Mama Manana

Mama Manana is a popular Georgian restaurant at Velyka Vasylkivska Street 44 in central Kyiv, serving the cooking of the Caucasus in a homely room. Georgian food has a loyal following in Ukraine, and this restaurant is one of the best-known places in the capital to try it. A second branch operates on Prorizna Street near the Golden Gate. The menu is built around the dishes most associated with Georgia. Khachapuri adjaruli is the emblematic order, a boat-shaped cheese bread topped with a runny egg and butter that is torn and stirred at the table. Khinkali, the twisted dumplings filled with spiced meat and broth, are the other staple, and lobio, a seasoned bean dish, is a common starter. Grilled meats complete the menu and suit groups who want to share. The atmosphere is warm and informal, with the generous, family-style feel associated with Georgian hospitality. There is no dress code, and the room can be noisy when full, particularly at weekends. Sharing dishes at the table is the normal way to eat, so groups of three or four can try much of the menu. Mains cost roughly UAH 250-500 (USD 6-11), which keeps the restaurant firmly in the affordable band. Opening hours are Monday to Thursday 11AM-10PM and Friday to Sunday 11AM-11PM. Reservations are advised for weekends, and booking a day ahead is usually enough. Bookings are taken on +380 50 425 0404, and the restaurant keeps its own website at mamamanana.kiev.ua. Velyka Vasylkivska Street is a main central route with metro stations at Palats Ukraina and Lva Tolstoho nearby, so the restaurant is easy to reach without a car. It suits families, groups and visitors wanting a hearty, good-value meal after sightseeing. Vegetarians can build a satisfying meal around khachapuri and lobio.