The first in a new crop of sophisticated restaurants taking over historic Plekhanovi district, Ninia’s Garden is situated inside a heritage brick building with an open kitchen, a breezy covered atrium-courtyard draped with vines, and a charming backyard with a cherub fountain and cool wall mural. Co-founded by Meriko Gubeladze (the same chef behind Shavi Lomi and Kaklebi), the restaurant is named after the 20th-century Tbilisi merchant, Ninia Zaridze, who famously opened up her private garden to aid and abet young lovers’ trysts. The menu highlights classic Georgian recipes with a fine-dining edge, and for some dishes, Middle Eastern flavours.

At 97 Uznadze Street and inside the rehabilitated bones of an old Tbilisi house, Ninia’s Garden is an oasis in the city from founder and Chef Meriko Gubeladze. As the sister restaurant to Shavi Lomi, another favorite among locals and tourists, it’s the homey feel, consistently delicious dishes, and great outdoor spaces at both restaurants that have people coming back for more. Simply put, Ninia’s Garden is an elegant and thoughtfully curated introduction to Georgian cuisine, and hospitality.

At 97 Uznadze Street and inside the rehabilitated bones of an old Tbilisi house, Ninia’s Garden is an oasis in the city from founder and Chef Meriko Gubeladze. As the sister restaurant to Shavi Lomi, another favorite among locals and tourists, it’s the homey feel, consistently delicious dishes, and great outdoor spaces at both restaurants that have people coming back for more. Simply put, Ninia’s Garden is an elegant and thoughtfully curated introduction to Georgian cuisine, and hospitality.

Located in the Chughureti district and housed in an old brick house, Ninia’s Garden offers a cozy atmosphere, delicious modernized Georgian food with a touch of the Middle East, and a beautiful garden. Founded by Chef Meriko Gubeladze (who also owns Shavi Lomi and Cafe Laila), Ninia’s Garden pays tribute to Ninia Zaridze, a 20th-century female merchant from this district, who had a gorgeous garden she’d let lovers visit for free. Back then, Tbilisi public gardens required payment.

Bazhe is a velvety, coriander-scented walnut sauce that’s a staple of Georgian home cooking. Traditionally served alongside cold boiled chicken, the condiment also plays well with grilled vegetables, meats, and fish. At hot-spot restaurant Ninia’s Garden, chef Meriko Gubeladze spoons the sauce over grilled baby eggplants and serves them as an appetizer with crusty bread.

Ninia’s Garden: On warm summer days, the back outdoor garden is the only place to spend an evening and have a delightful respite from the hustle and bustle of city life just outside. The homemade compote, cocktails, and selection of Georgian wines are the only way to refresh yourself after a long day. Book a table in advance and go early and stay late.

The first day I was drawn into this tiny bakery with no name and no sign was down to the amazing smell wafting into the street. I was walking past before work and tried to pay with Turkish Lira by accident. I got a bun filled with some kind of homemade jam, maybe quince, it was perfect and cost one Georgian Lari (about $0.50/£0.30).

The main indoor space with a glass roof and piano in the middle is just the kind of gorgeous-looking restaurant that I would happily visit over and over. They serve delicious local Georgian cuisine with a modern twist.