Madre is a lively Spanish restaurant shaped by Basque cooking and culture, located at 5 Besiki Square, Tbilisi 0108, in the Mtatsminda neighborhood just off central Rustaveli Avenue. It occupies a restored 19th-century noble townhouse. Travelers come for pintxos, seafood plates, the shareable Chuletón steak and a carefully chosen wine list in one of the Old Tbilisi townhouses that line the slopes below Mount Mtatsminda.
What to Expect at Madre
The house is divided into distinct spaces. A Spanish revival-inspired Bar seats 22, the Main Room holds 26, an intimate Fireplace Room seats 16, and the Game Room hosts private groups of up to 8 with its own entrance and restroom. High ceilings, period detailing and warm lighting give the rooms the feel of a private Tbilisi residence rather than a formal dining hall.
The kitchen keeps Basque plates at the center of the menu and gives regional Spanish classics modern twists. Expect small pintxos to start, then seafood dishes and the Chuletón, a thick bone-in rib steak meant for sharing. Raw ingredients are sourced locally from Georgian farms and the Black Sea. The full menu runs all day, and separate dessert, cocktail and wine menus round out the meal. Vegetarians will find vegetable pintxos and sides; ask staff about gluten-free options.
- Pintxos: Basque-style bar bites suited to grazing with a glass of wine at the bar.
- Chuletón: The kitchen’s signature shared rib steak and the centerpiece order for groups.
- Seafood plates: Coastal Spanish preparations built on locally landed fish and shellfish.
- Bespoke wine list: Spanish bottles alongside cocktails, with a dedicated wine menu.
- Fireplace Room: A cozy lounge that works well on cold winter evenings or for intimate dinners.
Madre at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 5 Besiki Square, Tbilisi 0108, Georgia |
| Neighborhood / Area | Mtatsminda, near Rustaveli Avenue |
| Operating Hours | Mon–Thu 15:00–00:00; Fri 15:00–01:00; Sat 13:00–01:00; Sun 13:00–00:00 |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$; pintxos for lighter spends, with the Chuletón at the top of the menu |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Liberty Square and Rustaveli metro stations (Line 1); limited street parking, so taxis are the easiest option |
| Official Website & Phone | madre-restaurant.com · +995 32 256 08 56 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book a table through Madre’s online reservation page, especially for Friday and Saturday dinners after 20:00, when Tbilisi dining peaks. Weekend lunch from 13:00 is calmer. For private rooms, contact the restaurant directly. Smart-casual dress fits the setting. Card payments are widely accepted, and a tip of about 10 percent is customary unless service is already added to the bill.
The restaurant is a short walk uphill from Liberty Square and Rustaveli metro stations. Because the building is a historic townhouse, guests should expect some steps and uneven old-town pavements. Call ahead for ground-level seating if you use a wheelchair or stroller. Afterward, stroll down to Rustaveli Avenue to see the Georgian National Museum and Kashveti Church. Freedom Square is about ten minutes on foot. The Mtatsminda funicular, which climbs to city views, is roughly 15 minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Madre’s opening hours?
Madre opens at 15:00 Monday to Thursday and at 13:00 on weekends. It closes at midnight, or 01:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Early evening is the calmest time to visit.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend dinners and can be made online. Walk-ins sometimes find space at the bar. Expect a $$$ spend per person with wine.
How long should I plan for dinner?
Allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for a full meal. A pintxos-and-wine stop at the bar can take under an hour.
Is Madre accessible and family-friendly?
Families are welcome, especially earlier in the evening. The 19th-century building has steps, so guests with mobility needs should call ahead to arrange suitable seating.
When planning your Tbilisi travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Tbilisi, pair this stop with standout local spots including Pullman Tbilisi Axis Towers, Tiflis Palace, Ilia Chavchavadze Literary-Memorial Museum, and Experimentorium – Science Museum (0.3 km away).
