Ninia’s Garden — Restaurant in Tbilisi

Update 2025: This was the fourth time or so that we had eaten here. Two things about Ninia’s Garden are outstanding: the dishes are so sophisticated that I am thrilled, and the atmosphere inside and in the courtyard is extremely nice. Unfortunately, the service throughout the restaurant cannot keep up with the excellent cuisine. Sorry, but the white tablecloths and soft jazz piano music don‘t help for noblesse. The young man at the bar was nice, but we came in to eat. He agreed that we could wait at the bar for a table. We ordered drinks and only realized after 30 minutes that he hadn't done anything to register us as guests. When he finally did, we were able to sit down at a table right by the entrance, which had been empty the whole time. 🫩 Then we sat there for ages without getting a menu. 😵‍💫 After waving our arms and legs around, someone finally came over. When we asked questions about one menu, the service was slightly annoyed and short. 😪 All this despite the fact that we had already ordered two cocktails each before at the bar while waiting and had been super nice and patient about all the issues. I just don't get what the problem is here. When we wanted to order, no one paid any attention to us for ages. A member of staff saw us signaling and indicated that he would be with us shortly. He then spent a full 20 minutes chatting to a paying customer at the till, while we sat there and none of the three members of staff had time for us. 🥸 I just get the impression that the service treats local customers better, and I don't like discrimination. And yes, English isn't easy for everyone in Tbilisi, but if you're a customer who is nice and friendly, it should be possible to be treated nicely as well and it‘s not a question of language to be overseen. I've been to places in Tbilisi where they didn't speak a word of English and it was super uncomplicated and friendly.

Conclusion: Ninia's Garden offers excellent cuisine. In terms of service, however, it falls short of conveying the sophisticated style promised by the ambiance and price. Therefore: Downrating the service. It‘s a pity though.

2024: Wir waren begeistert von der Feinheit und Raffiniertheit der Küche. Der Service war etwas an Anschlag, aber...

Even though we dined indoors at Ninia’s Garden, escaping the early spring drizzle, you could still feel the garden’s magic humming just beyond the walls. The soft glow of lights bouncing off glass panes, the hum of quiet conversations, the warmth of the space—it’s the kind of place that makes you linger. I imagine that, in warmer months, the garden seating transforms into something out of a Georgian fairytale—lush, intimate, and effortlessly elegant. It’s the kind of spot where you’d want to toast to both beginnings and endings.

Ninia’s doesn’t just serve food—it tells stories. We started with a spread of vegetarian starters that could easily turn a meat lover’s head: each dish vibrant, textured, and grounded in the kind of rustic Georgian comfort that tastes like someone’s grandmother is quietly watching over the kitchen.

But then came the real showstoppers. The beef cheeks were a revelation—fall-apart tender, glistening with a rich reduction that spoke of slow hours and serious care. The lamb risotto with mushrooms? Earthy, deeply satisfying, with just enough bite in the rice to remind you that good food doesn’t rush, even if we were.

We rolled in a little late—around 9:30pm, sheepishly aware the kitchen was closing in thirty minutes. But not once were we made to feel like a burden. The staff moved with the kind of quiet grace you only find in restaurants that know what they’re doing. No fuss, no fluster, just thoughtful pacing and a genuine smile.

Their bar program deserves its own round of applause. Cocktails are balanced, creative without being gimmicky, and built to complement the menu rather than overshadow it. Try the Fiona - a favorite at the table.

There are meals you remember because of what you ate. Then there are meals like this one, where the entire experience embeds itself in your memory. As we rushed to savor every bite before the kitchen lights went out, I found myself already plotting our return.

Ninia’s Garden is now firmly etched onto our “must-return” list whenever we’re back in Tbilisi. If you’re visiting the city, don’t miss this place—whether you sit under the stars in the garden or tuck into a warm corner indoors, you’re in for...

After an unfortunate experience at another restaurant in Tbilisi where we were left waiting unattended for nearly 20 minutes, arriving at Nina Garden was like stepping into a haven of true Georgian hospitality. The ambiance was warm and welcoming, setting the stage for what would be a memorable dining experience.

We were promptly greeted by the attentive and professional butler, Bacho, who made us feel right at home. His service throughout the evening was exceptional, striking the perfect balance between attentiveness and respect for our space. It was evident that Bacho and the entire team at Nina Garden understand hospitality at its finest, treating every guest with care and courtesy regardless of background or nationality.

As for the food, it was nothing short of incredible. We ordered the Chicken Shkmeruli and Pork Belly with Fried Ghomi, both of which were cooked to perfection. The Chicken Shkmeruli was rich and creamy, with flavors that blended beautifully to capture the essence of Georgian cuisine. The Pork Belly was tender and flavorful, and the fried Ghomi (Georgian-style polenta) complemented it wonderfully with its texture and taste, adding a unique twist to the meal.

In comparison to the lackluster experience we had at Oro Marjanishvili, Nina Garden truly exemplifies what hospitality should be, setting a high standard that others could learn from. If you're in Tbilisi and looking for a restaurant that combines authentic Georgian flavors with outstanding service, Nina Garden is a must-visit. Highly...