Tbilisi

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Restaurants and cafés

Highbury

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Time Out says

Tue Jun 12 2012

Set on an unpromising stretch of the Holloway Road, Tbilisi remains a good-value introduction to the delights of Georgian cookery (a popular cuisine across the former Soviet bloc, but rarely seen in the UK).

Few diners will fail to appreciate khachapuri (soft yeasty flatbread stuffed with cheese) and the intriguingly spiced salads of puréed aubergine, carrot, leeks and beetroot. A mixed plate is ideal for sharing.

The kitchen’s secret is the Georgian spice-mix of khmeli suneli, and the ubiquitous blend of marigold and crushed walnuts combined with fresh coriander – all good for vegetarians. For meat-eaters, warmly spiced lamb stews such as chanakhi (long-braised with tomato and aubergine to tender perfection) are often a better bet than chicken dishes.

Kharcho was disappointing; the soupy stew flavoured with tomato, plum paste and creamy ground walnuts was let down by chunks of chicken with a seemingly reheated taste and texture.

Don’t miss the Georgian wine; the great Kindzmarauli and Khvanchkara are something of an acquired taste with their rich, complex semi-sweetness, but there are also fresh whites like Tsinandali and a lightly fruity Mtatsminda rosé. Like the restaurant itself, they’re a refreshingly different experience.

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Venue location

Address:
Tbilisi 91 Holloway Road
Highbury
London
N7 8LT

Phone:
020 7607 2536
Opening hours:
Dinner served 6-11pm daily
Transport:
Tube: Highbury & Islington tube/rail
Price:
Main courses £8-£11
Map
1. Tbilisi
  - 91 Holloway Road
    Highbury
    London
    N7 8LT
  - 020 7607 2536
  - 51.548023,-0.106754

Categories:
Food and drink
Facilities:
Restaurant and bar facilities. Take away. Reservations required. General facilities. Private rooms. Available for hire
Occasions:
Drinks. Wine buffs. Going in a group. Eating out. Creative cooking. Unique. Unique London
Type of event:
Parties

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Comments & ratings

(5 ratings)

Simply exceptional. We have been there on many occasions and always had a great time with excellent food (we tried the entire menu) and great wine. We have since introduced many friends who always loved it too. I you have not tried it yet - do!

John Sun Mar 17
Rated as: 5/5
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Food: Excellent, with flavours and flavour combinations not found in many other cuisines. Service: very friendly. Wines: not spectacular, but unusual and well matched to the food.

Drake Thu Dec 27 2012
Rated as: 5/5
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Highly recommended if you want to enjoy delicious meal and pleasant environment. I really loved the food and the people serving at the place.

Mariam Tue Dec 27 2011
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Me and my friends visited this restaurant and were very disappointed. Food was very small portions and tasted bad,service was very poor,and we were asked to pay for service charge which is even ilegal.If you want to spoil your evening then you can do this there.

Ineta Tue Aug 16 2011
Rated as: 1/5
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Simply delicious. If you like hidden gems, you'll love this place. Everything is TASTY. Go for some starters and the lamb or chicken as mains are simply delicious. Caramel cake for dessert was wonderful. Give it a go!

Helen Sun Aug 7 2011
Rated as: 4/5
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Fantastic spot on an otherwise grim road. The starters are fantastic (get the combo of cheese bread, spinach and pomegranates and the beats), but you'll need to arrive hungry to handle those plus a main. All the mains I've had were great, but I like the chakapuli (lamb with taragon) the best. Puddings are not the forte - the descriptions are not always the most enticing - but they are still good. But the wine cannot be missed - really great. Definitely recommend!

Nico Fri Nov 5 2010
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Wonderful place. Food tastes just as it does in Georgia. Staff are helpful and will recommend dishes to people unfamiliar with this delicious cuisine. Personally, I'd recommend ordering the khinkali dumplings as a starter to share. Then go for the chanakhi (lamb and aubergine stew). And don't forget to have a bottle of real Georgian wine. Exceptional.

liam Tue Jun 15 2010
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Highly recommended, great food, excellent service and brilliant value for money. Do not let the location put you off, it is beautiful inside and well worthwhile. Georgian red wine is exceptional too.

michael Sat Jun 5 2010
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