New All-Day Restaurant Brings Authentic Georgian Cuisine To UWS

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — A new Upper West Side restaurant is introducing New Yorkers to the flavors and hospitality of the country of Georgia, all inspired by one couple's dream.

Ghemo, located on West 106th Street near Amsterdam Avenue, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring traditional Georgian dishes, pastries and, eventually, wines once its liquor license is approved.

The owners are celebrating the opening this Sunday with a complimentary tasting from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., where visitors can sample traditional dishes including khachapuri, chicken skewers and pastries.

For co-owner Javier Luna, the restaurant is the realization of his husband Guram Kharshiladze's longtime vision.

"This is basically my spouse's dream," Luna told Patch. "After 20 years in the hospitality industry, he decided that it was his turn to create something and to bring Georgian hospitality and authentic food to the Upper West Side neighborhood."

The couple, who live near the restaurant, chose the neighborhood because of its strong sense of community and abundance of families.

"When we found that space, we loved the neighborhood so much," Luna said. "The neighborhood is really, really special."

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Luna said Kharshiladze introduced him to Georgian culture and cuisine after the two met five years ago. Their shared curiosity about different cultures and cuisines eventually led them to get married and open the restaurant together.

"Even though he's from Eastern Europe and I'm from this side of the world, we found that we have a lot of similarities. We love trying different restaurants, different cultures and learning about different people," Luna said.

Luna said Georgian food stands apart because it blends influences from Europe, Asia and the Middle East, creating a menu with something for nearly everyone, including plenty of vegetarian options.

Among the restaurant's most popular dishes are khachapuri, Georgia's famous cheese-filled bread, along with house-made pastries. Luna said the honey cake has already become a neighborhood favorite.

The restaurant also hopes to become a neighborhood gathering place, offering breakfast specials, coffee and fresh pastries in the mornings before transitioning into lunch and dinner service.

While the owners are pleased to finally have their doors open after hoping to launch at the beginning of the year, Luna said they're especially looking forward to receiving their liquor license so they can introduce customers to Georgian wines.

"We cannot wait," he said. "People keep asking, 'When are you getting your license?' Hopefully very soon."

Ghemo is located at 201 W 106th St.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.