The next time you want to drink a bottle of wine with your friends with the intention of that one bottle turning into three, do it at Saperavi. Bottles at this Georgian spot in the East Village start at $48, and there’s a full range of Georgian wine to drink here, from spritzy bottles of orange to spicier saperavis (their namesake variety). And what this restaurant lacks in size, it makes up for in personality—your server might mix the egg into your Adjaruli khachapuri like a DJ scratching records, to the beat of the thumping techno that echoes in the small space. Everything is great to share, and if you read the words “Georgian plum sauce” anywhere, order it.
Food Rundown
Potato Mushroom Ojakhuri
A perfect little starter. We love how the thin and crispy sheets of potatoes and those earthy, golden mushrooms soak up that acidic green plum sauce. If you’re just here for a snack and a glass of wine, this is a great option.
photo credit: Will Hartman
Adjaruli Khachapuri
The pastry on this Adjaruli khachapuri is thinner and puffier than you might find at some other top Georgian spots in the city, and we like it. Plus, your server will put on a full show mixing it up. It’s not a full tableside rigamarole, but it’s a little service touch that makes the place feel more fun.
photo credit: Will Hartman
Beef Khinkali
They’re not reinventing the wheel with these khinkali, and we’re big fans.
photo credit: Will Hartman
Chicken Tabaka
Again, the green plum sauce is the highlight of this roasted chicken dish. We found our meat to be a little overcooked, but the bites that got dragged through the sauce were saved.
photo credit: Will Hartman
Kupati
Same deal here—this sausage could use a little more fat, though the licorice-like fenugreek flavor is nice.
photo credit: Will Hartman
