A traditional family restaurant with recipes based on those in legendary writer and chef Barbare Jorjadze’s original cookbook of 19th-century Georgian classics. A real chance to discover forgotten but authentic Georgian food in an interior matched to those times: an eclectic mix of soft lampshades, lace tablecloths, and vintage crockery.
The 19th-century writer and women’s rights active defender, noblewoman, Kneina Barbare Eristavi-Jorjadze and her book “Complete Cousin” is the main source of inspiration for the creation of the restaurant “Barbarestan”
The main concept for the creation of the restaurant “Barbarestan” is to preserve Georgian Cousin diversity, to modify its old and traditional dishes while preserving their originality. Dishes, that are served “Barbarestan”, is an attempt of a new vision of the book dated 1914, that was discovered at the picturesque place.
The main goal of the restaurant is to develop Georgian gastronomic culture
The extraordinary and elaborate meals served here are based on an antique cookbook discovered at Tbilisi’s Dry Bridge Market in 2015. Of the 900 ‘forgotten’ Georgian dishes described, featuring rarely used ingredients such as rabbit, duck, and crayfish, to date 230 have been recreated by chef Giorgi Sarajishvili and his team, who present a frequently changing menu of obscure delights.
This is probably Tbilisi’s most innovative fine dining restaurant and an absolute must for anyone curious to try new takes on Georgia’s amazing culinary wealth. The staff are charming, speak good English, and are delighted to explain various details of the cooking process.
Elvira tips: try rabbit wrapped in ham, pumpkin patties, and cherry soup with mint, all made from local ingredients. A wide selection of Qvevri (traditional Georgian wines) aged on-site completes a very special experience.
