Lunch at Maia — Restaurant in Stepantsminda

Restaurant food and beverage:

The Georgian salad with walnuts was what one comes to expect from a salad in Georgia. The highest quality of cucumbers and tomatoes, full of flavour, not bloated with water content like many of us in Western Europe are used to! I expected walnuts in their usual form but was pleasantly surprised to find that the walnuts feature as a nutty sauce for the salad.

The mushroom soup was exceptional. The mushrooms themselves were bursting with flavour and to my surprise, the broth was too. The bread served with the soup was perfect for dipping into the broth. Coriander also had a strong presence in the soup, a herb much loved by the Georgians.

My beverage of choice was the Kompot fruit drink. I was a little apprehensive that it would be too sweet or overwhelm the palate. Nothing could have been further from the truth! It was a very light beverage with a subtle but simply superb fruity taste. Human language, to my knowledge, doesn't possess the descriptive power to describe the experience..you simply must order one for yourself!

Restaurant interior design and evening ambience:

The restaurant is tastefully (pun intended) decorated in a minimalist fashion. Wood features heavily in the interior design of the room. The floor is layered with what appears to be practical yet pleasant-to-the eye faux wood panels.

Furniture wise, the chairs, an old chest drawer and a grandfather clock are all of wood.

The warm yellow hue emanating from the overhead lighting creates a cozy ambiance, especially on cold wet...

From the moment you step into “Lunch at Maia”, you’re greeted with warmth and hospitality that feels like walking into a family gathering. Maia, the owner and heart of this place, has created a cozy atmosphere that blends perfectly with the outstanding culinary experience offered here.

The food is simply superb. Every dish carries that made-from-scratch quality, with flavors that remind you of home-cooked meals done right. Whether it’s a hearty soup, perfectly roasted chicken, or a sweet treat to finish off your meal, the attention to detail and passion behind every dish shine through in every bite.

Beyond the delicious menu, what truly sets Lunch at Maia apart is Maia herself. She’s not just the owner but a host who genuinely cares about her guests’ experience. Maia often comes out to check on tables, share stories, and ensure everyone feels at home. It’s clear that the love and dedication she brings to this place extend far beyond just running a restaurant.

The décor adds to the inviting vibe, with rustic touches and warm colors that make it easy to settle in and enjoy your meal. Whether you’re dining solo, with family, or meeting up with friends, this is the kind of place where you’ll feel relaxed and taken care of.

Lunch at Maia is a gem for anyone looking for comfort food with a personal touch. If you haven’t visited yet, you’re missing out on a true home-cooked dining experience that’s rare to find these...

We found Lunch at Maia on Google Maps, it was the closest place to get lunch near our hotel - honestly, we had no expectations, but WOW what kind of experience we got ourselves into