Chveni — Restaurant in Tbilisi

I recently had the pleasure of discovering the hidden culinary treasure that is Chveni Restaurant, nestled in the heart of Tbilisi. As a seasoned global traveler with a penchant for authentic, locally sourced traditional flavors prepared with home-style cooking, my experience at Chveni surpassed all expectations.

From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, the warm ambiance and welcoming atmosphere set the stage for a memorable dining experience. Chveni boasts a charm that immediately transports you to the heart of Georgia's culinary traditions.

What truly sets Chveni apart is its dedication to showcasing authentic Georgian cuisine under the skilled guidance of the renowned celebrity chef, Chef Guram. Each dish is a masterpiece, carefully crafted to capture the essence of Georgian flavors while maintaining a homely touch that resonates with anyone seeking a genuine taste of the region.

The menu is a delightful journey through the rich tapestry of Georgian cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients that elevate the dining experience to new heights. From the first bite to the last, I found myself immersed in a symphony of flavors that celebrated the diversity and uniqueness of Georgian culinary heritage.

One standout aspect of Chveni is the passion and expertise displayed by Chef Guram. His commitment to preserving the authenticity of Georgian cuisine is evident in every dish, showcasing a deep understanding of the local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. It's not just a meal; it's a culinary celebration led by a maestro in the kitchen.

During my visit, I had the pleasure of savoring signature dishes that left an indelible mark on my taste buds. The Khachapuri was a revelation, with its perfect balance of gooey cheese and fluffy bread, while the Mtsvadi showcased the art of grilling in a way that only a true master could achieve.

In addition to the extraordinary culinary offerings, the attentive and friendly staff at Chveni contributed to the overall positive experience. Their knowledge of the menu, coupled with genuine hospitality, added a personal touch that made the dining experience truly memorable.

In conclusion, Chveni Restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's a rare gem that invites you to embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Georgia. If you're a connoisseur of authentic Georgian cuisine or simply seeking a taste of traditional flavors prepared with love and expertise, Chveni is unequivocally the place to be. Chef Guram and his team have created a dining oasis that celebrates the essence of Georgian culinary heritage, making every visit a delightful and...

Visited in July 2025. Georgia 🇬🇪 Tbilisi.

Chveni caught our attention through its chef’s appearance on a Netflix series, turning a visit into something we couldn’t skip. The setting is delightfully genuine, packed with captivating touches such as graffiti and clever design features that draw the eye—we chose a spot on the upper level to fully appreciate the vibe.

FOOD:

The offerings fuse Georgian and Asian elements, an intriguing combination that sometimes clashes since the cuisines don’t seamlessly align. To test it out, we tried appetizers from each side. The mini khinkali in meat sauce barely resembled authentic khinkali—resembling small dumplings instead, with excessive doughy ends that drowned out the minimal filling and absent any inner broth; fortunately, the sauce added essential juiciness to make them palatable. The tomato salad proved a nice success, leveraging the season’s lush produce for a lively, refreshing flavor. We were pleased with the khachapuri featuring shrimp, brimming with cheese and offering a moist center beneath a crunchy exterior—while the shrimp taste faded into the background, it didn’t harm the dish, particularly with the sauce enhancing the overall appeal. The rolls fell flat, though: stuffed with too much rice and sparse on ingredients, the salmon ones came off as mostly bland, mildly overdone rice nearing sogginess—lacking both skill and taste.

SERVICE:

Service proved sufficient, featuring an amiable server who managed everything capably after we got settled, despite needing to track down the host at first for seating.

VERDICT:

Chveni shows potential thanks to its engaging atmosphere and spotlight from the media, yet it left us mildly disappointed, falling short of the lofty hopes sparked by the Netflix spot—dishes mostly stayed middling, the rolls being a clear miss. Juggling two unrelated culinary worlds isn’t always successful, and amid Tbilisi’s lively dining options, you’ll find places delivering crisper, steadier tastes that are more deserving...

I'm genuinely disappointed in this restaurant. I was excited to try several different dishes. Unfortunately, the service was terrible. I ordered two appetizers and two main dishes. I told the waiter I was vegetarian (for religious reasons.) Before ordering, I pointed at the dish on the menu and confirmed with the waiter that the meal was vegetarian. The two appetizers that had arrived were good and I was excited to try the main dish. When the main dishes were ready, a different waiter brought them to the table. I asked that person, "this is a vegetarian meal, correct?" She said "Yes" and walked away. I took a bite and immediately tasted chicken. I felt horrible. I understand mistakes happen; however, they chose not to acknowledge their mistake and showed no empathy or remorse. While my friend finished their meal, I had to wait over 30 minutes and speak with three different people to ORDER a vegetarian meal. When I asked why they brought me a non-vegetarian meal, the waiter said "oh, we don't have the cheese option available". Typically, if you order a meal and it's not available, the waiter will tell you immediately. Instead, this waiter placed my order, ignored that I was a vegetarian, and served the wrong order with meat. To make things worse, I was seated at a table next to an open door without heat. Despite having a coat, thick socks, and gloves, I was freezing while waiting for my food. When the food finally arrived, I decided to order the check and a to-go box. Overall, this was a bad experience and I regret coming here. As a paying customer, If you would like a good experience, you might want to try a different restaurant or order take-out. Hopefully the owner of the restaurant will recognize the long-term benefits of improving customer service and will spend time properly training...