Madre — Restaurant in Tbilisi

I’ll start by stating that it was the opening night for this restaurant and this unique preposition might have affected some of the issues written below. I intend to revisit and hopefully update this review:

First and foremost I have to say that I loved the staff! They were rushing a bit too much but they were attentive and friendly. The hostess was very eager to help and tried her best to make us comfortable.

Now on the food. I have to say I was disappointed. We took All-in Croquettes, Jamon Plate, Madre Caesar Salad (which was recommended by the hostess) Duck Cannelloni and Beef Truffle Carpaccio. Also Goxua as a dessert.

All-in Croquettes were good but nothing special. For «All-in» I expected much more diversity in taste. All of them tasted like simply one-ingredient croquettes.

Madre Caesar Salad was recommended by the hostes and I don’t know why. When you put Madre in front of a dish you would expect a special treatment. This was the most regular caesar salad I’ve ever eaten. (I also had problem with presentation but let’s not get into that)

Beef Truffle Carpaccio was tasty. Meat was good, as well as the aged egg and truffle was good addition. Did not enjoy a mountain of Parmesan next to it but still ok.

Duck Cannelloni was not good enough. Also covered in Parmesan, this time less which is confusing when compared to carpaccio’s “mountain”.

Also have to mention that when you brand a restaurant Basque inspired you should have a steak. They had Txuleton but they only had 600gr cuts left. We arrived approximately 2 hours after opening so it seems ridiculous to me that that smaller steak cuts were already out. They had 3 steak variaties and all of them over 600gr and no smaller cuts left.

And lastly, in my opinion the most disappointing was Goxua, which was just creme brulee. It was tasty and we enjoyed it but to name it Goxua in menu just seemed so wrong and it felt like cheating.

Dishes were normal but nothing special. They didn’t justify the high cost and definitely did not do any justice to the “Basque-inspired” direction of the cuisine.

I wanted to end with a positive note, I will say that cocktails were very tasty and fresh. I really enjoyed Mezcal Negroni and Michelada. Also very good...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at a Basque restaurant and it was an experience that left a lasting impression. From the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the amazing atmosphere that permeated the entire restaurant. The decor was warm and inviting, with unique touches that spoke to the Basque culture.

But it was the food that really stole the show. Every dish that was brought to the table was incredibly delicious and bursting with flavor. The chef had clearly put a lot of thought and care into each dish, and it showed in the way that every bite was a revelation.

What really set this restaurant apart, however, was the unique cultural touches that were present throughout the menu. It was clear that the chef had a deep appreciation for Basque cuisine and was not afraid to take risks and try new things.

The service was also superb, with a special shout-out to Mate who went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable throughout the entire night. They were incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and wine list, and his recommendations were spot on.

Speaking of wine, the selection at this restaurant was truly unique and exceptional. The staff clearly had a deep understanding of the different wine regions and was able to recommend the perfect pairings for each dish.

Finally, the location of this restaurant was simply stunning. Tucked away in a quiet corner of the city, it felt like a hidden gem that only a lucky few had discovered.

Overall, I would highly recommend this Madre to anyone who is looking for an unforgettable dining experience. With amazing atmosphere, incredibly delicious food with unique cultural touch, interesting chef, and superb service - especially from Mate - it is truly a standout in the world of...

Visited in July 2025. Georgia 🇬🇪 Tbilisi.

Madre, tucked into an old building in Tbilisi, is a cozy, dimly lit gem with dark tones and an open kitchen that adds a lively pulse to its intimate space.

FOOD:

The menu draws inspiration from Spanish cuisine, offering a vibrant twist on familiar flavors. We weren’t too hungry, so we opted for a few small plates. The tomato salad with stracciatella was a revelation—juicy, summer-ripe tomatoes carried the dish with a perfect balance, and the stracciatella was creamy without a hint of bitterness. The shrimp in oil was flavorful, with a spicy, aromatic oil that elevated the dish, though the shrimp leaned more boiled than we prefer, lacking a touch of texture. The beef tartare was enjoyable but slightly underseasoned, coming across as a bit bland.

SERVICE:

The staff was welcoming and attentive, and since we were the only guests at the time, the service felt particularly swift and efficient.

VERDICT:

Madre is a worthwhile spot for those seeking a taste of international flair in Tbilisi, with its appealing food and atmospheric setting standing out. We’d recommend it, especially if you’re after fresh, foreign-inspired bites—perhaps swing by for their paella next time to explore more. While not everything hits the mark perfectly, the overall experience leaves a positive impression without...