In case you need a refresh, the Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants that offer multi-course meals at reasonable prices. And while all are unique and the “price” varies from country to country, the standard for quality remains the same.
That’s why every Friday, we’re highlighting our Bib of the Week: where to go, what to order, the best time to stop by, and everything in between. So whether it’s a creative Latin American focused menu in Denver or Italian favorites in a Washington, D.C. hotspot, our selection of Bib Gourmand spots will leave both you and your wallet satisfied.
A stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto, Tiflisi serves some of the most authentic Georgian dishes in Canada. From lamb khinkali with warm broth to mouthwateringly delicious kebabs topped with fried potatoes, the menu at this family-owned boîte is just as comforting as home. And no need to fight over that last piece, as portions are generous and meant to be shared.
But don’t take our word for it, check out what our Inspectors had to say here, and below, learn from the team on what you need to know before you go.
What is the dish to order at Tiflisi?
It's hard to pick just one standout dish, but the dishes like the appetizers of Assorted Pkhali or Badrijani, cheese pastry such as Khachapuri Acharuli or Imeruli Khachapuri, and main dishes like Chashushuli or Ckmeruli, are customer favorites. Badrijani showcases fried eggplant rolls filled with a hearty walnut-garlic paste, embodying the simplicity and depth of Georgian culinary artistry. Khachapuri Imeruli is a traditional Georgian bread, filled with a rich blend of melted cheese, while Acharuli Khachapuri presents a boat-shaped bread cradling molten cheese and crowned with a glistening yolk, encapsulating the indulgent essence of Georgian coastal flavors. Finally, Chashushuli offers a simmered beef stew, imbued with the warmth of chili peppers and fresh tomatoes, resonating deeply with Georgia's hearty culinary traditions while Chkmeruli pairs tender chicken with a rich, garlicky cream sauce, epitomizing the beautiful dance between rustic and refined in Georgian cuisine.
What price range can customers expect at Tiflisi?
The price range the customers can expect is between $37-40, but this of course depends on the nature of the order. By its nature, Georgian food must be shared and with our large selection of dishes, we always recommend people to order bigger variety and share with each other as it truly elevates their experience.
When is the best time to stop by?
If you like more privacy and more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, we suggest coming during the weekdays. On the other hand, if you prefer the business of a venue and being around big groups of people, then weekends would be your best bet. Just keep in mind that while the Georgian food is great for lunch, we always recommend experiencing it, at least once, for dinner as you will find yourself feeling a completely different set of emotions.
What was the idea behind Tiflisi?
For generations, our family has made it its priority to popularize Georgian culture and cuisine with the first restaurant dating back to 1988. Hence, the idea behind Tiflisi was to celebrate the exceptional and exquisite flavors of Georgian cuisine in a multicultural city as Toronto. Upon moving to Canada, we realized that Georgia, as a country, was unknown to big masses of people living in Downtown as well as other urban areas, let alone its food and culture. Therefore, we believed that it was our duty to introduce the amazing flavors and spices that the Georgian cuisine brings.
How would you describe your approach to food and cooking?
Centuries of cherished family recipes serve as our foundation. Essential to our culinary approach is the utilization of genuine Georgian spices, a kaleidoscope of dried herbs harvested from Georgian soils. We pride ourselves on crafting dishes from the ground up, relying on prime ingredients and time-honored techniques to unlock a dish’s full flavor potential. We do not use any pre-made or frozen produce and I believe that what brings the full scope of the flavors in our dishes.
How did you conceive of a menu that is delicious, yet good value?
The menu was conceived through the collection of authentic family recipes that were passed down for generations and then further enhanced based on the chef’s vision and the new flavor discoveries made throughout the years.
This year's inflation was indeed a challenging tide, however, our principle has always been to preserve the quintessential Tiflisi experience. By involving our family at each stage, we've strategically navigated price adjustments without compromising the standards we're fiercely proud of.
Hero image: Courtesy of Tiflisi
All photos courtesy of Tiflisi
