Restaurants

I dinned at Tbilisi recently with colleagues from work and I found the place was as good as ever. For me the distinct and quality Georgian food, charming service and the very good value, makes 'Tbilisi' a remarkable restaurant in Islington. It is a shame that George the Georgian below appears to have a personal vendetta against "Tbilisi" restaurant and is unreasonable when expecting Tbilisi in London to compete with the restaurants in Georgia over the authenticity. Actually I've visited Georgia twice in past three years and found that most restaurants there are below standard so if do travel there make sure you only visit known good restaurants to avoid disappointment (and really upsetting George the Georgian). I do like Khachapuri - cheese bread at 'Tbilisi' because its quite light and does not overpower the brilliant starters at this restaurant.

To all
People please don’t think that it’s a Georgian restaurant as real Georgian restaurant is more full with food and lots of traditional meals which are more tastier than these, when I have ordered Khachapuri it should be a pastry full of cheese but here_ it was like a bread and no excuses were made by manager when I have asked is it a bread or chachapuri? They told me that for Georgians it is an unusual but in this country they still like as it’s a hot, doesn’t matter what’s inside, what a comment, I would not Commended these restaurant anyone as you may will never even think to try it again and travel to Georgia

I was more than surprised when I have read the comments about the Georgian restaurant Tbilisi. I have been visiting the restaurant for the past five years myself and am pleased not only with their food but the lovely interior of the restaurant and the attention I receive every time I go there. What is more surprising and even more upsetting is the fact that those rude and quite frankly nasty comments are written by the Georgians themselves. Even if they are not as satisfied by the restaurant as they might have expected, there are only three Georgian restaurants in London and they must be nothing but proud and supportive. Please visit Tbilisi. I promise you will not be disappointed.

I have tasted Georgian food in Georgia before but over hire it is really out of order, nothing close to Georgian except shape, never comeback again

I am Georgian and proud of our reach culture, our reach choice of traditional food and drinks, how ever I will never go to this restaurant again, as food which was served may will taste allright for foreign person but I know what should be a real taste and service, nothing is closer to Georgian culture and it’s a shame for our community having a restaurant with capital of Georgia’s name and not having a best service or really best made food, also I find that ingredients were missing in the food, like by Georgian khachapuri meansis a cheesebread but cheese was missing inside so completely out of order, same concerns about other food, please visit Georgia and taste there real Georgian food in Tbilisi so I can be proud again
Thanks

Visited after reading review. Holloway Rd doesn't carry the visual appeal of Upper St, but the meal at Tbilisi was better than most we've had on Upper, and thus well worth the effort. The inside is cosy, with dark red walls, chocolate brown furniture and subtle lighting setting a solid scene . Food was a pleasant surprise, and definately unique. The mains were more of the hearty stew variety, with lots of lamb and pork based options. Sauces were excellent. Starters were the highlight, however. You typically order to share, and each 'starter platter' is comprised of meze-styled dips, most with different takes on fresh veg like aubergine, spinach, and tomato fused with walnuts and such. Decent Georgian wine selection, but you'll have to order by bottle on most. Overall, I'd send my friends on a visit. Good value for money, and something different from the usual restaurant lot.

I went for dinner at this restaurant just before Christmas based on your review and the recommendation of a friend. Unfortunately on that occasion, I'd had a substantial lunch and was nearly defeated at the first hurdle. The hot, fluffy, melting cheese bread was a transport of delight and the accompanying purees and salads exploded with flavour (no problems for vegetarian dining options). I gave it a second go recently so I could do justice to the main courses - the trout baked with potatoes, mushrooms and cheese was the very definition of comfort food. Add in the wonderful, welcoming service, the relaxed ambience and the more-than-reasonable bill and I'll be making regular trips, despite the journey home to Brighton!

Fantastic place. Looks dodgy from the outside, but the food is very hearty, filling, tasty and reasonably-priced. Can't go wrong with a bit of Georgian wine too. Service is good, and I would definitely recommend it.

A tip - unless you are set on having the mains, you would be well advised, if dining as a party, to stick to the various iterations of the starter platters for two - the mains are competent but unexciting and quite salty, whereas the starters are fresh, vibrant salads and light dishes - very typical and representative of good Georgian cooking - and each comes with a melting khachapuri cheese-bread! Combine these with some interesting Georgian wines and you have a recipe for a good evening!