Dylan YoungGeorgian cuisine is arguably one of the most underrated. Georgia is situated both in Europe and Asia, so its cuisine reflects this cultural blend. Its dishes tend to be earthy and spicy, and there’s also a liberal use of nuts, cheese, and meat.
Curious to taste more of it, I asked local Georgian foodies on social media for restaurant recommendations in Toronto, and they obliged. There aren’t that many, unfortunately, but the ones here are so good and worth checking out!
Georgian House Authentic Restaurant
Address: 1044 Finch Ave W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14167361111
Georgian House Authentic Restaurant was actually the restaurant that introduced me to this wonderful cuisine, so naturally, I have to feature it in this article!
Khinkali (Georgian-style dumplings) is undeniably the star of the show here, and I agree. The dumpling wrapper is soft and springy, and the meat inside (I usually go for pork and beef) is so juicy and aromatic!
Don’t pass up on their khachapuri (Georgian-style cheese bread) as well because they’re so comforting and indulgent. My favorite is the Megruli Khachapuri, which has a lovely, tangy tomato filling. The cheese layer is perfectly melted, with some crispy parts.
| Pro Tip: Pair your meal with a glass or bottle of authentic Georgian wine. This restaurant offers more than 500 options for you! |
Old Avenue Restaurant and Bakery
Address: 1923C Avenue Rd, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11 am to 11 pm
- Saturday—12 to 11 pm
- Sunday—12 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14167811117
Old Avenue Restaurant and Bakery isn’t strictly a Georgian restaurant, but it does cover a wide range of cuisines in the Middle East and South Caucasus, including Georgian. So, it’s worth trying, in my opinion!
I like getting the Khachapuri Adjaruli, which is a pie filled with eggs and special cheese. It’s such a hearty dish, and I love that every bite is an explosion of savory and earthy notes.
They also have khinkali, which is stuffed with savory and spicy lamb and beef. I recommend ordering this as a side dish.
| Pro Tip: If you don’t eat meat, don’t worry because there’s a vegan menu available here. |
Genatsvale
Address: 1118 Finch Ave W Unit 2, North York
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday, Sunday—12 to 10 pm
- Saturday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +14169072200
Genatsvale is a family-owned restaurant that has been around for nearly 10 years. It’s a local favorite, and I constantly hear that it’s where residents love to come and host important celebrations.
I recommend getting the Chashushuli, which is a veal stew with spicy sauce. The sauce also tastes herby and tangy, and I love pairing it with a mildly salty Khachapuri.
Another great dish to try is the Chakhokhbili, which is a kind of chicken stew. The chicken meat is so tender and generously seasoned with aromatic spices, and the stew is loaded with tomatoes and walnuts. It’s a very filling meal.
| Pro Tips: Every Wednesday, the Alazani Valley wine bottles sold here are discounted by 50%! If you want to book this place for a party, you have to contact them via phone or email ([email protected]). |
Restaurant Tiflisi
Address: 1970 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14166867389
If you’re in downtown Toronto, then be sure to stop by Restaurant Tiflisi on Queen Street. This place has such a lovely, inviting atmosphere; I always feel like I’m at home whenever I’m dining here.
I like to start my meal with Baje, which has tender chunks of fried chicken drenched in a spicy, aromatic walnut sauce. Of course, I also order the traditional style Khinkali because I can’t get enough of these dumplings.
For the main course, I love the Chakhohbili, which is duck stewed in a delicious walnut sauce. When I’m dining with a group, I go for the BBQ platters because they’re always so jam-packed with tender and juicy meat and bread.
| Pro Tip: Give a fellow foodie a gift card from Restaurant Tiflisi! |
Suliko Restaurant
– From: obiness
Address: 1311 Alness St #8, Concord
Distance from TO: Around 30 minutes
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday—12 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +19057601989
Named after the Georgian word for “soul,” Suliko Restaurant serves delicious and comforting dishes. That’s why I love to come here (even if it’s a 30-minute drive from the city) when I’m down in the dumps because I know the food will cheer me up in no time.
I’m a big fan of their Chikhirtma, a kind of soup. The broth is incredibly rich and savory, and I love how the whipped eggs make it thick.
Then, I order the rack of baby lamb for the main meal because I love how succulent the meat is. Chanahi (lamb stew with potatoes and tomatoes) is another great recommendation. I love how hearty and herby this dish is.
| Pro Tip: If the weather is clear, take a seat at their patio. That way, you can enjoy the fresh breeze while eating your meal. |
