Oda House, the first Georgian restaurant to open in NYC almost a decade ago, holds a special place in my heart. I still vividly remember my first visit to their cozy East Village location—everything about it was perfect. The warm, inviting ambiance, the gorgeous interior, and of course, the delicious food made it an unforgettable experience. Chef Maya Aquaviva, the welcoming host, truly made us feel at home. Fast forward to today, and while the East Village Oda House was sadly closed during the pandemic, the Upper East Side and Brooklyn locations have carried on the legacy. Yesterday, I finally made it to Brooklyn’s Oda House, a whole three months after the new ownership took over.

Located on Emmons Avenue, right by the water, the place has the promise of being absolutely stunning in the summer. Though it was freezing cold outside yesterday, the inside of the restaurant was the perfect antidote to the chill—a cozy oasis. The brick walls, black-and-white photographs of Tbilisi, vineyards, and the beauty of Georgia set the mood, transporting you to another place and time. Gorgeous chandeliers hung from the ceiling, adding a touch of elegance to the already inviting atmosphere.

Now, let’s talk about the food. Freshness is the name of the game for the new owners, and I could taste it in every bite. Absolutely no frozen ingredients here—everything is made with care and love. We kicked things off with their small khinkali, served in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce. While khinkali is a classic dish that doesn’t need any help to be amazing, these mini versions offered a fun, bite-sized twist that was absolutely delicious. Next, we indulged in a walnut pesto-based trio of eggplant, roasted red pepper, and spinach. The combination of flavors was nothing short of beautiful, each bite packed with depth and freshness.

And then there’s the khachapuri. Oh, the khachapuri! The dough was perfectly thin, and the cheesy goodness inside was a beautiful balance of savory and satisfying. It was truly the epitome of Georgian comfort food at its finest.
The bar area deserves a mention too—it’s spacious, with a great selection of wine and liquor. The young bartender crafted some seriously impressive cocktails that added an extra layer of fun to the evening.

All in all, Oda House Brooklyn delivered a truly memorable dining experience. With its cozy vibes, fresh food, and excellent drinks, it’s clear the new owners are dedicated to maintaining the magic of this beloved spot while adding their own personal touch. I can’t wait to go back