Historically, Georgia has always been the bridge between the East and the West, its culture constantly representing a curious blend of the two sides of the Eurasian continent. This is precisely what is depicted in the new branch of Althaus aka the Tea House, already known to the Spotted by Locals enthusiasts.

The café chain updates the menu every once in a while and the most recent addition (at least in my memory) of fluffy pancakes only drenches you with a deeper sensation of home. The interior of all the branches is designed to throw you back to the nineties, to your grandma’s house. But the newest location offers scenery straight out of an Indiana Jones adventure. 

It is indeed a peculiar feat to enjoy exquisite Italian cuisine and a vast variety of herbal or fruit tea, seated on a rug with your legs crossed (just like in one of those Middle East adventure movies!). And the neon lights, a fusion of purple, pink, and green, along with the decorative partitions create a sense of privacy and intimacy.

A friendly recommendation: please do not order any potato dish, the menu has many fortés, but potato’s not one of them.