Restaurant Littera — Restaurant in Tbilisi

I came to Litera with my mother and my boyfriend while visiting from Canada. We were in Georgia writing about local wines and hospitality—part of our ongoing work covering high-end restaurants internationally, including in Toronto. Naturally, we were excited to experience one of Tbilisi’s most talked-about fine dining spots.

Unfortunately, our experience was deeply disappointing.

When we arrived, I brought my professional camera—I’m a food and travel photographer by trade—and was immediately told “no photos.” I fully understand privacy concerns and always avoid photographing patrons, but this was not about discretion; it was a rigid “no.” After some polite conversation, they allowed me to take food photos. Still, that initial coldness set the tone for the evening.

The food itself was outstanding—beautifully executed, refined, and clearly crafted with skill. However, the service was among the worst I’ve encountered, especially given the restaurant’s reputation and pricing. Staff were lukewarm, impersonal, and disengaged. There was no warmth, no genuine care—just a sense that we were an inconvenience.

We had no assigned server; different people kept appearing, forgetting simple requests (like bringing a table lamp, which I asked for four times). The hostess, in particular, had a dismissive attitude that felt completely out of place for a restaurant of this caliber. The only person who showed any professionalism and warmth was the sommelier, who was attentive and kind.

In a country known worldwide for its warmth and hospitality, Litera felt detached and pretentious. The contrast was especially painful because we had dined in small family-run Georgian restaurants where the food might have been simple, but the welcome was heartfelt.

If you’re looking for an authentic Georgian experience—where great food meets great hospitality—I would recommend Belétage, Isamani, Nikolozi, Suluko, Pasanuri, Dadi Wine Bar, or even Stamba. Each offers warmth, care, and a true sense of Georgian soul.

Litera might deliver on food and aesthetics, but hospitality is not just a concept—it’s a feeling. And here, that feeling was completely missing.

⭐ 1 star for the food. Zero for...

A bittersweet experience — something has gone wrong

Six years ago, when I first visited Tbilisi with the woman who is now my wife, Cafe Littera became a magical part of our love story.

We were so enchanted with this place that we left our apartment only to have dinner here — night after night. The atmosphere, the food, the aftertastes — everything was unforgettable. For a long time, whenever someone asked me where to spend an evening in Tbilisi, my answer was always: Cafe Littera. There were no alternatives in my mind.

Years have passed. Tastes evolve, experiences broaden — but still, I remembered that tomato with mozzarella, where the skin was carefully removed, where the flavors were subtle, precise, and unforgettable. That memory has stayed with me, and every decent dining experience since has been compared to it.

Unfortunately, by summer 2025, something has clearly gone in the wrong direction.

The food: The current kitchen style seems to have taken a detour that just doesn’t make sense. Mixing sour, sweet, and salty can be beautiful — but only when done with balance and intention. What’s happening now feels chaotic, almost aggressive. It doesn’t open the wine — it fights with it. And honestly, it makes more sense to serve a whiskey-cola over ice in a tall glass than to attempt any wine pairing.

This is a far cry from what Cafe Littera once was. And it’s not just disappointing — it’s sad.

The atmosphere: The garden is still beautiful, but the experience is being completely ruined by a loud buzzing sound — maybe from a nearby café or a ventilation system. It kills the magic of the space. A place like this should be about quiet elegance, not mechanical noise. This must be addressed.

One shining moment: The Strained Matsoni with Lemon Zest — that was exceptional. A rare flash of the brilliance I remember: a deep, clean flavor that opened beautifully and lingered with aromatic clarity. That dish alone earns one extra star.

I’m writing this not out of anger, but out of genuine care. Cafe Littera was once a standard of culinary poetry in Tbilisi. I hope it can find its way back — because right now, it feels like something special...

My experience (dating back in October) wasnt what I expected. Café Littera owned and "run" by a well known Georgian chef, should find out how the restaurant works when she is not present.

I arrived on a very quiet lunch. There was only me and two other tables. The staff, waiters or I couldn't even distinguish who, were too relaxed, doing nothing, giggling and on their phones at the bar stand. A young lady still in her outdoor leather jacket. I dont know, maybe that's a style but it felt awkward.

For 3 tables they needed 4 people at work, when only 1 person was working. It must have been the first day of work of that young man, or else he is just this way. Shy and a little lost. I ordered a specific red wine to start with (bottle) but was served only by glass. The waiter didn't bother to know if he misunderstood. The pouring of the wine was terrible and each time the red wine was spilled on the table cloth.

When it comes to food. Food was good. In general. I took the trout dish and I liked it a lot. Followed by the mushrooms with artichokes, that I was very excited about, however it was bunch of mushrooms cut and cooked, with few pieces of artichokes...all presented as bunch on a plate. Taste was good but very monotone - because of the large portion size, eating it overtime it becomes boring.

As through my lunch experience I noticed how the service worked that lunch also with other tables, I wanted to see if they would ask me if I wanted anything else - coffee tea or a dessert. But nothing. I waited few minutes and simply asked for a bill.

Disappointing because I was looking forward to this restaurant a long time. I'm sure other services are done far more better. I dont want to be harsh. But you need to look after the service and how it's done. People go there because they have found out about you and all the high remarks.

Interesting design and tableware. The location must be indicated far more better. You spend a good bit of time trying to find...