NOW CLOSED...Formerly: In Moscow, foreigners and Russians alike often consent to the fact that the best Russian food is actually Georgian. The same is true at Tblisi. The understood language is Russian and the bulk of the menu is Georgian. Authentic is the operative word when it comes to the decor, the food and even the service. Brick linoleum walls are complimented by dim lighting and a collection of Russian businessmen (whom you can find perched at the back table of the one-room establishment bantering enthusiastically at all hours).
The food is rich and somewhat greasy, but very true to form. Nothing on the menu is at a loss for taste. The menu features a remarkable Israeli salad and your meal won't be complete without a hachipuri appetizer (spongy pita with melted Georgian cheese). Other traditional Russian and Georgian favorites like kebabs, perogies and pelmeni are also on the menu. The set-back is you will have to do some pointing to place an order; though Tblisi has both an English and a Russian menu, Tblisi's wait staff is not by any means bi-lingual.
If you're fond of good ethnic food then the long wait will be worth it. The kitchen operates on Russian time and it's BYOB.
