By Tim Ogden
In recent years, Georgia’s social culture has undergone changes that have altered the face of Tbilisi itself. Today, the city is widely renowned for its quasi-Bohemian culture, and as food is such a quintessential part of Georgian life, its restaurants have been duly affected. A host of eateries serving dishes imbued with a mix of Georgian and European influences are now a staple part of Georgia’s culinary scene.
TOP 5 FUSION RESTAURANTS IN TBILISI
CULINARIUM
Owned by celebrity chef Tekuna Gachechiladze, Culinarium was originally a cookery school that only opened as a restaurant twice a week. Due to its popularity, this ratio has now been reversed, with the restaurant now only offering cooking classes on Mondays and Tuesdays. Tekuna Gachechiladze endeav- oured to make the restaurant as homely and cosy as possible, and the interior design is a testament to her intent. Chefs open the fridge sat near the large communal table, and diners can watch the cooks at work in the corner of the room. The casual nature of the establishment does not guarantee professional waiting service, however; indeed, on arrival it is difficult to know who is actually a member of the waiting staff.
This is a true gourmet restau- rant, serving food of a high standard with creativity which is unmatched elsewhere. Blends of Georgian and European cuisine are served
Wednesday through Saturday, while Sunday is reserved for an unmissable Asian brunch or dinner. However, with gourmet quality comes gourmet prices, and those hoping for large portions should better look elsewhere.
Atmosphere: **** Value for money: **** Service: ***
Food: ***** Smoking: Not allowed
CONTACT
Address: 1 Lermontov Str. TEL 243 01 03
CAFE LEILA
Located in a truly charming part of Tbilisi with fairytale streets and architecture, Cafe Leila’s stunning Georgian-Persian interior fits comfortably with its exterior surround- ings. Snug and colourful, Cafe Leila serves a large number of vegetarian twists on traditional Georgian cuisine as well as foreign dishes such as hummus, suitable for those observing religious fasts and vegetarians alike. Sitting outside in a quiet scenic street during the summer, or inside in the warmth of the small dining hall in winter, feels equally cosy.
Prices are relatively high (especially alcoholic drinks) due to the specialized nature of much of Cafe Leila’s menu, but this is excused by the high quality of the food. A must for any vegetarian, or those
looking for a unique take on familiar Georgian dishes.
Atmosphere: **** Value for money: *** Service: ****
Food: ****
Smoking: Not allowed
CONTACT
Address: 18 Erekle II Str. TEL 555 94 94 20
EZO
This restaurant takes its name from its layout, the Georgian word for a yard flanked by a residential building on three sides. It is difficult not to be impressed with Ezo; its use of fresh ingredients bought and brought from Georgian farms is evident in the taste of the food (its beef dishes, meatballs and soups are particu- larly noteworthy), and prompt and friendly service makes a pleasant contrast with other restaurants in the country. European food with Georgian spices, and Georgian dishes made in a European style contrast nicely.
Its menu is unpretentious, serving whole- some food in generous portions living up to the ‘Just Like Mom Makes’ moniker that the restaurant espouses. Opened in September 2015, the restaurant’s spacious yard area has yet to be fully taken advantage of due to the cold winter months, but the interior is nearly always full and reservations are recommended. Undoubtedly, during the summer this restaurant will come into its own as a lively outdoor hangout.
Atmosphere: ***** Value for money: ***** Service: ****
Food: *****
Smoking: Not allowed
ConTaCT
Address: 16 Kikodze Str. TEL 299 98 76
THE DINING ROOM
Celebrity chef Keti Bakradze’s love of all things French is evident in every aspect of her restaurant. Indeed, the interior design of The Dining Room is so far removed from traditional Georgian styles that one could be forgiven for forgetting that the place is in Georgia at all.
Menu items such as foie gras are rarely found elsewhere in Georgia, and in this way The Dining Room offers diners exquisite European cuisine cooked with Georgian spices and methods.
Menu items (which range from carpaccio and steak to caesar salad and pastas, with everything in between) are listed with recommended wines alongside.
Service is friendly and professional, and while the prices are higher than is normal in Georgia, they are justified by the quality of the food provided and Bakradze’s establishment itself.
Atmosphere: **** Value for money: **** Service: *****
Food: ***** Smoking: Allowed
ConTaCT
Address: 38 Paliashvili Str.
TEL 225 09 00
bohema – grill & wine
A modern restaurant that contrasts sharply with its surround- ings in Old Tbilisi, of which beautiful views can be seen from the veranda, makes this a perfect place for summertime dining. The fairly-priced menu has a large selection of wine and (especially) food available, ranging from Georgian khachapuri to American-style steaks. Live music is a common affair, with diverse acts- jazz saxophonists, rock bands and DJs playing the latest dance, taking their turns at Bohema. Service, while not exemplary, is no worse than most restau- rants, and the high quality of food, with its artful presentation and reasonable prices, more than excuses this. Truly a good choice for large groups with wide and varied tastes.
Atmosphere: **** Value for money: ***** Service: ****
Food: ****
Smoking: Allowed
CONTACT
Address: Abanotubani, 11 Grishashvili Str.
TEL 592 56 68 68