Just a few steps from the Old Town Square, behind the ancient wooden doors, a completely different world opens up – the world of medieval Georgia. The aroma of juicy shashlik from an open fire engulfs you as soon as you enter, because in the Gruzie restaurant, cooking is really done on fire – on two grills, each of which dominates one floor. “Like at home,” guests say most often, and no wonder.
The interior of the restaurant is a journey through time. The ground floor is reminiscent of medieval Georgia with stone, wood, artifacts and subdued lighting, while the upper floor takes you to Tbilisi at the beginning of the 20th century – with stained glass windows, silk wallpapers and white tablecloths, where artists and intellectuals once gathered. The atmosphere is also underlined by a rich list of Georgian wines, of which there are over fifty types and some are intended exclusively for this restaurant.
The cuisine is built on traditional recipes of ancestors and respect for raw materials. Everything – from pickled vegetables, cheeses, sauces to khinkali – is prepared right in the restaurant, fresh and honest. The meat is served on skewers brought to the table with a real fire, and the dishes are served in traditional clay pots.
Behind this authentic concept is chef Neli Kokolashvili, a native of Georgia, who originally studied law and worked at the prosecutor's office in Tbilisi. But her life changed a seemingly inconspicuous moment – when she accompanied a friend to a cooking course. Curiosity turned into a lifelong passion, and the master chef recognized a talent in her that directed her to a new profession.
Neli gained experience in a small bistro in Tbilisi, then worked in Warsaw, Munich and other European cities, where she not only cooked, but also co-created a philosophy of flavors. She herself says that the recipe and technique are important, but the main thing is the love put into the food. “Georgian cuisine is the story and soul of our nation. I want our guests to feel it in every bite,” he adds.
Restaurant Gruzie is not just about food, but also about emotions, atmosphere and an authentic experience. There is live Caucasian music, traditional Georgian dances and a warm welcome that makes every guest feel at home. If you have never been to Georgia before, you don’t need to pack your bags – just visit this restaurant in the heart of Prague and taste it with all your heart.