In the West, French and Italian cuisine was the gold standard; in the Soviet Union, Georgian food was always considered the best for its flavourful and filling stews, its outstanding fresh vegetables and the simple combination of bread, cheese and egg to make something irresistible - khachapuri. Georgian wine also enjoys an excellent reputation. In the last decade, the secret of Georgian food has spread quickly and widely, including in Berlin. Here are some of the city's best Georgian restaurants.
Tip 1: The avant-garde artist: Der blaue Fuchs
The colourful interiors of Der blaue Fuchs close to Kollwitzplatz feature the unique works of Petre Otskheli, a Georgian avant-garde artist who was executed in Stalin's Great Purge in 1937. The chefs display a similar flair and creativity in their dishes, featuring all the Georgian classics like khinkali dumplings (both meat and vegetarian), ajapsandali (an aubergine stew) and a few different types of khachapuri.
Where: Knaackstraße 43, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 2: Arrive and feel good at Schwiliko
You'll definitely need a reservation for your visit to Schwiliko on bustling Schlesisches Straße. If the task of deciding what to eat from their excellent menu full of Georgian treats is a little overwhelming, you could always decide to dine family-style and go for their Supra menu (available for two people or more). Your table will slowly fill up with plates of khachapuri, salads, starters and main courses, with some desserts to round it all off.
Where: Schlesische Str. 29, Kreuzberg
Tip 3: Go on a voyage of discovery at Salhino
Reservations are recommended for this outstanding restaurant just south of Charlottenburg S-Bahn station. It's a testament to just how good their khinkali are that they sometimes run out, even on weekends—so get there early to ensure dumplingy goodness. Their interior design is particularly worth a look, combining crisp and clean modernity with some items of furniture that would be perfectly at home in a Georgian grandma's living room.
Where: Waitzstraße 1, Charlottenburg
Tip 4: Get your hands dirty at Tsomi
To think, ten years ago there were hardly any Georgian restaurant in all of Berlin…and now there are two on Kollwitzplatz alone! Tsomi (Georgian for 'dough') opened in April 2022, and, as you might expect from a place with a name like that, the khinkali are made by hand. It's recommended that they're eaten by hand as well. In addition to their traditional dishes, Tsomi's menu also features a couple of interesting fusion plates, including the 'Georgian in Tel Aviv', a grilled aubergine with hummus and falafel.
Where: Kollwitzstraße 66, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 5: The gold of Georgia: The Golden Fleece
The Greek mythological hero Jason is famous for his theft of a golden fleece, but did you know that his adventures took place in what is modern-day Georgia? The symbol of the golden fleece is widely used in coats of arms and flags in western Georgia. Those ancient legends are honoured in this down-to-earth restaurant on Torstraße. The Golden Fleece is the place to go for more traditional Georgian fare, and their menu also includes some interesting Georgian lemonades and beers in addition to the usual Georgian wines.
Where: Torstraße 69, Mitte
Tip 6: Chill out and feast at Kin-Za
There's an appealingly chaotic energy to Kin-Za, just off Oranienburger Straße in Mitte, both from the wild decorations (why on earth is there a red British phone booth?) and the crowds that gather there in the evenings. The food, however, is made with care and attention and has been so warmly received that they recently opened up a second location near Alexanderplatz.
Where: Krausnickstraße 23, Mitte
Tip 7: Hello Georgia! Welcome to Gamarjoba!
This is the place to go when the insatiable desire for Georgian food and wine spontaneously strikes you. Thanks to its slightly off-the-beaten-track location, reservations are usually not necessary at Gramarjoba, which means 'hello' in Georgian. Despite the lack of hype relative to its more trendy Georgian cousins in more central locations, Gramarjoba still serves excellent food made well. They have a particularly large selection of vegan and vegetarian stews on offer, all at very reasonable prices.
Where: Kantstraße 89, Charlottenburg
Tip 8: You can turn night into day at Madloba
This fine establishment close to Wittenbergplatz is more oriented towards events and fine dining than most places on this list. That comes with advantages, including an outstanding selection of Georgian wines and knowledgeable staff who will help you find the best wine for your chosen dishes, as well as occasional live music. There's a pretty impressive selection of cocktails as well.
Where: Lietzenburger Straße 15, Schöneberg
Tip 9: Enjoy Georgian hospitality at Restorani Tbilisi
Without a doubt, this is the cosiest Georgian restaurant in town. That's largely thanks to the inviting fireplace, though the friendly staff and the family-like atmosphere certainly help, too. Unsurprisingly, you'll need a reservation to visit this popular spot, but doing that will guarantee you a feast of lovingly made traditional Georgian dishes.
Where: Schönfließer Straße 15, Prenzlauer Berg
Tip 10: Enjoy Khachapuri in Batumi
Batumi has recently moved from Eisenacher Straße to its new location just a few streets away on Gasteiner Straße. Their menu features all the usual big hitters, but one thing in particular stands out: the khachapuri with fresh truffle. Sure, it costs more than the other khachapuri, but it’s a decadent treat that you certainly deserve.
Where: Gasteiner Straße 11, Wilmersdorf
Tip 11: Homemade and without much fuss at Gio's
Gio's is located in trendy Kreuzberg, just a stone's throw from Kottbusser Tor. Everything here is a little more rustic - there are beer benches in front of the small restaurant where you can enjoy a relaxed snack in summer. The dining room is functional yet inviting. Street food fans praise Gio's for the authentic Georgian home cooking that you can get here at good prices. You'll find all the classics on the menu, from khachapuri and chinkali to the popular Georgian dumplings
Where: Dresdener Str. 16, Kreuzberg
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