Georgian restaurants are still a bit of an insider secret in Berlin. However, as the small country’s cuisine is getting more and more hyped (alongside its reportedly excellent natural wine).
What’s more, a steady stream of young Georgians are moving to Berlin seeking new perspectives, liberal social values and, of course, techno. Luckily for us, they’re opening some pretty wonderful great 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 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, Tue–Fri 5 p.m.–11 p.m., Sat+Sun 12 p.m.–11 p.m., Tel. 030/26 07 42 44, online
Voyage on a cheese boat at Schwiliko
Schwiliko isn’t just a restaurant – it’s an extended family table. After all, the Kreuzberg restaurant is run by a mother-daughter duo.
if you can still stand at the end, you’ve done something wrong
Schwiliko also offers the Supra. This traditional feast is simple: 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 Straße 29, Kreuzberg, daily 5 p.m. to midnight, Tel. 030/61 62 35 88, online
Tarragon Lemonade and Georgian Grilled Skewers at Restorani Tbilisi
A staple of Georgian cuisine in Berlin, this place is always buzzing, showing the potential of the cuisine in Berlin. Even in Soviet times, Georgian food was considered the haute cuisine of real socialism.
The menu includes all the classics of Georgian cuisine, sticking to the place’s motto: “Enjoyment from the Caucasus”. Here, you can very traditional khatschapuri (the stuffed cheese boat). It tastes 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. Original Georgian tarragon lemonade or Georgian wines are excellent companions for your food.
- Restorani Tbilisi Schönfliesser Straße 15, Prenzlauer Berg, Wed-Sat 5pm-11pm, Sun 2pm-11pm, Tel. 030/23 92 70 15, online
Brunch at Ambavi
The youngest Georgian restaurants in Berlin, Ambavi, hasn’t had an easy beginning. Opening in 2021, it was plagued (literally) by the uncertainty between lockdowns and corona rules, and had to puase operation for a few months. Now it’s back – and here to stay. 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. Then move on to a traditional stew such as tchakapuli, or lamb in herb and cherry plum sauce. Or order a Supra, the Georgian banquet, which is offered here for 60 euros for two or more people.
it’s back – and here to stay
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 Straßmannstraße 30, Friedrichshain, Tue–Fri 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Sat+Sun 10 a.m.–11 p.m., on Instagram
Hidden gem on Torstrasse: Golden Fleece
Golden Fleece opened in the middle of the long lockdown in autumn 2020 – and therefore started as a delivery place. Lucky 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 Torstraße 69, Mitte, Wed–Fri 4 p.m.–10 p.m., Sat 2 p.m.–10 p.m., Sun 12 p.m.–10 p.m., online
Modern meets traditional at Salhino
In the shadow of the Charlottenburg S-Bahn station, Salhino combines classic and traditional Georgian cuisine with a touch of modernity. We’re looking forward to trying the sliawi, veal with chopped plums and fresh herbs.
- Salhino Waltzstraße 1, Charlottenburg, Tue-Thu 4pm-10.30pm, Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat 2pm-11pm, Sun 2pm-10.30pm, Tel. 030/55 59 45 63, online
Kin Za: Georgian joie de vivre that you can taste
The Kin Za is somewhat hidden in Mitte, but you shouldn’t miss it. Here, you can taste your way through the cuisine from the Caucasus in an uncomplicated and stunningly good way. Of course, we recommend the great 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 Krausnickstraße 23, Mitte, daily 9.30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tel. 0163/512 01 24, online
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. Of course you will also find various shashliks on the menu. We recommend the menus for two people, in order to try a variety of dishes. For larger groups (four people) we recommend the Mtsvadi Mix “Genazvale”, with colorfully mixed skewers.
- Restaurant Genazvale Hohenzollerndamm 33, Wilmersdorf, Mon-Fri 3pm-0am, Sat+Sun 2pm-12am, Tel. 030/23 57 82 92, online
Specialties from the clay pan at Gamarjoba
This one 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 pan. And by the way, they also deliver within a five-kilometer radius of Kantstrasse.
- Gamarjoba Kantstraße 89, Charlottenburg, Mon-Thu 5pm-11pm, Fri 4pm-11pm, Sat+Sun 2pm-11pm, Tel. 0176/64 15 82 44, online
Still hungry? Take a look at Exberliner’s definitive guide to Berlin’s restaurants
