Funicular — Restaurant in Tbilisi

When we went there as 6 people at 20:30 on Thursday, December 11, the security guard at the door did not let us in. He said the restaurant was closed. The cafe had closed at 20:30, but I told him we had arrived at the restaurant and showed him the video and photos of where we arrived and he asked if we had a reservation. We told him that a Georgian friend of ours had told us that we did not need a reservation and that we could find a place at this time during the week. He said THERE WERE NO EMPTY TABLES and turned us away. Then I saw someone who I thought was more authorized and explained the situation to him, and he first said that the restaurant was closed, I showed him that the closing time was 00:00 on Google and he continued to say it was closed. So when I insisted on asking why it said it was open here, he was convinced all of a sudden and told that we could enter the restaurant. When we went upstairs to the restaurant, NOT A SINGLE TABLE WAS OCCUPIED. I still do not understand why such a lie was told. Although we went there very elegantly and well-prepared, this treatment we received was extremely disturbing. After ordering from the waiter Gabriel, I told him that I wanted to speak to someone authorized and he directed me to an authorized person. I explained the situation, they listened nicely but said the problem was related to the security guard and no apology was made as the restaurant. Also the manager can not speak English, Gabriel was translating me to him. When the food came to the table, 2 veal shanks were extremely cold. One of my friends' food came out with ICE. We sent both plates back. We were very angry and tense as a team. 5 hours of our 3-day holiday was wasted for us. We prepared to come here, had a long drive and since the restaurant was far from the center, we waited for a taxi for half an hour and returned in half an hour. At least 5 very valuable hours of our short holiday were ruined, we were angry and tense. They sent dessert to the table to compensate and made a discount on the bill, but this did not mean anything in terms of the time and energy we spent here. The only good thing in the restaurant was the service staff Gabriel. He tried very hard to make us happy, in a shy way, but we had an irreparable bad experience. In addition, it is extremely sad for the restaurant that no one in the restaurant, except Gabriel, speak English. It is truly a shame that in such a stylish looking restaurant that claims to be of international standards, everyone from the security at the door to the cleaning staff should speak English, but even the managers cannot...

The Funicular Upper Station in Tbilisi is an absolute gem and a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. Located at the top of Mtatsminda Hill, this station is more than just a transportation hub—it's a destination in itself! Here’s why it deserves five stars:

Arriving at the Upper Station via the funicular is a treat. The journey up the hill offers breathtaking views of Tbilisi, and the anticipation builds as you approach the top. The ride is smooth, comfortable, and a highlight of the trip.

Once you step off the funicular, you’re greeted with sweeping views of the city below. The observation area provides a fantastic vantage point to see Tbilisi in all its glory, from the sprawling urban landscape to the winding Kura River. It's a photographer's dream come true!

The Upper Station boasts a variety of amenities. The Funicular Restaurant Complex is a must-visit, offering delicious Georgian cuisine and stunning city views from its terrace. There are also cafes and snack bars where you can enjoy a quick bite or a refreshing drink.

Just a short walk from the station, Mtatsminda Park offers a plethora of activities for all ages. Whether you’re looking to enjoy thrilling rides, take a leisurely stroll, or let the kids play, the park has something for everyone. The Ferris wheel is particularly popular, providing even more fantastic views of Tbilisi.

There are several shops where you can buy local crafts and souvenirs, perfect for bringing a piece of Georgia back home with you. The shops are well-stocked with a range of items, from traditional handicrafts to modern memorabilia.

The area around the Upper Station is well-maintained and inviting, with lush greenery and well-marked trails. It’s a great place to take a leisurely walk, enjoy the fresh air, and soak in the peaceful ambiance away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Tips:

Visit at Sunset: The views are particularly stunning in the late afternoon as the sun sets over the city. Plan Ahead: The funicular can get busy, so try to visit during off-peak hours or purchase tickets in advance. Explore the Park: Don’t just stop at the station; make sure to explore Mtatsminda Park for a full day of fun. In summary, the Funicular Upper Station is a fantastic destination that offers more than just transportation. With its breathtaking views, excellent dining options, and nearby attractions, it’s a place you can easily spend a few hours exploring and enjoying. Highly recommended for anyone...

To get to the Funicular complex, you have to get to the Funicular lower station, which is a short walk on an uphill but relatively mild gradient (if you are walking there) from Shota Rustaveli Avenue. Or you simply take a cab. Once there, you buy the card with enough credit for a two way trip to and from the Funicular complex. Note that this is not the same Metro card that you buy and use for the cable car ride from Rike Park to Narikala, but a different one, specific to the Matsaminda Funicular only. The Funicular ride provides you with breathtaking views of Tbilisi city. Make sure you have a seat the allows you a good view. Or you can simply stand and take in the view! Once at the Funicular Complex, you can select the restaurant you choose to eat in and there are some choices. We selected "Chela" restaurant as we wanted to enjoy Georgian cuisine. And we were not disappointed. The food at Chela was good and the presentation was excellent. Their semi-sweet wines are definitely worth a try as well. A word of advice. If you do plan to eat at Chela's - and the views while eating are great from there - please do book in advance for an outside seating. So, remember to plan and book ahead of your visit. We hadn't and so it was the inside of Chela's for us! But the service was excellent and the interiors were very tastefully modern. Of course, we did take in the views prior to and also following our meal (photos included). So we got excellent views of Tbilisi City including after sundown. We did not have time to explore the Matsaminda park area but the Funicular ride, the meal at Chela and the views more than made up for it. Well...