Since founder Tamara Chubinidze opened the Chelsea location in 2019, Georgian restaurant Chama Mama has evolved into much more than another local eatery. Rather, the restaurant has become a lively hub bringing the warmth and soul of Georgia to New York City.
Over the past seven years, Chama Mama has become exceptionally popular, even achieving viral status when online foodies fell in love with their molten, cheese-filled khachapuri. The restaurant’s momentum has allowed it to expand, now bringing Georgia’s vibrant culture to neighborhoods across the city. Since its debut, Chama Mama has opened locations in Greenpoint, Brooklyn Heights, the Upper West Side, and, as of last month, has established itself in Bushwick: one of New York’s most spirited cultural hubs.
Situated at 81 Morgan Avenue, the Bushwick space measures an expansive 6,300 square feet. Despite its large size, the space is anything but overwhelming, as it intentionally unfolds across three distinct yet cohesive experiences: a 64-seat dining room anchored by an open kitchen, an intimate bar and lounge, and Let’s Chama, Chama Mama’s brand new concept bakery.
(Photo Courtesy: Let’s Chama)
Now open at both the Bushwick and Chelsea locations, Let’s Chama is an artisanal bakery that shifts focus from hearty dishes to smaller bites and coffees that reimagine flavors coined in traditional Georgian baking. Under the direction of Executive Chef Nino Chiokadze, the menu features traditional flavors with a spunky, creative twist. While some items stay close to their roots, like the miniature khachapuri (a miniature version of the indulgent cheese bread) and the cigarette cookies (delicate, crumbly cookies perfect for a mid-morning bite), others feature a unique flair crafted specifically for Let’s Chama. These inventive bites include items like the eggplant pkhali tart. Traditionally served as a walnut-rich vegetable paté, Let’s Chama reimagined Pkhali, serving it in bite-sized flaky tarts filled with savory, herbaceous flavors.
For Chef Chiokadze, the balance between tradition and reinvention is deeply personal. “While creating,” she shared, “I was really focused on my childhood.” That sense of nostalgia and honoring one’s roots is palpable throughout the Chama Mama experience.
Let’s Chama’s innovation extends beyond its pastries. The same balance of heritage and modernity is found within the delicately crafted artisanal drink offerings. Though Georgia does not have many coffee traditions, Let’s Chama found clever ways to integrate the country’s native palette with New York’s expansive caffeine culture. The result is a selection of exciting flavor combinations, such as the flavor-rich cinnamon walnut latte and the tarragon lemonade, an herbal twist on the American classic.
What ultimately defines both Let’s Chama and Chama Mama, however, expands well beyond the food. Three elements, in particular, set them apart within New York’s vast food scene.
First is an unwavering dedication to hospitality. As Beverage Director Lasha Tsatava explains, hospitality in Georgia is far from performative. “It is baked into the DNA of our culture,” he shared. The cultural phrase “A guest is a gift from god,” (seen on their menus and website), is not merely a tagline, but a guiding principle. Every guest who steps into the space is not just welcomed, but cherished. Service is attentive without being intrusive, warm without feeling scripted.
Secondly, the remarkable attention to detail throughout the environment is nothing short of striking. The spaces are not simply designed- they’re curated thoughtfully as “love letters to the homeland,” as Tsatava described. This sentiment oversees every layer of the restaurant’s design. From the Georgian alphabet art installation to the vast displays of imported wines, every element contributes to a larger narrative. The result is a thorough, immersive experience that invites guests to be a part of Georgian culture.
Finally, the Chama Mama experience is defined by a clear and passionate mission: to bring Georgian culture to New York in a way that is as accessible as it is authentic. For the Chama Mama team, this is much more than a business-it is a responsibility to represent their country. As Tsatava put it, there is a “tremendous honor in being protagonists in telling the story of Georgia.” That sense of purpose is illuminated in the many cultural events Chama Mama hosts for their patrons. From their regular Supra nights- traditional Georgian feasts that foster connection through food, wine, and storytelling- to their wine-tasting events, which allow guests to experience the history and craftsmanship of Georgian wine culture, the restaurant offers endless opportunities for guests to fully immerse themselves in cultural experiences.
This commitment reaches its most ambitious expression in the “Georgia Tour with Chama Mama,” set to launch in October 2026. This eight-day experience invites guests to travel alongside members of the Chama Mama team and experience all that the country has to offer. The trip offers the opportunity to experience the landscapes, traditions, and culinary heritage that inspired the restaurant’s founding.
There is certainly no shortage of food options in New York City. Yet, in a city super-saturated with dining options, Chama Mama manages to stand apart – not by chasing trends, but by staying rooted in something meaningful. What they’ve created is not just a restaurant chain, but a cultural bridge. One that will continue to bring the heart and soul of Georgia to anyone open to receiving it.
Check out Chama Mama’s website and Instagram for news on upcoming events and expansions.
