Georgian restaurants are still a bit of an insider secret in Berlin, but the small country’s cuisine (alongside its excellent natural wine) is getting more and more popular.
A steady stream of young Georgians has been moving to Berlin for a while now, seeking new perspectives, liberal social values and, of course, techno. Luckily for us, they’re also opening some wonderful restaurants serving up specialties like khachapuri (cheese pies) and khinkali (dumplings).
So where should you start with Georgian food in Berlin?
Great wines at The Blue Fox
Georgians know how to eat: over many hours, with plenty of wine. The Blue Fox in Prenzlauer Berg is one of the best spots in town to try Georgian wines. Pair their finest with the appetiser platter, on which various pastes, cheeses and salads are served. Or you can try the famous Khachapuri Acharuli: a “cheese boat”, filled with a raw egg and still warm cheese. After taking in the delicious smell for a moment, you can then begin to tear off the edges of the dough boat and dip the pieces into the gooey cheese in the middle.
On the off chance you’re still not full, you should order the chicken in milk and garlic. This dish is said by Georgians to be a gift from God – and who wants to commit a sin?
- The Blue Fox, Knaackstr. 43, Prenzlauer Berg, details.
Voyage on a cheese boat at Schwiliko
Schwiliko isn’t just a restaurant – it’s an extended family table. The Kreuzberg restaurant is run by a mother-daughter duo.
Schwiliko offers the ‘Supra’, a traditional feast – eat a lot, drink even more, and if you can still stand at the end, you’ve done something wrong. But don’t worry, you can also just pop in for a regular dinner, without excess. Their khachapuri and home baked bread are among the best in Berlin.
- Schwiliko, Schlesische Str. 29, Kreuzberg, details.
Tarragon Lemonade and Georgian Grilled Skewers at Restorani Tbilisi
The menu at Restorani Tbilisi includes all the classics of Georgian cuisine, sticking to the place’s motto: “Enjoyment from the Caucasus”. Here, you can get a traditional khatschapuri (the stuffed cheese boat) – it’s slightly spicy, and isn’t too greasy. Vegans also get their money’s worth, with dishes like Badridjani nigvsit: fried aubergines with walnut paste filling. Georgian tarragon lemonade or wine make an excellent accompaniment for your food.
- Restorani Tbilisi, Schönfliesser Str. 15, Prenzlauer Berg, details.
Brunch at Ambavi
At Ambavi, one of the youngest Georgian restaurants in Berlin, be sure to start with a sumptuous appetizer plate with the traditional walnut pastes and cornbread. Then try the dough specialties such as the cheese boat khachapuri atcharuli with egg and butter, or the kubdari stuffed with veal and onions, which is best enjoyed with a big group. If you’ve still got space, move on to a traditional stew such as tchakapuli, or lamb in herb and cherry plum sauce. Alternatively you can order a ‘Supra’, the Georgian banquet, which is offered here for 60 euros for two or more people.
Brunch is also offered every weekend. The menu features a mix of international classics such as pancakes and brioche with salmon, as well as Georgian specialties. Heads up – Khinkhali, the traditional dumpling, is only available on Thursdays, so make a reservation!
- Ambavi, Straßmannstr. 30, Friedrichshain, details.
Hidden gem on Torstraße: Golden Fleece
Golden Fleece started as a delivery only place in 2020. Luckily for us, you can now experience the small restaurant on Torstraße in person and be transported to Tbilisi. We recommend the traditional kharcho soup and of course, lots of Georgian wine.
- Golden Fleece, Torstr. 69, Mitte, details.
Modern meets traditional at Salhino
In the shadow of the Charlottenburg S-Bahn station, Salhino combines classic and traditional Georgian cuisine with a modern twist. We’re looking forward to trying the sliawi, veal with chopped plums and fresh herbs.
- Salhino, Waltzstr. 1, Charlottenburg, details.
Kin Za: Georgian joie de vivre that you can taste
Kin Za is somewhat hidden away in Mitte, but it’s absolutely worth seeking out. Of course, we recommend the khinkhali dumplings (which are not only available with meat, but also in a vegetarian and vegan versions!), but also great Georgian pastas, chicken dishes and especially the cornbread with cheese.
- Kin Za, Krausnickstr. 23, Mitte, details.
A Georgian classic in Wilmersdorf: Restaurant Genazvale
Genazvale in the west of the city offers a rustic atmosphere and a wide selection of Georgian classics, including a wide selection of dough dishes, fish and meat specialties, as well as a selection of vegetarian dishes. You will also find various shashliks – grilled skewers – on the menu. We recommend the menus for two people, in order to try a variety of dishes. For larger groups we recommend the Mtsvadi Mix “Genazvale”, with colorful mixed skewers.
- Restaurant Genazvale, Hohenzollerndamm 33, Wilmersdorf, online.
Specialties from the clay pan at Gamarjoba
Gamarjoba can be found on the cosmopolitan Kantstraße. Fans of hearty stews get their money’s worth here, because the menu includes many dishes from the “ketsi”, a traditional clay cooking pot. They also deliver within a five kilometer radius.
- Gamarjoba Kantstr. 89, Charlottenburg, details.
Still hungry? Take a look at Exberliner’s definitive guide to Berlin’s restaurants
