Tucked between the high-rises of Midtown East, Ubani’s second location on 2nd Avenue brings a welcome taste of Georgian hospitality to this bustling part of Manhattan. What immediately strikes you is how they’ve managed to recreate the same warm, inviting atmosphere of their West Village spot, despite the more commercial surroundings. The space feels like a cozy refuge from the Midtown chaos, with rustic wooden elements and traditional Georgian textiles adding character to the dining room.

The star attractions here are undoubtedly their freshly baked breads. The adjaruli khachapuri – that boat-shaped bread filled with melted cheese and topped with an egg – is the dish everyone orders, and for good reason. It’s a communal, tactile experience as you tear off pieces of the crusty bread and swirl it through the molten cheese center. Their selection of Georgian wines, particularly the amber varieties made in traditional clay vessels, offers something genuinely different from the usual wine list suspects in Manhattan.

What makes Ubani Midtown truly special is how it manages to transport you thousands of miles away through authentic flavors while remaining thoroughly unpretentious. The staff treats regulars and first-timers with equal warmth, eager to guide newcomers through the menu. It’s a perfect spot for breaking out of your culinary comfort zone without breaking the bank.