Gala Restaurant in Kutaisi once left a positive impression on me at its old location on Tsereteli Street. It was a place with great cuisine, decent service, and a welcoming atmosphere, making you want to return.

However, after moving to a new location, something went wrong. My recent visit to this restaurant turned out to be a disappointment. If it once stood out for the quality of its food and service, now it seems to be resting on the laurels of numerous glowing reviews that no longer reflect reality.

Let’s break down what’s good here and what needs improvement.

What I liked about Gala Restaurant?

✅ Khinkali – the only truly enjoyable dish
Among all the dishes we tried, khinkali were the only ones that stood out. The filling was juicy, and the dough was well-cooked.

✅ Interesting interior and large windows
The restaurant’s ambiance is generally pleasant, with a thoughtfully designed interior and large panoramic windows that create a spacious feel.

What Can Be Improved in Gala Restaurant?

⚠️ Food Quality – Far from the Expected Level
Despite the well-prepared khinkali, the rest of the dishes were disappointing:

The salad was literally drenched in vinegar, making it unpleasant to eat.

Kupati (traditional Georgian sausages) were first forgotten, and when finally brought, they contained too much cartilage, which shouldn’t be there according to the recipe.

My friend ordered chicken soup. We were assured it wasn’t spicy, but in reality, it turned out to be quite the opposite.

⚠️ Service Has Declined – Waiters Work Without Interest
The restaurant was once known for its attentive and friendly service, but now:

Serving speed is slow, despite the restaurant being nearly empty.

Waiters show no enthusiasm, giving the impression that guests are not particularly welcome.

Tips are automatically included in the bill, yet the service level does not justify it.

⚠️ Prices Are Average, but Unjustified for Such Service
Previously, the restaurant matched its pricing level, but now the cost of food and service no longer seems reasonable.

⚠️ Bright Sunlight Due to Lack of Curtains
During breakfast in January, the sunlight was so intense that sitting by the window became unbearably hot. We asked the waiter to close the curtains, but they simply replied that there were none. This creates discomfort for guests and shows a lack of customer care.

Recommendations for Visitors and Restaurant Owners

💡 If you want delicious khinkali, you can try them here, but don’t expect much from other dishes.

💡 Be prepared for slow service – if you’re short on time, it’s better to choose another place.

💡 If good service is important to you, Gala will likely disappoint you.

💡 Expect tips to be automatically included in the bill. Even if the service was poor, you won’t be able to remove this charge.

Recommendations for Restaurant Owners:

⚙️ Refocus on food quality. Vinegar-drenched salads, cartilage in kupati, and soup that doesn’t match its description are problems that can be easily fixed if chefs pay closer attention to recipes.

⚙️ Train the staff to interact with guests. The attitude of waiters directly affects whether visitors will return. Even the most beautiful location won’t save a restaurant without good customer care.

⚙️ Improve sun protection in the dining area. If the windows are large, it makes sense to install curtains or blinds so guests can sit comfortably.

⚙️ Adjust the tipping policy. If the restaurant automatically includes tips in the bill, the service should match that level.