Steve had eaten at Old Tbilisi Garden before and had a really good experience, so when we were in Greenwich Village a few days later, there wasn’t much to think about. We knew exactly where we were going, and we already knew what we wanted to order.
Old Tbilisi Garden is a classic Georgian restaurant, and the menu is filled with the kind of food that feels especially right when it’s cold outside. We started with khachapuri, one of Georgia’s best known dishes. There are many regional versions, but the most iconic is Adjaruli khachapuri, a boat shaped flatbread filled with melted cheese and topped with an egg yolk and a knob of butter. At the table, you stir the cheese, butter, and egg together, then tear off pieces of bread and dip them into the mixture. It’s rich, indulgent, and very satisfying. Also very filling, so one khachapuri is plenty for two people as a starter.
We also ordered a bowl of borshi, Georgia’s version of borscht. It was excellent, with real depth of flavor and a nice balance between acidity and sweetness. The soup was hearty without feeling heavy and tasted properly rustic and homemade.
The last time Steve was there, he had ordered chakapuli, a traditional Georgian stew, but it wasn’t on the menu the night we visited. Instead, we chose chanakhi, another Georgian stew made with eggplant and tomatoes. It arrived piping hot, with freshly baked bread on the side. My experience with Georgian food is still fairly limited, but everything we had tasted very good. Steve has tried more Georgian dishes over the years and confidently considers Old Tbilisi Garden one of the best places in New York if you want authentic Georgian cooking.
The interior is simple and slightly old fashioned, with brick walls, dark wood, and white tablecloths. Toward the back is a small covered garden that feels like its own little world. There are garden gnomes, plants, and colored lights, and while it’s undeniably kitschy, it’s also genuinely cozy. If there’s a table available back there, that’s where you want to sit.
Old Tbilisi Garden, 174 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
