Old Tbilisi on Bleecker Street is a delightful portal to Georgian cuisine that manages to feel both cozy and transportive in the heart of the Village. What makes this spot stand out among NYC’s ethnic eateries is its genuine approach to traditional Georgian cooking – unfussy, generous, and deeply satisfying.

The khachapuri is the obvious must-order – a boat-shaped bread filled with molten cheese, topped with an egg and butter that you mix together tableside to create what might be the world’s most perfect comfort food. But the menu goes much deeper. Their khinkali (soup dumplings) arrive properly chewy and bursting with savory broth, while the walnut-based pkhali spreads offer a flavor profile unlike anything else in town.

The space itself has that perfect neighborhood restaurant feel – modest but welcoming, with Georgian touches that add character without veering into theme park territory. The wine list deserves special mention, offering some excellent Georgian varieties that might be your first introduction to one of the world’s oldest winemaking traditions.

The friendly family operation provides service that feels personal rather than polished, and prices remain refreshingly reasonable given the quality and portions. For a meal that expands your culinary horizons while delivering pure comfort, Old Tbilisi offers Greenwich Village a genuine taste of Georgian hospitality.