Mtevani — Restaurant in Kaunas

Very disappointing experience at Mtevani. Upon arrival we were greeted and taken to a table however very little conversation or interaction from the server. The menus were provided and the waitress walked away. We browsed the menus and decided what we would like. We waited some time before being able to order. Unfortunately my partner had to get up and ask for service. He had to do this due to other large tables (who had entered for diner after us) proceeded to order. They were also provided with what seemed to be good service whilst we were ignored; this was poor. After being asked to do so, the waitress came over and my partner who is Lithuanian proceeded to order. The waitress was abrupt and requested he speak Russain only. Luckily my partner was able to do so, however he was very disappointed by this request and that no one seemed to speak Lithuanian in the service team. Even more shocked being in Kaunas. Our drinks arrived no problem. We ordered the traditional Georgian dumplings for starter. They were absolutely disgusting. Just oversalted balls of undercooked dumpling with broth. Broth that tasted like sea water... Now I'm British and love salt, but these were simply inedible. The waitress returned and asked if we wanted them to takeaway. My partner spoke English as he was reluctant to keep speaking in Russain and asked for them to be taken away from the table. The waitress looked puzzled. It is such a shame that communication, which should be at the forefront of customer service was not able to be delivered in this instance. The server should have been able to question the issue and resolve, instead the food was removed and nothing more said. The main meals arrived, we had x1 veal stew and x1 milk/garlic chicken. Both were acceptable. I had the veal and the best bit was the bread! The dish was heavy in oil and salt. My partner enjoyed the chicken dish and no complaints from him. Both were very small portions so would not say value for money. Following eating the mains, we paid and left. My partner did express the dissatisfaction upon paying and was met with being told that "Georgian food is salty and spicy, you probably just hate salt". There was no remorse or customer service to better the experience or situation. We paid in FULL including the dumplings. As mentioned I love salt, spice and flavoursome food, hence the restaurant choice. But the majority of food was inedible and not enjoyable. Even more so the customer experience was poor and we would not recommend Mtevani.

Picture of the veal stew...

Chacapuri was so good that it felt like there were only two of us in this World.

Seriously. If you don't get a table in older Mtevani place situated in Laisvė street, no doubt you have to run here. Here you will find a lot of place (they have tables in an authentic old town cellar) but I prefer that cozy table near the window. Mtevani knows how to make the best chacapuri in Kaunas, so I found the same high quality food in this new place.

Interior (ok, maybe too strong word, but this time I didn't care because I cared only about chacapuri) is simple, Georgian music playing, friendly service, good price and wider menu (saw they have falafels which are my interest and other interesting and unknown dishes so definitely coming back).

Last but not least, lunch menu (soup+small chacapuri) costs only 4 €! What an...

I had a borderline spiritual experience eating here, the food is that good. It's well located and makes for a wonderful evening dinner in the summer.

We shared falafel and humous to start and every element of the dish was exciting and different from what we are used to from a staple such as falafel and humous. Delicious!

Following that I had Khinkali, which were succulent and very filling, and my partner had Chashushuli, which I finished off and it was so delightful and full of flavour.

It doesn't matter what you order. It will be amazing. No time for photos I was too busy eating!

Service was very friendly,...