A method for providing block access on top of a key-value store comprising a distributed data storage system is provided. The method can include receiving, at a block device, a first input/output operation requesting one or more data blocks. The first input/output operation can be translated into a second input/output operation requesting one or more key-value pairs. The second input/output operation can be performed by at least sending the second input/output operation to the key-value store. Related systems and articles of manufacture, including computer program products, are also provided.