Ethnographer

Ethnographer is a folk-show restaurant at 105 Akaki Beliashvili Street in the Vake district of Tbilisi, Georgia, serving traditional Georgian food alongside live music and folk dance. It is oriented to the Georgian supra tradition of the shared feast, in which many dishes arrive in succession, toasts are made and music accompanies the table. Signature dishes include Georgian feast platters, khinkali and mtsvadi, the grilled skewered meat that is a staple of Georgian celebrations. The menu is designed to give visitors a broad introduction to the cuisine in a single sitting, with cold starters such as cheeses and vegetable dishes, hot breads and a choice of grilled meats. Evening performances of live music and folk dance are the principal attraction, so the dining room is festive, relatively loud and best suited to groups, families and travellers who want a cultural evening rather than a quiet meal. Dress is casual to smart-casual. Georgian wine and chacha, the grape spirit, are typical drinks, and staff can arrange wine by the carafe for tables. Prices are moderate, around 70-130 GEL per person (roughly USD 27-50), though costs depend on the size of the feast and the drinks ordered. The restaurant is open daily from noon. Reservations are advised for evening shows, and visitors should call +995 32 202 20 50 to confirm the schedule of performances and to book a table, particularly for groups or at weekends. Vake is a leafy residential and shopping district west of the centre, so the restaurant is typically reached by taxi or ride-hailing app rather than on foot from the Old Town. It is a sensible choice for travellers who want to combine dinner and entertainment, with the caveat that the show format can be touristy compared with neighbourhood restaurants.