek and Mediterranean Restaurants

Traditional Greek menus in Atlanta are better known for spinach pies (spanakopita) and cheese pies (tiropita), but some cooks and bakers adapt the same phyllo crust format to cabbage.

At Greek or broader Mediterranean restaurants in Atlanta:

• Ask if they have seasonal or off-menu savory pies
• Look for daily specials boards featuring vegetable pies
• Occasionally you’ll see cabbage combined with feta or other cheeses in a layered bake

These versions will be:

• Flakier (phyllo-based)
• Often richer due to olive oil or butter
• Served in squares, similar to spanakopita

4. Middle Eastern, Turkish, and Central Asian Influences

Some Turkish, Middle Eastern, or Central Asian spots in Atlanta feature stuffed pastries that use cabbage among other fillings.

You might encounter:

• Börek-style pastries with mixed vegetable fillings
• Savory pies on special-order or catering menus

While not always labeled “cabbage pie,” asking about:

• Vegetable börek
• Savory pastries with cabbage can lead you to something very similar.

Using Atlanta’s International Grocers and Markets to Find Cabbage Pie

If you’re flexible about format (fresh, frozen, or bakery), Atlanta’s international grocery corridors can be very helpful.

Areas and Types of Stores to Explore

Here’s a quick overview you can use as a starting point:

Tips when you’re in these stores:

• Check both the fresh bakery case and the frozen foods aisle.
• Look for labels mentioning “cabbage,” “kapusta,” “zel’e,” or “savory pie.”
• Ask employees directly:
  • “Do you have any savory pies with cabbage?”
  • “Do you sell cabbage pirog or cabbage pastries?”

Many of these markets also take special orders for whole pies if you call ahead—useful for parties, holidays, or if you want a full tray.

What It’s Like to Order Cabbage Pie in an Atlanta Restaurant

Even if you know what cabbage pie tastes like, Atlanta’s versions can vary based on the chef’s background. Here’s what to expect so you’re not surprised once it hits the table.

Typical Flavor Profile

Most versions in Atlanta lean toward:

• Comforting and mild rather than spicy
• Savory with a hint of sweetness from sautéed cabbage
• Herb-forward (dill, parsley) in Slavic-style dishes
• Rich and buttery or oily if phyllo or flaky crust is used

If you prefer more or less seasoning:

• Ask if the pie uses garlic, dill, or strong spices
• Request sour cream, yogurt, or a mild sauce on the side when available

Portion Size and Price Range

Cabbage pie is often:

• Served as a large wedge or rectangular slice
• Enough for a light meal with a salad or soup
• Moderately priced compared with meat-heavy dishes, since the main ingredient is cabbage

Some places sell it:

• By the slice at lunch
• As part of a combo plate with soup, salad, or another side

Dietary Considerations (Non-Medical, Practical Notes)

If you have ingredient preferences, common points to clarify:

• Is there meat in the filling (beef, pork, or chicken)?
• Is it cooked with butter, lard, or only vegetable oil?
• Does the filling contain cheese or eggs?

Many cabbage pies are not vegan due to eggs, dairy, or butter in the dough, but some can be vegetarian. Asking upfront is normal and accepted in most Atlanta restaurants, especially those used to international and health-conscious diners.

How Atlantans Can Recreate Cabbage Pie at Home

If you can’t find exactly what you want on a local menu, it’s very realistic to make cabbage pie yourself using ingredients that are easy to source around Atlanta.

Core Ingredients You’ll Need

You can pick these up at any major Atlanta grocery store, plus some extras at international markets:

• Green or Savoy cabbage (main filling)
• Onions, carrots, and garlic (for base flavor)
• Butter or oil (for sautéing)
• Eggs and sour cream or yogurt (common in Slavic-style batters and fillings)
• Fresh herbs like dill or parsley
• Flour-based crust or pastry
  • Ready-made pie crust
  • Phyllo dough (available in many Atlanta supermarkets)
  • Or a simple homemade batter poured over the sautéed cabbage

Optional:

• Ground meat (beef, pork, chicken, or turkey)
• Cheese (feta, farmer’s cheese, or mild white cheeses)

Basic Steps (High-Level)

1. Prepare the cabbage

   • Shred or thinly slice
   • Sauté with onions (and carrots, if you like) until soft and lightly browned

2. Season the filling

   • Salt, pepper, herbs (dill is classic in Eastern European styles)
   • Add cooked ground meat if you’re going for a meat version

3. Assemble the pie

   • Line a pan with dough or phyllo, or pour a simple batter into a greased baking dish with the sautéed cabbage mixed in

4. Bake

   • Until the top is golden and the center is set

Once you’re comfortable with a base recipe, you can tune it to taste—richer, lighter, more herb-forward, etc.

When Cabbage Pie Shows Up in Atlanta: Holidays, Events, and Specials

Certain community events and festivals around Atlanta may feature cabbage pies at food booths or bake sales, especially where there’s a Slavic, Eastern European, Greek, or international church community involved.

What to watch for:

• International or cultural festivals advertised in metro Atlanta
• Holiday bazaars (often in late fall and early winter)
• Church or community center events with Eastern European or Mediterranean roots

Food at these events can be a good way to:

• Try a homemade-style cabbage pie
• Talk directly with cooks about recipes, traditions, and variations
• Get tips for where they shop or which local stores carry the right ingredients

Practical Tips for Finding Cabbage Pie in Atlanta

To make your search smoother:

• Use flexible search terms
  When calling or checking menus, look for or ask about:

  • “Savory cabbage pie”
  • “Cabbage pastry or cabbage pirog”
  • “Vegetable pie with cabbage”

• Call ahead 📞
  Many restaurants and bakeries don’t list every item online. Asking, “Do you ever serve cabbage pie or cabbage pastries?” can uncover:

  • Rotating daily specials
  • Seasonal items
  • Items available by pre-order only

• Check bakery cases carefully
  In international markets, labels may be brief. If you see something that looks like a savory pastry or pan-baked pie, ask staff whether it’s filled with cabbage, meat, or cheese.

• Be open to similar dishes
  Even if you don’t see “cabbage pie” by name, spanakopita variants, vegetable börek, and mixed-vegetable pastries can be very close in spirit—especially if your goal is a warm, savory, pastry-style dish with veggies.

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting, you won’t see “cabbage pie” on every corner—but by focusing on Eastern European, Greek, and international markets and restaurants, you can often find either a traditional version or a close cousin. And with Atlanta’s wide range of grocery options, you also have everything you need locally to bake your own cabbage pie at home.