Makashvilebtan: a restaurant with atmosphere but no service – an honest review of the visit

Review of Makashvilebtan Restaurant in Tbilisi

Choosing a restaurant is always a balance between expectations and reality. Sometimes a place attracts with a stylish interior, and sometimes it promises a cozy atmosphere. However, the key factor remains the quality of service, as it shapes the overall experience of the visit.

Makashvilebtan immediately caught our interest: a vintage-style interior, Russian-speaking staff, and the concept of an authentic Georgian restaurant. However, the reality turned out to be mixed. In this review, we’ll analyze what we liked and what needs improvement.

What We Liked:

✅ Russian-speaking staff
At first, the waiter suggested using a translator, but then switched to fluent Russian, which made communication much easier.

✅ Interior
The vintage-style decor adds atmosphere to the restaurant and makes it feel more authentic.

What Can Be Improved in Makashvilebtan?

⚠️ Customer Service

While we were studying the menu, there was a lot of staff in the hall, engaged in banquet preparations and moving tables, but they completely ignored the guests. This created the feeling that we were in the way.

For 15 minutes, no staff member approached us to take an order, leaving a negative impression of the service.

⚠️ Hall Management

One of the halls was closed, despite the presence of available seats.

In the other hall, where we were offered to stay, we were warned that we needed to "eat quickly" because a banquet was being prepared. This remark felt disrespectful.

⚠️ Unpleasant Smell in the Room

A strong musty smell was present in the restaurant, significantly reducing comfort.

⚠️ Menu and Access to Information

The menu is available only via QR codes.

Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant, but it wasn’t easy to connect on the first try – we had to figure out how to access it. The staff did not offer Wi-Fi access, which could be inconvenient for guests without mobile internet.

⚠️ Prices

The menu is small, yet the prices are above average for similar restaurants in Tbilisi.

Recommendations for Visitors and Owners of Makashvilebtan Restaurant

For Visitors:

💡 Reserve a table in advance, especially if you plan to visit in the evening or on weekends. Due to potential banquets, the dining area may be occupied.
💡 Be prepared for inconsistent service – if waiters take too long to approach, it’s best to ask for assistance directly.
💡 Check the menu in advance – since it’s only available via QR code, make sure you have mobile internet or try connecting to Wi-Fi (although it may not be easy).
💡 Pay attention to the smell in the hall – if comfort is important to you, choose a seat in a well-ventilated area.
💡 Ask if you can sit at available tables – staff may restrict access to certain areas even if there are free seats.

For Owners:

⚙️ Improve service quality – waiters should be more attentive and not leave guests unattended for extended periods.
⚙️ Reconsider hall management – if one of the halls is closed, explain the reason to guests and offer an alternative without making them feel rushed.
⚙️ Address the unpleasant smell – dampness creates discomfort and discourages guests from returning. Proper ventilation or eliminating the source of the issue is necessary.
⚙️ Make Wi-Fi access easier – if the restaurant offers internet, staff should proactively assist guests in connecting instead of leaving them to figure it out on their own.
⚙️ Expand the menu options – given the pricing, guests would appreciate a broader selection of dishes.