Georgian Food in Moscow: Khinkali Houses and Georgian Restaurants by Neighbourhood

Georgian food is one of Moscow's favourite cuisines: there are more khinkali houses (khinkalnaya) and Georgian restaurants here than anywhere outside Georgia. You'll find one near almost any metro station – the question is how to pick yours.

What to order the first time

• Khinkali – soup dumplings filled with beef and pork, lamb, mushrooms or cheese. You eat them by hand, holding the little "tail".
• Adjarian khachapuri – a boat-shaped bread with cheese, butter and an egg yolk.
• Pkhali and badrijani – walnut-based starters and aubergine rolls with walnut paste.
• Shashlik and chashushuli – if you're in the mood for meat.
• Georgian lemonades and churchkhela for dessert.

Where to look in the centre

There are many Georgian restaurants around Pyatnitskaya, on the Arbat, near Patriarch's Ponds and on Pokrovka. In the centre they tend to be large restaurants with live music and banquet halls – great for groups and celebrations.

Khinkali houses in the centre, street by street

People most often search for khinkali near specific streets and metro stations. In the centre that means Neglinnaya and Kuznetsky Most, Bolshaya Spasskaya near Sukharevskaya, the Arbat and Gogolevsky Boulevard, Krasnaya Presnya near Ulitsa 1905 Goda and Barrikadnaya, and the Park Kultury and Khamovniki area. If you're walking around the centre, there's almost certainly a khinkali house within five minutes.

Khinkali house or Georgian restaurant – what's the difference

A khinkali house is quick and simple: khinkali, khachapuri, a couple of salads, affordable prices. A Georgian restaurant has a full menu, wine, sometimes live music and an interior for an occasion. For lunch with a friend, go to a khinkali house; for a family dinner or a celebration, choose a restaurant.

Menu and prices

Every khinkali house will have khinkali (people usually order at least five per person), Adjarian and Megrelian khachapuri, pkhali, a walnut salad and lobio. Khinkali are cheaper than the other dishes – which is why khinkali houses are considered one of the most affordable dinner options in Moscow.

Khinkali houses in residential districts

A good khinkali house is often hidden not in the centre but close to home – in Mitino, Strogino, Maryino or the Southwest. It's simpler, cheaper and cosier there, and the khinkali can be just as good as in the centre.

A Georgian restaurant for an occasion

A Georgian feast (supra) is made for a big group: birthdays, family celebrations, get-togethers with friends. Many restaurants offer group sets, so you don't have to choose from a long menu.

How to get invited

Georgian restaurants and khinkali houses in Moscow invite INVITN club creators to dinner for two or for a group. The invitation shows what's included, which dates and how many guests you can bring. The creator tries the food and talks about it in their own words.

Join the club as a creator · For restaurants – find creators

Related: Influencer barter in Moscow · Restaurants · Barter tables