Nene's Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Tampa

Title: A Regal Feast at Nene’s: The Khan Plov That Ruled My Taste Buds

Review:

From the moment we stepped into Nene’s Restaurant & Bar in South Tampa, we knew we were in for something extraordinary. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance of warm, cozy elegance and rich cultural charm—an inviting welcome that set the stage for a truly unforgettable meal .

We began with appetizers that were nothing short of sensational. Each bite felt like a mini culinary revelation, showcasing authentic Georgian and Ukrainian flavors with a level of freshness and thoughtful preparation that’s rare. It was a delightful introduction to the journey that lay ahead.

But the centerpiece of our experience—and perhaps the most memorable dish of my life—was the Khan Plov. This special main course is a radiant symphony of Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, fragrant saffron-infused white basmati rice, buttery richness, aromatic garlic and onion, and a dazzling mix of dried fruits: golden raisins, apricots, prunes, and sour cherries, all kissed with bright notes of lemon or orange and finished with black caraway (nigella) seeds and lavash. A true culinary masterpiece that requires an hour’s notice and meticulous preparation—and every second was worth it .

The Khan Plov was more than food—it was theatre. Each mouthful balanced sweet, savory, and fragrant notes so perfectly that I found myself savoring each nuance: the lush fruit, the buttery saffron rice, the tender chicken, and that whisper of nigella seeds tying it all together. It felt regal—like eating a throne of flavors.

To round out the meal, dessert stole the show once more. Choices like the Ukrainian Medovik, the Ukrainian Napoleon, and the Blinchiki with farmer’s cheese cap the meal with a sweet, indulgent flourish—an elegant finale to an already majestic dining experience .

Every element of the evening—from appetizers to the Khan Plov to dessert—was elevated further by the warmth of the service. Staff seemed genuinely invested in our joy, blending attentiveness with welcome without ever crowding the table. It wasn’t just a meal, it was family-style hospitality at its finest.

Bottom line: Nene’s Restaurant & Bar doesn’t just serve food— it crafts moments. If you crave an extraordinary culinary escape framed by warmth and authenticity, this is the place. The Khan Plov alone is enough to crown it as one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had—magnificent, soulful, and...

This was a culinary "experience" that only comes along once in a while. Yes, some places have great food, and good service...but when you find a place that the whole package, it moves you, gets you in the yummy feels, right?

The other half came to me this morning and said she saw this place pop up on a social media page for some reason. Ok, we've been to Eastern Euro places before here in the local are a (you know which one), and back in Ohio.

Nene's claims to specialize in Georgian, Ukrainian, and Turkish cuisine. We know very little of the culture and cuisines, but know that we have always enjoyed to comfort foods of the regions.

So here's a list of what we had today: Adjaruri Karchapuri (Baked bread filled with cheese and egg on top); Lahmacun (Turkish beef flatbread); Sloyka with cheese inside; Khinkali (lamb dumplings); Ukrainian Beef Stroganoff, Medovik (Honey Cake); Georgian Pearl Lemonade; and Obolon Lager from the Ukraine.

All of it was made perfectly, full of flavor, portioned perfectly, seasoned perfectly, served perfectly, and when I tell you the Lahmacun will "move" you, wow that beef flatbread is amazing!

The Medovik (honey cake), will darn near make your eyes water, it is simply that good. It has so many textures and flavors going on, and they all work so well together. What a treat!

We did see them serve up that special Plov dish you have to order an hour in advance...oh yeah, that is coming on our next visit for sure!

My only gripe is that my stomach wasn't big enough to have more!

I read complaints about service. Must be a fluke. Our server was awesome!

Now, if she is the true "Nene", the lovely lady, who we all could tell is the head Chef, is a show on its own. To see her scurry from kitchen to the pantry/cooler area and back was amazing. She frequently popped out to see how everyone was doing, always with an eager smile of anticipation.

This is a place where you do not want to be in a hurry. Eat rest, eat, rest, drink, rest, and enjoy the atmosphere. The TV's with drone footage from the Georgian mountains, castles, rivers, and small towns along with the regional music mix, added with the almost lavish decor of the clothed tables and chairs really sets a mood for good dining.

This is a place that we must return to several times in order to try the whole menu. I am eager to see what the Black Caviar menu tasting has to offer.

Thank you for the excellent...

Phenomenal Eastern European cuisine in a cozy spot that felt like an invite into someone's home! The most difficult part of the experience was probably choosing which delicious dishes to enjoy, but thankfully my wonderful server Ida was super helpful! She recommended a few of her favorites, and I ended up picking an appetizer, main dish, and a semi-sweet white wine from her suggestions.

While I'm normally a beer drinker, a friend familiar with Eastern European cuisine had encouraged me to try a semi-sweet wine. I'm glad I did, the white wine ended up being the perfect pairing to my meal.

First up the appetizer, Adjaruli Khachapuri. Right off the bat I was shocked at the portion size, it was a HUGE serving of super savory cheesy bread with a raw egg topper. Ida made sure I mixed it all up so the feta, mozzarella, and egg would combine. Oh my goodness, I almost filled up off of this dish alone. For comparison sake, the closest thing I've had to the consistency of gooey cheese was probably a Greek Saganaki (fried cheese) dish, but Khachapuri is made even better with the addition of the egg and the soft bread around the edges. Honestly, this dish was probably my favorite of the night.

Right on time was the main course, Khinkali (Georgian Dumplings). Again, Ida came in clutch with some brief instructions on how to best enjoy these. Turns out, these dumplings keep all the broth from the lamb inside very well, so she gave me a good tip to avoid the mess by turning them upside down and biting a small hole in the bottom and sucking out the broth. She was absolutely right, and the tip was appreciated. If you're solo dining and happen to start with the Khachapuri like I did, be ready to take some of these home because you'll be STUFFED after.

Overall, incredible experience. If I'd had even a tiny bit of appetite left I would have sprung for one of their very tempting desserts, but at least it gives me a reason to come back... Which by the way, I definitely will.

If you find yourself in the South Tampa area and want to try something different, I'd highly recommend Nene's. I found this place through the Offline app and had a wonderful experience. I'm looking forward to exploring even more of their...