How did the Ethno-Tsiskvili transform into a restaurant-museum?

It's hard to imagine not being familiar with "Ethno-Tsiskvili" if you are a fan of Georgian traditional cuisine and Georgian culture in general. This restaurant offers its guests not only authentic Georgian dishes but also cultural diversity, local folklore, and choreography. That's why "Ethno-Tsiskvili" is called a restaurant museum, attracting foreign guests who want to experience the real Georgia.

Few people know that "Ethno-Tsiskvili" has a long and very interesting history of development. Everything started in 2002. At that time, the street where the restaurant is located was not infrastructurally organized, nor was it distinguished by a normal road. The founders of "Ethno-Tsiskvili" were inspired by the natural waterfall and the ancient water mill, which is preserved and functioning in the restaurant today.

"When we were planning the construction of "Ethno-Tsiskvili," I went to live in Rome for two months, where I found myself surrounded by ancient ruins and museums. The inspiration for the architecture of "Ethno-Tsiskvili" came to me right there. I wanted to keep the terrain intact and give visitors the feeling of being in an ancient castle. As a result of the synthesis of old and modern details, we got an object of a completely new character and architecture. Following him today, you might come across similar spaces elsewhere. I jokingly called this process "Tsiskvilizing," - says Mamuka Chkhaidze, one of the founders of the "Tsiskvili Group" and the chief architect of the restaurant.

In addition to the outstanding architecture, "Ethno-Tsiskvili" made a name for itself from the beginning with delicious authentic dishes and service. Its cuisine still maintains the highest quality and delights its guests with unique Georgian flavors. Currently, the menu of "Ethno-Tsiskvili" is taken care of by its brand chef Alex Natadze, who was named "Discovery of the Year" in 2023 by Gault&Millau Georgia.

If you visit "Ethno-Tsiskvili," besides tasting delicious dishes, you will witness an extraordinary sight. Every day, a musical and choreographic celebration is organized here for guests, during which authentic samples of Georgian dance and song come to life. In "Ethno-Tsiskvili," you can also look at ancient museum exhibits, which are displayed in its various concept halls.

"Tsiskvili" is not only a food facility; its environment gives visitors an emotion that will stay with them for a long time. For foreigners, visiting us is the best way to get to know Georgian cuisine, culture, folklore, and architecture," says Giorgi Shvelidze, General Director of the "Tsiskvili Group."

The fact that "Ethno-Tsiskvili" is an unconditional leader in restaurant activity is evidenced by numerous local and international awards that "Ethno-Tsiskvili" received at different times for the best architecture, innovations, dishes, and services.

Over time, other spaces were added to "Ethno-Tsiskvili" - a beer square, a Sanadimo, and a Wine yard. So, when you visit "Ethno-Tsiskvili" on Beliashvili Street, don't be surprised if you find yourself in a kind of mini-city, where you will get to know the Georgian culture along with the best dishes.