Goby is a new addition to Rotterdam's dining scene, run by the Georgian couple Ani and Achi - who many may recognize from their beloved Oogstmarkt stand - Goby offers soulful Georgian cooking. The place has all the potential to become a neighborhood favorite.
The food is the clear highlight here. We tried a spread of appetizers/sides: adjapsandali, khinkali, imeretian khachapuri and mchadi. The khachapuri was generous and cheesy - definitely made for sharing, though you might not want to. But the real star was the khinkali. Dare I say, they're the best I have tried in the Netherlands now. Bursting with flavorful broth, and the perfectly seasoned beef-pork filling.
Their mains are just as flavorful as the sides: the tabaka is especially well seasoned and baked to have crispy skin with so much flavor.
The wine menu is a pleasant surprise - compact but curated with care with options from solid producers (Dakishvili and Vazisubani Estate) available by glass.
As they have only recently opened, there is still some work that should be done in the interior. That includes improving the cutlery, plates and the seats as well as the ventilation. These are things that can be fixed, and I hope they'll get the love and attention they deserve soon, especially since such high quality food deserves a more polished setting.
All in all, Goby is off to a strong start, driven by passion and authenticity. The flavors are bold, the portions are generous, and it's clear Ani and Achi are pouring their hearts into this venture. With a bit more polish in the service and space, Goby could easily become one of the go to spots for Georgian cuisine in all of the Netherlands. The foundations are there, I would love to see them grow and would certainly...
Read moreGeorgian food was a nice surprise for us. We were able to easily book a table few days before without any inconvenience. Once we arrived in the nice location of the restaurant (kralingen), the interiors offer a cozy vibe with some Georgian decoration. All the staff seems friendly and welcoming.
We ordered a bunch of things to explore Georgian cuisine. From the delicious Georgian dumplings (khinkali) - eggplant walnut rolls - both options as starters. After, as main dishes, we decided to go for the spicy beef stew and cheese filled bread (khachapuri). And for drinks, Georgian lemonades (tarragon and cream)
The food got to our table super fast, in about 5 minutes after ordering. The waiters were very kind and explained us how to eat some of the dishes to enjoy and most importantly experience how Georgians eat them.
Everything was very delicious!!
Our favorites for anyone looking forward to visit Goby are:
1)khinkali (we only ordered four, but maybe next time 6 is a better quantity) 2)khachapuri (this is a perfect dish to share)
The other dishes were tasty as well but these two are definitely the stars of the house...
Read moreThe best Georgian restaurant in the Netherlands without a doubt! Located in Rotterdam, this place offers an incredibly authentic experience with outstanding quality. From the moment you walk in, you can feel the warm and welcoming vibe, with friendly staff who truly make you feel at home.
But most importantly – the food! Every dish is bursting with authentic Georgian flavors, prepared with care and high-quality ingredients. The khachapuri was heavenly, the khinkali perfectly seasoned, and the variety of traditional dishes made me feel like I was dining in Tbilisi itself.
The atmosphere is vibrant yet cozy, making it a perfect spot whether you’re enjoying a casual dinner with friends, a family gathering, or even a special occasion. I can’t recommend this restaurant enough, if you’re in Rotterdam (or anywhere in the Netherlands), this is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience true Georgian cuisine...
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