Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Georgian Cheese Boat – San Francisco
Georgian Cheese Boat - San Francisco
Photo from Georgian Cheese Boat
Georgian Cheese Boat at a glance
San Francisco North Beach
- 🥟 Georgian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 78 of the guests
#2041 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Georgian Restaurant out of 1 in San Francisco
Good
6.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
554
Reviews
59.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Food
- Cozy Vibe
Frequently criticized
- Service Issues
- Pricey
The restaurant Georgian Cheese Boat brings the vibrant flavors of Georgia to the heart of San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood. Here, you can immerse yourself in a casual dining experience, perfect for exploring authentic Georgian cuisine.
Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a delightful lunch, this spot offers a unique culinary journey.
Overview: Introducting Georgian Cheese Boat
Georgian Cheese Boat offers a taste of authentic Georgian cuisine, with many patrons praising the truly authentic experience and cozy atmosphere that transports them. The culinary offerings often receive high marks, reminding some of meals enjoyed directly in Georgia.
However, the experience isn’t without its drawbacks. Some diners have noted concerns regarding rushed service and perceived small portions for the price, suggesting a mixed overall impression despite the culinary strengths.
Good
6.4
out of 10
554
Reviews
59.2%
Satisfaction
203
negative
23
neutral
328
positive
The restaurant garners an overall 6.4 score, placing it squarely in the average category, reflecting a balanced but not outstanding performance. Customer satisfaction stands at 59.2%, indicating a mixed reception where nearly half of the patrons had reservations about their visit.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 554 customer opinions, comprising 328 positive and 203 negative remarks. Delving deeper, the Food (7.3) is a clear strength, often described as delicious and authentic, while the Ambience (7) also rates well, contributing positively to the dining experience.
Conversely, Service (4.4) falls into the average range, with some guests noting inconsistencies. The Value (3.3) topic receives the lowest marks, suggesting that many find the pricing to be a significant concern.
What people like
- Authentic Georgian cuisine
- Delicious khinkali/khachapuri
- Cozy atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- High prices
- Ambience issues
With a 6.7 recommendation score, Georgian Cheese Boat is a place worth considering if you prioritize authentic Georgian flavors above all else. The food is consistently highlighted as a strong point, making it a potential destination for those craving specific regional dishes.
However, be prepared for a potentially inconsistent service experience and consider the value proposition carefully, as some guests have found the pricing to be on the higher side for the portions received. It’s a spot that shines for its cuisine, but might require some patience with other aspects.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Georgian Cheese Boat
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction at 71.8%, it's clear many diners are enjoying their meals. Out of 323 comments, 232 were positive, frequently praising the authentic Georgian food, delicious khachapuri, and flavorful lamb dumplings.
Many found the dishes to be truly authentic and satisfying. However, not every dish is a winner, with 77 negative comments highlighting some areas for improvement. Some found certain items bland or overly salty, and a few mentioned small portions for the price.
There were also occasional concerns about a lack of flavor in specific dishes, suggesting some inconsistency in execution.
Food
323
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
77
negative
14
neutral
232
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Georgian cuisine
- Delicious Khachapuri
- Flavorful lamb dumplings
What people don't like
- Inconsistent dish quality
- Overly salty food
- Small portion sizes
Often praised
- foodAs someone who has traveled to Georgia and even had my wedding there, I feel some familiarity with their cuisine. So trust me when I say this place is as authentic as it comes and that the food is on par with anything I’ve eaten in Tbilisi. My only complaint is that they sometimes don’t have Borjomi, but I’ll let that slide because their Khinkali are the best I’ve had in the States.
- khinkaliWe had dinner and tried the khinkali, cheese khachapuri, and Georgian salad. The khinkali were absolutely incredible – some of the best we’ve had in the U. S.
- FoodFood, service, and atmosphere were all excellent
- Georgian foodI had such a nice dining experience! The service was great, and there was a good selection of Georgian food and wines. For vegetarians, there are mostly potato options, with one eggplant dish available.
- Georgian wineMy experience at this restaurant was generally positive, highlighting its convenient location and cozy atmosphere. The food was tasty, and I particularly enjoyed the Georgian wine. However, I was disappointed with the mashed potatoes, which seemed to be from a bag.
- cheese boatWe got the cheese boat with an egg and it was delicious
- khachapuriHonestly, I’ve never had khinkali this good before: the dough was very thin, and they were full of flavorful broth. The khachapuri was also delicious – rich, cheesy, and perfectly baked. The only downside was that we had to wait quite a while for our order, but everything was so tasty that we didn’t mind in the end.
- Georgian cuisineMy experience at this restaurant was a delightful haven for authentic Georgian cuisine. We savored every moment.
- Georgian saladThe Khachapuri is delicious, and their honey cake excellent as well. Pro tip: order the Georgian salad and the eggplant rolls for entrees. SO happy this is in our neighborhood and looking forward to dining here for years to come.
- lamb dumplingsthe lamb dumplings... were excellent!
Frequently criticized
- khinkaliThe selection was extremely limited, and we were told they only had one kind available because they had run out of dough. When the khinkali arrived, many were damaged and leaking broth, completely losing the signature flavor and texture that makes them special. On a more positive note, the cheese boat was excellent, and the Georgian wine was lovely.
- FoodFood:1
- Khinkalithe Khinkali were inedible. Whatever spice was used, it is not the traditional spice and is very overpowering and simply not good.
- beef khinkaliMy husband wanted beef khinkali, and I wanted cheese khinkali, but we were denied, told we could only choose one portion for the entire table. Since I don't eat meat, my husband never got to try the beef khinkali, even though he really wanted to. You could make the portions smaller (not 6, but 3-4 pieces), or offer guests to have two flavors 50/50 per portion.
- chickenthe chicken had no salt
- chicken kebabchicken kebab... tasted like it was from the back freezer
- dumplingsWe enjoyed the dolumas and the round shaped bread filled with melted cheese. It was a bummer they were out of the dumplings at that late hour. The atmosphere, especially sitting by the window and people-watching, was exceptional.
- food qualitythe food was disappointing—overly salty, not fresh, and lacking in flavor
- khinkali portionsWe drove 2 hours from Sacramento to eat at this restaurant, but we were disappointed. My husband wanted beef khinkali, and I wanted cheese khinkali, but we were denied, told we could only choose one portion for the entire table. Since I don't eat meat, my husband never got to try the beef khinkali, even though he really wanted to.
- menu availabilitytold that they are out of items that are on menu
If you're craving authentic Georgian cuisine, especially their khachapuri and dumplings, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might be a bit salty or have smaller portions than expected, but the overall experience for many is quite positive.
Service (4.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, some guests have had delightful experiences! Out of 133 comments, 45 highlighted the friendly staff, attentive server, and kind staff providing great customer service. Many appreciated the warm and welcoming interactions, making their dining enjoyable.
However, the overall sentiment for service is quite challenging, with a 4.4 score (average) and a 33.8% customer satisfaction (poor). A substantial 83 negative comments frequently mentioned rude service, slow service, unfriendly staff, and poor management. Many encountered long waits and unwelcoming attitudes, leading to frustration.
Service
133
Reviews
33%
Satisfaction
83
negative
5
neutral
45
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Kind server
What people don't like
- Rude staff/owner
- Slow service
- Poor management
Often praised
- serviceMy first time trying this cuisine was an amazing experience. The food was excellent, and I appreciated the great atmosphere and good service. However, I was disappointed to learn that products were being sold from the occupied Palestine area of Israel.
- ServiceFood, service, and atmosphere were all excellent
- SandroThe gentleman who served us (Sandro) was polite and attentive.
- busboyOnly busboy was nice and gave us free sauce
- chef making khinkaliThe Omeruli was tasty. And I was also delighted by how quickly the chef made khinkali, forming each pleat! Guys, I wish you to develop this restaurant, you can do it better.
- customer servicethe customer service was outstanding — friendly, attentive
- explained how to eatexplained how to eat the dumplings the proper way
- friendly staffthe staff was friendly
- kind staffStaff was kind
- restaurant developmentAnd I was also delighted by how quickly the chef made khinkali, forming each pleat! Guys, I wish you to develop this restaurant, you can do it better.
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe most significant issue was that we didn't like ANY of the food, except for the appetizers COMBO, which offered tiny portions of each item but was missing the advertised dolma (which they called tolma). Does being in a tourist location justify high prices and lazy service for mediocre food? They even charged $3 for each sauce and $1 for bread, which was a tasty mini baguette.
- waiting timeYou likely also have to wait a few minutes after that for the doors to open. I waited outside for 20 minutes then decided to eat at a different restaurant after being blown off twice by the staff when I asked when they open.
- staffYou likely also have to wait a few minutes after that for the doors to open. I waited outside for 20 minutes then decided to eat at a different restaurant after being blown off twice by the staff when I asked when they open.
- ownerI can recognize even the smallest amount of lamb in my food—it triggers a gag reflex immediately—and this was definitely lamb. What made this even worse was how dismissive the owner sounded over the phone, making me feel like I was imagining things rather than taking my concern seriously. This experience has completely broken my trust.
- waiterThe food was good, but the service was unfortunately rude. I was discreetly overcharged, and when I inquired about it, the waiter resorted to insults. This made for a very unpleasant interaction.
- food arrivalFood to the table comes out piece by piece
- manager askedMistakes happen, and I understand that, but the way it was handled was disappointing. The manager asked the waiter three times about the mistake, even though she had already clarified it from the start. It felt as if he thought I was lying.
- opening hoursHours showed they open at noon. We got there and the lady just said "1 o clock"
- serverThe food at this restaurant was really good, yet the service was non-existent. There was only one server working, and unfortunately, she was on her phone. We entered and found a place to sit, waiting for her to approach our table.
- DNA of this placethe DNA of this place hasn’t changed
If you're considering a visit, be prepared for a gamble on the service. While some diners praise the friendly and attentive staff, a significant number report issues with rudeness, slow service, and management. You might have a great experience, or you might leave feeling frustrated.
Ambience (7 out of 10)
mentioned by 51% of the guests
The vibe here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7, which is good, though customer satisfaction sits at a 67.1%, indicating a mixed bag. Based on 49 positive remarks among 73 total, many guests loved the cozy atmosphere and small and inviting space, perfect for a relaxed evening. The cleanliness and quiet place also frequently received praise, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, 22 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Some found the seats uncomfortable or the place felt unkempt, with issues like a sticky table or being cold inside. Others noted the interior didnt quite capture the desired feel, suggesting the overall ambience' could be inconsistent.
Ambience
73
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
22
negative
2
neutral
49
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Cozy atmosphere
- Clean space
- Quiet place
What people don't like
- Uncomfortable seats
- Cold/stuffy inside
- Unkempt appearance
Often praised
- atmosphereToday I visited this Georgian restaurant and tried the Adjarian Khachapuri, and it was absolutely delicious 🤤. The flavors and the atmosphere reminded me of my life in Georgia. I was amazed that they made such authentic Georgian dishes using American ingredients.
- AtmosphereFood, service, and atmosphere were all excellent
- cleanlinessI was very pleased with this establishment! The food was delicious, the place was clean, and the staff was friendly. The khachapuri, soups, and khinkali were magnificent.
- Eastern European feelHas kind of a pre-1989. Eastern European feel to it, in a good way
- authentic experiencetrue authentic experience
- buildingСтаринное здание 1906 года
- cleanand clean
- convenient locationVery convenient location.
- cozy atmospherequite cozy.
- cozy vibeThe restaurant’s cozy vibe makes you feel
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe portion sizes were also quite small for the price. The service felt a bit rushed, and the atmosphere was very dark, which made the overall experience less enjoyable.
- Georgian music6 khinkali is indeed a lot for one person, especially if something else is ordered. Georgian music was greatly missed. The Omeruli was tasty.
- RussianA lot of ruzzian
- TVTV on the wall playing ethnic music
- air conditionervery hot and stuffy inside, the air conditioner wasn’t working
- ambiencethe ambience bleak: an LED chandelier fills half the room
- arguments between waiter and chefThe table was sticky, the place felt unkempt, and the staff was unfriendly. The atmosphere was further ruined by constant arguments between the waiter and the chef, which certainly didn’t help the dining experience. On top of that, the portions were very small, while the prices were far from cheap.
- difficult parkingparking is difficult
- insideKudos to the chef :) We had a great time. The only concern of mine is it was quite cold inside, but I’m easily getting cold, sooo…
- interiorI had a wonderful experience at this Georgian restaurant! While the interior didn’t fully capture the authentic Georgian atmosphere, the food more than made up for it. Each traditional dish was delicious and made with high-quality ingredients, showcasing the rich flavors of Georgian cuisine.
If youre looking for a generally cozy and clean spot for a relaxed meal, youll likely enjoy the atmosphere here. Just be aware that some find the seating or temperature less than ideal, so it might not be perfect for everyone.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, it's a bit of a mixed bag here, with a 3.3 score indicating a poor overall perception, despite customer satisfaction sitting at a respectable 8. Based on 2 positive remarks, some diners found the Georgian wine surprisingly affordable and appreciated that the prices were reasonable, which is a nice touch. However, the overwhelming sentiment, with 21 negative observations, points to significant concerns.
Many felt the prices were very steep, high, or simply overpriced, with the value not matching the cost. Issues like small portions for the price, unexpected service charges, and even being overcharged on the bill were frequently mentioned, impacting the overall experience.
Value
25
Reviews
8%
Satisfaction
21
negative
2
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable Georgian wine
What people don't like
- Steep, high prices
- Small portions for price
- Billing and service charges
Often praised
- Georgian wineGeorgian wine... surprisingly affordable
- pricesThe prices were reasonable
Frequently criticized
- pricesprices are higher than what shows on their website
- priceWe really liked the food, although it doesn't have the local taste like in Tbilisi. It's very, very expensive, but there isn't another place in the whole city where you can buy such delicious Georgian food.
- billremove it from the bill, they told me the boss doesn’t allow that
- checkHowever, the downside of our experience started after the meal. When we received the check, it was $20 higher than it should have been. Mistakes happen, and I understand that, but the way it was handled was disappointing.
- high pricesthe prices are high
- overchargedDiscreetly overcharged
- overpriced, generic restaurantstired of overpriced, generic restaurants
- portionLastly, the pricing seemed quite high. At $20 for six khinkali, we expected a more generous portion or exceptional quality. While we understand that specialty cuisine can come at a premium, the value simply didn’t match the price.
- portion sizesUnfortunately, we found that everything was extremely salty. The portion sizes were also quite small for the price. The service felt a bit rushed, and the atmosphere was very dark, which made the overall experience less enjoyable.
- price levelFor this price level, it’s absolutely not worth it
If you're seeking affordable Georgian wine, you might find a pleasant surprise. However, be prepared for potentially high prices, small portions, and keep a close eye on your bill, as many found the overall value disappointing.
How are the prices at Georgian Cheese Boat?
You’re looking at roughly 42 per person – reported by 78 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Georgian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 42, a good number of guests actually spend less, with a big cluster in the $21–$30 and $31–$40 ranges. This means there’s a nice variety of price points, catering to different budgets.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 78 most recent reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Francisco.
Considering its a Georgian Restaurant in San Francisco, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. Youre getting good value for a mid-range experience in a city known for its higher prices.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Georgian Cheese Boat
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Best Napoleon in SF!
My experience at this nice casual place was great. I enjoyed their Georgian salad, khachapuri, and khinkali. I also think they have the best Napoleon in SF!
- Georgian salad8
- khachapuri8
- khinkali8
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Meal and Limited Drink Options
I was very disappointed with my experience. The khinkali were bland and almost empty inside. The chicken lacked salt, and the eggplants had no flavor or filling.
Surprisingly, they didn't offer juice, only sugary sodas. For the price level, it's absolutely not worth it, especially since we came here hoping to enjoy a good meal.
- khinkali2
- chicken2
- eggplants2
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Authentic Georgian Gem in San Francisco!
I was pleasantly surprised to discover authentic Georgian food right here in San Francisco! I tried the famous Georgian cheeseboat (khachapuri), and it was absolutely fantastic — loaded with rich, gooey cheese and full of flavor. I paired it with a fresh Georgian-style salad, which was crisp, vibrant, and perfectly balanced.
Everything I ordered was delicious and tasted truly authentic. On top of that, the customer service was outstanding — friendly, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. Definitely a spot worth coming back to!
- Georgian cheeseboat (khachapuri)10
- Georgian-style salad8
- food9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
In Love with Khinkali and Fresh Bread!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had the opportunity to watch my khinkali being made right in front of me, and it was my first time trying it. I am absolutely in love with it!
I also enjoyed the veggie combo platter and some incredibly fresh, baked bread that was literally baked to order. I visited yesterday and am already planning to go back tonight before I leave San Francisco in the morning to have more.
- khinkali10
- veggie combo platter8
- baked bread10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Georgian Food Experience
I don't understand why this place has so many good opinions. We wanted to order kubdari, but it wasn't available. We ordered shkmeruli, and unfortunately, we couldn't change the bread to baked potatoes.
The chicken in the shkmeruli was boiled, not fried as it's meant to be, and it wasn't flavored at all. We also ordered khinkali with cheese. The khinkali were cut down, not held by hand as they should be, and the cheese filling lacked any flavor, tasting like cottage cheese.
Having experienced many Georgian restaurants globally, this was a misunderstanding of Georgian food. We left almost full plates and departed. It is not authentic Georgian food!
- kubdari5
- shkmeruli2
- chicken2
- khinkali2
What Georgian Cheese Boat offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Halal food
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dietary options and beverages are available at Georgian Cheese Boat?
At Georgian Cheese Boat, you’ll find a diverse menu catering to various preferences. They offer delicious vegan and vegetarian options, alongside small plates perfect for sharing. To complement your meal, you can choose from wine, beer, coffee, and even halal food selections.
What service options and planning tips should you know for Georgian Cheese Boat?
Georgian Cheese Boat provides flexible service options including dine-in, takeout, delivery, no-contact delivery, and curbside pickup. For your convenience, they accept reservations, with dinner reservations highly recommended to secure your spot. They also offer catering services.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Georgian Cheese Boat?
Georgian Cheese Boat has an overall Restaurant Score of 6.4 and a Customer Satisfaction of 59.2%, indicating a mixed but generally average reception. While the Food (7.3) and Ambience (7) are well-regarded, Service (4.4) and Value (3.3) are areas where customers have expressed concerns.
Is the food at Georgian Cheese Boat considered authentic?
Yes, many customers praise the food at Georgian Cheese Boat for its authenticity, with some comparing it favorably to dishes they’ve had in Georgia itself. Specific items like khinkali and khachapuri are frequently highlighted as delicious and true to tradition.
What are common complaints about the service at Georgian Cheese Boat?
Common complaints about the service at Georgian Cheese Boat include instances of rushed service, staff being inattentive or dismissive, and issues with order accuracy or handling of billing discrepancies. Some guests have noted a lack of consistent attentiveness from the staff.