Marani: The Georgian Spot in NY You Can’t Miss

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Georgian food is having a moment in New York, but Marani in Queens makes sure the Kosher clientele doesn’t miss out. Marani means wine cellar in Georgian. Which is the first area Marani shines. Say Gaumarjos (cheers in Georgian) to the rich list of Georgian (and other) Kosher wines. And little known fact, Georgia is where wine began, some 8,000 years ago. The tradition lives on in the Georgian wine list at Marani, which includes dry and semi-sweet reds, dry whites and the unusual clay-pot amber wine, made the old way. 

This all serves to complement perfectly the incredible flavors of traditional Georgian cooking. Helmed by Georgian chefs who have been working here for over 13 years, Marani has become an institution. 

We started with the Marani Sampler, which is a traditional Georgian mezze platter with spinach, green bean and eggplant spreads that pair marvelously with the massive steaming Georgian bread brought out to the table. 

Next we enjoyed Marani’s take on Adjaruli, typically a boat-shaped bread bowl with cheese and eggs. Here, due to the constraints of Kashrut, they’ve come up with a new way to enjoy the traditional dish. Now with beef, mushrooms, tarragon, and a sunny-side-up egg all in the classic boat, this goes to show what makes Marani special. The staff tells us this is the kind of dish you won’t even find in Georgia. 

The khinkali, Georgian soup dumplings, are a must-order. Take a bite off the top and suck in the soup from the inside, for a taste of a Georgian classic. 

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The Chasushuli, which was easily the highlight of our night, is a beef pot pie braised in a spicy tomato sauce, served with pickled vegetables. The perfect blend of flavors and heartiness. Done the Marani way. 

Vegetarians also have plenty to enjoy, like the red kidney bean stew called Lobio served with mchadi corn bread and pickled vegetables. 

We also enjoyed the salmon rolled with mushrooms in a berry sauce, served with buckwheat and spinach. A lighter choice on a menu full of braises. 

Do not miss their homemade Napoleon. It’s like nothing I’ve ever had before, with intricate layers of phyllo dough and cream. The walnut pastries also taste too good to be true and are a perfect ending to the meal, especially when paired with their house tea.  

Marani is not a concept imported from outside. Marani is run by a Georgian Jewish family that has been in New York for 25 years and are very proud to represent Georgian culture. You can feel it in the hospitality, you can feel it in the hearty stews. Here, meals are celebratory, portions are big and family style, which makes it a natural home for simchas. 

Enter Marani, and you’ll be greeted with art on the walls that depicts Georgian Jewish traditions and commemorates the heritage not just of Georgia, but of the Jews of Georgia in particular. With Georgian cuisine rising in New York, Marani gives the Kosher community a seat at that table, with real Georgian roots behind it. Bring a crowd, order the adjaruli, pour something from the cellar, and say Gaumarjos.

📍 Marani

• Location: 97-26 63rd Rd, Rego Park, NY
• Hashgacha: Vaad Harabonim of Queens (Glatt Kosher)
• Social Media: See their latest dishes and updates on Instagram (@maraninyc)

*Kashrut status is subject to change over time. We always recommend verifying current hashgacha certification directly with the venue before visiting.