I cook a lot, grew up with a mother who was known in her circles as a great homecook, and I often enjoy foods from around the world. I've had Georgian food once before, in Los Angeles. I went with two friends to Metekhi. We focused on the vegetarian dishes this time (though we eat everything), and got the cold appetizer combo along with a tomato/cucumber salad; another cold appetizer with eggplant; a hot bean stew and another hot main course with mushrooms, potatoes and a little tomato sauce. The food was wonderful, and these days where you often get ripped off for really mediocre food, I was pleasantly surprised. Each dish was prepared with a lot of love and care, well seasoned, NOT overusing oil, butter or salt, and also beautifully presented. The herbal seasonings were unusual to me, but delicious. They have a lot of vegetarian/vegan options, which is really cool because I expected a menu with cuisine from this part of the world to be very heavy on meat and starches (I'm half-Polish, have been to Poland, Russia, the Czech Republic, and have tried other Eastern European and Central Asian cuisines). The decor is also really cozy and nicely decorated to convey the vibes of Georgia. Amazing how the inside of these strip malls can be transformed. Come and support this new gem in Skokie/Skevanston. I really want them to succeed, because sometimes I shake my head at what places fill crowds and get great ratings in this area. Metekhi is genuinely good. It's not cheap, but as bagel joints can charge nearly $15 for a sandwich today, it's seems to be the sad times we're in, so you want a memorable experience incl. food/service/ambience. Metekhi delivers on all three. Sharing a few dishes here with friends is a good idea. read more

This is a great spot for a special occasion. If you're a fan of Georgian food, you really should check this place out. The ajaruli khachapuri is truly excellent. We didn't love the pkhlovana version as much, but it was still very good (just a lot of onion flavor when we ordered). While super basic, their fried potatoes are insanely good. I'd also recommend any stew on the menu. They have a great selection of Georgian wines as well, which I highly recommend. For those who don't drink alcohol, they offer a wide variety of compotes as well. The decor/ambiance is very Eastern European. There is a coat check at the entrance which is very handy. Service is very friendly, but they have seemed understaffed the times we've gone. It did take some time to get the waitress' attention, but it also seemed that she was the only one taking orders from several tables. Definitely a slower service, but it's good for large groups to talk over a great meal. read more

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Eric R. and I had a lot of time between landing in Chicago and checking into our hotel on Friday, so we decided that we could drive anywhere and have a leisurely lunch. We wanted to eat something we do not have access to, and Georgian food is definitely a cuisine we rarely have tried. I found Metekhi on yelp the night before while bookmarking a bunch of options in a certain radius, and off we went! When we entered, I noticed it is a very nicely decorated space from the entry all the way throughout the restaurant. There were figurines of dumplings on the bookshelf behind our table. There was only one other table of patrons at that point. The server brought us a carafe or water while we reviewed the menu. We were able to hear her explain some of it to the other table because it was pretty quiet in there, which helped. We ordered hot Georgian black tea, which came in a huge insulated carafe to Eric R.'s delight. We asked several questions, and ultimately ordered too much food on the premise that we wanted to try as much as we could! We got the ajaruli khatchapuri, the boat shaped bread with bubbling cheese and an egg yolk in the middle which we swirled around and then dipped the bread into (small size which we could not even finish); chashushuli, a beef stew with a tomato base that had Indian curry vibes but with completely different spices, topped with sliced red onion and parsley; and khinkali, veal soup dumplings which came with a demonstration from the figurine to show us how to eat them while they cooled a bit! The khinkali were to be eaten by holding the twisted "knob" of the dumpling, taking a bite, slurping the broth, taking another bite, slurping the rest of the soup, then eating the dumpling wrapper and meat filling. It was mind-blowingly delicious. We were too full to try the Georgian salad with walnut dressing or the honey cake. This would be a really fun place to come with a big group! Service was very good, but slow considering there were only two tables in the restaurant. The food and tea were piping hot and made to order. The beef was very tender, and the flavors were incredible. I would definitely recommend a visit here if you have not tried Georgian food! There were options for vegetarians, chicken eaters, and carnivores alike! read more

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Went here to catch up with some friends and we were pleasantly surprised by this restaurant -- definitely not what you'd expect for the strip it's in! We got the Ajaruli, Pork Mtsvadi, Mushroom Ojakhuri, Georgian Limonati (Pear, Tarragon, and Cream), Nigvziani Badrijani, Chashushuli Soko, Chicken Ojakhuri, Beef Chashushuli, and the Napoleon for dessert. I highly recommend the Mushroom Ojakhuri, Nigvziani Badrijani, Chashushuli Soko, and the Georgian Limonati (Pear) -- all were standout dishes. The food is on the pricier side, so I definitely recommend splitting dishes to try more. Our waitress was super nice and really informative, which made the experience even better! read more

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Discovered this gem on accident and we loved everything we ordered here. Never tried Georgian food and we just ask for the recommendation from our waitress. Every dish was delicious and new to us and we enjoyed this restaurant so much!! read more

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We had a very friendly and kind waitress, and the interior of this new restaurant is beautiful and nicely decorated. However, I was a bit underwhelmed with our selections here. We ordered the Borscht soup of the day. The flavor of this soup was very very light and tasted watered down, but once we put in the sour cream (which came on the side of the soup), it was a lot better. The wine I ordered was way too cold upon arrival. I think they called the wine a little too long, it felt like it was in the freezer because it was that cold. I also usually love wine, but the wine I ordered I actually did not enjoy its taste at all. Finally, we ordered the Khabitzgina. The dough was of good quality and the cheese was good as well, but I am not a personal fan of this appetizer and found it underwhelming. That said, there's so much to choose from on the menu and maybe i'd come back to try some of their other dishes--maybe we just didn't order the right items this time. But, I feel no need to rush back here. It's really not that great read more

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I strongly recommend the restaurant for fabulous food, authentic decor, friendly atmosphere and excellent service. Our waiter Jacob couldn't be nicer and more accommodating. Georgian appetizer platter had a variety of tasty vegetarian dishes,. The main dish of broiled trout was very generous with a side of roasted vegetables ( enough for 2). Prices are indisputably attractive also. Will definitely be back read more

What a wonderful Skokie foodgasm experience!!! This neighborhood gem should be a staple in your restaurant visits or carry out orders. For our groups first foray to the most delicious Georgian cuisine our guide was Asal. The recommendations on what to order was key in having our mind blown. For our table of 4 we ordered 2 appetizers one hot and one cold. The variety platter in the cold section was a great start to try the three most popular starters! The baked mushrooms for the second appetizer from hot section sealed the flavor explosion in our mouth. We also ordered red wine that is imported from the region. Did you know that Italian wine grape vines originated from the country of Georgia. So yes the red wine is amazing. For our non drinkers at the table we sampled Georgian grape soda that was equally fabulous!!! Refreshing grapey flavor that is not too sweet. They had many flavors to choose from like apple or berry even cream flavored. For the main course we ordered beef kabobs and baked chicken & potato entree that had really homey comfort flavors that we all agreed was super delicious. The basket of bread is baked fresh everyday & is refilled without even asking. We then tried the pastry wheel stuffed with cheese. It's their version of pizza. It was crispy and ooey gooey cheeszy goodness!!! You can also add mushrooms or the spinach version. We were so stuffed that we couldn't order dessert! We will definitely come back to try that and their homemade soups and salads!!! The red beet borscht sounded amazing!!! If you are curious and looking for an adventure definitely come here on Fridays they have live music that would be perfect for a group gathering or a festive date night. read more

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Everything was delicious! Service was perfect! Authentic atmosphere. We will be back and can't wait! read more

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Great place to come for a special dinner. Kids loved the Georgian soda flavors. My favorite were the rolled eggplant appetizer and the baked chicken in garlic sauce. Salmon kebabs were also nice. Next time I want to try some of the stews. Service was very nice and welcoming . read more

We came to Metekhi to celebrate my boyfriend's dad's birthday with a large party of 14, and it was such a great experience from start to finish. The food was amazing and perfect for sharing -- we ordered a mix of many different dishes so everyone could try a little of everything, and not a single plate disappointed. My boyfriend's family is Ukrainian, so Georgian cuisine feels very familiar and comforting to them, and Metekhi truly delivered authentic, flavorful dishes that reminded them of home. Everything was well-seasoned, fresh, and beautifully prepared. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, especially for a big group celebrating a special occasion. If you're looking for a spot for family gatherings, celebrations, or just incredible Georgian food, Metekhi is a must. We'll absolutely be back! read more

Warm and friendly, the young lady knew the menu and how to expertly describe the dishes so no surprises. The space was cozy and reflected the vibe of the country of origin well with an unapologetic and proud decor that results in an effect that seems decades older, in a nice way. It is very clean and every table has a light upscale feel (e.g. linen or folksy tablecloth) with a couple of semi private rooms for larger parties. The food was folksy, with the lamb stew steeped in a tarragon rich broth and heavily flavored in garlic was delicious if you like strongly accented flavor. The mushroom in wine and spices too was powerfully flavored, sweet, garlicly and rich, again. The two amber wines were regional and a drinker of other wines should appreciate the clear difference in flavor from white, red, rosé as a condition before judging. Nice mineral notes. The bread was very fresh and enhanced the entrees by offering a mild counterpart to the flavors. The prettiest choices were the nigvziani badrijani, so cute they could have been deserts. The bathrooms are outstanding, layers of special lights, a counter and sink to take a minute and collect your face and a separate commode for that which shall not be said. I recommend this restaurant to the familiar and adventurous. read more

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Unique, delicious food with outstanding service! My Ukranian boyfriend really wanted to check this place out as he raves about how Georgian cuisine is like what mexico is to US and Canada, lol I must say, it did not dissapoint! I highly recommend you go in a roup beucase all dishes are large, family style dishes. read more

Party of 7 people. we just came from there Waiting time walk in at 5.30 pm Sunday we got seat righ away then 20 minutes later water came served water and left another 25 minutes came to take Appetizer and main dinner order, 40 minutes later Appetizer and main dinner came at same time. I ordered chicken Tanaka and my wife ordered chkmeruli , both dishes total junk, dry,cold, restorant is full of people i don't know what type of people like this type of food I don't know but to me I have lost $268 with tips. Service is "0" according to description chicken Tanaka should be crispy out side and moist in side instead total junk same thing chkmeruli came in white water also total dry. All I know is have wasted $268. Other 5 people ordered different dishes they had same experience with their food too. I don't understand how this restaurant managed 5 star beyond my imagination. Don't even deserve 1 star. I usually go out atlist 8 times for dinner with my family this is is the first restaurant came across this type of experience. Never going back again read more

Metekhi - Total dry food - Georgian Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

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Service and food were delicious! Highly recommend - a real gem, don't pass this one up!

Service was normal. Ambiance OK. Food was BAD! Both Shish kebab and Chicken Tabaka were not cooked tonight. Hey be in the morning... hopefully the same day. It was warm - not hot off the grill - just bad and not delicious. read more

ABSOLUTELY 10/10 worth checking out this new local gem. We went once out of curiosity on a date night and have now been four times in the last three weeks!!! We are not at all affiliated with the place, not even Georgian - just completely obsessed!! Right off the bat, the restaurant is extremely clean and beautifully decorated, and the staff are friendly and ready to help with recommendations if you are unfamiliar with the cuisine like we were. On our first visit, we tried the Ojakhuri Salad, Georgian Kababi, Khinkali, Khachapuri Megruli, and honey cake for dessert. The salad was a mix of fresh and crunchy tomato, cucumber, and onion in a really unique walnut-based dressing, with a flavor and texture that was super addicting. The kababi were smoky and satisfying, also with a very unique flavor profile. Khinkali are the traditional Georgian soup dumpling, and they were massive and incredibly savory; the staff also took the time to tell us the correct way to enjoy them. Megrelian khachapuri is a double-layered version of their famous cheese pie, and definitely satisfies a craving for something melty and delicious; the kids also really enjoyed leftover slices, "like Georgian cheese pizza!" The honey cake was well-flavored and a generous portion, and surprisingly not too sweet. Not even a week later, our craving for their Khinkali was so strong that we ended up indulging in some late night takeout of the dumplings and some Lobio Salad. The salad was a bean salad with a similar herby walnut-based dressing to the Ojakhuri, and was super hearty yet fresh. The next day (no, not joking), we went back for another dinner date and tried the Nigvziani Badrijani, lamb Ojakhuri, and Khachapuri Pkhlovana, with a tarragon Georgian limonati to drink. The Nigvziani Badrijani was thin slices of eggplant rolled around seasoned walnut paste, and was cool and creamy and unlike anything either of us had ever tasted, as well as beautifully presented. The lamb dish was simply meat, potatoes, and onion baked piping hot in a clay pan, but it might just be our top dish from the entire menu!! We intended to save half the pan for leftovers, but it was just so addictively savory and tender and crispy in all the right places that we ended up finishing the whole thing at dinner. The Pkhlovani was a spinach variety of khachapuri, crispy and flaky and nicely generous on the greens; if you like spanakopita, definitely give that one a try. And the tarragon limonati was a bright green Georgian soda that was herbal enough to be refreshing and interesting, without being too niche of a flavor; it also comes in pear and cream varieties. Most recently, we went back to try a pear Georgian limonati, the Cold Appetizers Mix, Lobio Rachuli, and beef Khachapuri Penovani, plus Napoleon cake for dessert. The pear limonati had a light, honeyed sweetness that went great with our savory meal. The appetizer mix was a TON of food and beautifully presented, and the perfect way to try several of their appetizers if you are unfamiliar with the cuisine. It actually included three different varieties of Pkhali - spinach, beet, and green bean - which were balls of minced veggies blended with walnuts, herbs, and spices, each with unique nuances to their creamy, satisfying goodness - perfect with the Georgian bread. The Charkhali Tkemalshi were bright and tangy bites of tender beet, and the Nigvziani Badrijani were as delicious as on the previous visit. The bean stew came bubbling hot in a clay pot and was subtly yet again addictively seasoned with Georgian spices and bacon, and felt both comforting and familiar yet something a bit different; the pickled veggies were tangy and a great foil to the savory beans. We got the beef option for the Penovani and it also had an almost nostalgic, comforting flavor to its finely minced filling, and was perhaps the flakiest of the khachapuri we've tried yet. The Napoleon cake (Eastern European-style - different from the French) was a massive portion of melt-in-the-mouth pastry layers filled generously with perfectly sweet and custardy pastry cream, and we are very much looking forward to the leftovers. Do not sleep on this gem of a restaurant! Although if you do, we'll probably make up for it. There are still so many things we want to try on the menu, not to mention cravings for the dishes we've already had! read more

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Great food great service. Did a nice job remodeling the interior. Can't wait to return and try more items.

Metehi Georgian restaurant is a recent addition to the restaurant scene in Skokie-Evanston area. What a great surprise! We visited Metekhi twice within last 2 weeks. Great food, fresh, high quality, very nice staff, fresh white cloth on the tables. The traditional Georgian menu tastes outstanding! I strongly recommend this restaurant. read more

Metekhi - Traditional Georgian appetizer pkhali - it's delicious at Metekhi restaurant. - Georgian Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

Food service ambiance Highly The owner Oksans is amazing food is very good,portions very generous

I discovered this restaurant because it's next to one of my favorite places in Skokie. The food was okay but extremely overpriced not worth the value. The portions were very small and not very filling. The staff was kind and friendly so we gave it two stars. read more

Second time was as good or better than the first visit- staff informative and helpful- follow their suggestion to share dishes or be prepared to take home leftovers. Many entrees are served in clay pots which makes them be piping hot and stay hot for the entire meal. read more

If you love cheese, you'll love Metekhi! Cannot say enough about the Julienne and Imeruli cheese pie, the Pkhali and Ajapsandali were lovely as well. The inside is pretty and open, and our waitress was very nice as well! read more

Metekhi - Imeruli - Georgian Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

Food is over-salted, lacking flavor. The waitress was very friendly and kind. The restaurant is well decorated.

Food, service and ambiance was great. My son is picky but chef made special food for him. read more

Metekhi - Best Georgian food I have ever had. - Georgian Near Me - Skokie, Illinois

Everything we tried was delicious (eggplant appetizer, bean soup, dumplings, trout and garlicy potatoes). Portions were generous and we should have taken the server's advice and shared an entre', but happy to have some leftovers too. I imagine the cuisine is authentic because we were the only English speakers in the dining room for 3pm lunch/supper. I am not familiar with Georgian cuisine, but the food here is was great. read more

Went here last week during the week and it was absolutely delicious! Every plate we got was better than the last. Atmosphere was spot on, very peaceful. Nice waitress and very attentive. The only thing was it was quite pricey. It will definitely be a special occasion place! read more

Just a horrible experience. I took my family there thinking it would be a interesting food choice. Not at all! First of all the service was terrible and I felt that we were ignored many times! The appetizer plate was boring. And the food was delivered late. The white wine was warm. Lambstew was ladenin with too much tarragon. And when my sister ordered rice as a side, it was $15. For a plate of rice!!! My nephew's dish was delivered at least 20 minutes after we got our entrées. And it was just awful. He threw his leftovers out in the dumpster behind the restaurant. I don't know about other Georgian restaurants, but I would not recommend this one. No stars for me. read more

Best Georgian food in Town Best service Amazing decor Highly recommended Easy access & Plenty of parking read more

This place had lots of delicious food options and a very nice interior. Highly recommend.

The food is OUTSTANDING. The potatoes are so perfectly golden, the meat is cooked to perfection, the flavor was amazing. The staff is very attentive and the food came out quick. It looks like a traditional Georgian household. I'm surprised it's not crowded. I definitely recommend. They also have vegetarian options too read more

Absolutely delicious, creative dishes served in a charming Family-like setting! Make sure to come on a Friday night when they have live music. read more

Not being familiar with Georgian cuisine our party of 4 loved the dining experience. What made the experience outstanding was a delightfully helpful server, who patiently walked us through the extensive menu, guiding our choices. The result was a delicious assortment of shareable dishes. I cannot wait to return to sample more of this fascinating menu. read more

Great Georgian cooking. All of the traditional favorites. We had a lovely meal and will be back.

The food was delicious and portions were large. We loved everything we ate. The staff are warm and friendly. They offered lots of suggestions and even allowed my friend to taste multiple wines before making her decision. The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated and well laid out. Definitely recommend this restaurant and plan to return soon and often. read more

Everything we ordered was delicious, and the service was awesome--super friendly and quick. You can tell they really care about what they're doing.Definitely a place I'd come back to and recommend to friends. read more

We tried Metekhi for our first taste of Georgian food. Everything tasted like home cooking; the Mushroom Ojakhuri and Ajapsandali were our favorites. The clay pots were fun and kept everything nice and warm. Unfortunately, we were seated next to a baby and small child making noise the whole time, which took away from the very serene atmosphere. It definitely felt like we got on a plane and took a quick trip to another country for the evening. The dishes are pricey, so we will only return occasionally because of that. read more

One of the worst restaurant experience I've had in years. The service was horrible, the food took forever to come out and wasn't great, and they overcharged us ($15 for a tiny plate of rice). Just TERRIBLE. read more

This family owned restaurant was absolutely excellent! The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, the service was above and beyond, and the food was flavorful, plentiful, authentic and delicious. There were nine in our party, and everyone had a very positive experience! There wasn't one dish that we didn't like, and we ordered a lot of them! Don't miss the opportunity to dine there! read more

This is a wonderful restaurant with amazing food and excellent service. My friend and I had such a great experience on Saturday evening. Even though we had never tried Georgian cuisine before, a lovely Georgian lady introduced each dish to us perfectly and helped us make our choices. I highly recommend this place -- 100%! read more