Seemor
Chama MamaB+Worth Trying
373 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
· Georgian restaurant, Eastern European restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (977 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Vivid Georgian cooking with standout breads, dumplings, and wines; generally warm service and cozy vibe, though portions run small and pricing plus occasional service lapses draw some complaints.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Chama Mama delivers solid neighborhood dining with excellent food quality anchored by standout khachapuri and khinkali, supported by knowledgeable service that guides diners through Georgian traditions. However, inconsistent execution, tight seating during peak hours, and moderate review authenticity concerns prevent a higher grade. Worth visiting for authentic Georgian cuisine, though modest portions and occasional service lapses temper the experience.
Restaurant Summary
On the Upper West Side, Chama Mama feels warm and bustling once the room fills, with staff that often guide first-timers through breads, dumplings, and wines. A diner summed it up: "The server taught us how to eat the dumplings and mixed the bread and cheese for us." Portions skew modest, and waits can grow at peak. However, there are some review authenticity concerns suggesting certain reviews may be solicited or influenced. The cooking leans traditional Georgian with produce-forward intensity: walnut-laced pkhali, vivid ferments, and tableside Adjaruli that delivers real theater without gimmicks. Expect bold herbs, tart plum sauces, and grilled meats with pomegranate. The menu rewards sharing and curiosity; bread and dumplings are consistent crowd-pleasers, while potatoes and seasoning can be uneven. Families do well here thanks to bread-and-cheese comfort and soupy dumplings that kids tend to love. There is no dedicated kids menu, but simple items like Imeruli khachapuri, mushroom khinkali, and grilled chicken work for cautious eaters. Note that sides like potatoes are extra on many mains, and portions are not oversized.
At a Glance
- Khachapuri and khinkali are must-try crowd favorites
- Knowledgeable service helps first-timers with sauces and wines
- Portions are modest and sides add to the bill
- Intermittent slow or inattentive service during peak times
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- tableside_khachapuri_mixing
- deep_georgian_wine_list
- broad_pkhali_vegan_options
What People Love
- Tableside mixing of Adjaruli that feels special
- Soupy, pepper-ready khinkali ritual
- Tart, herbaceous sauces and ferments
- Warm guidance from staff when exploring a new cuisine
- Cozy UWS neighborhood vibe
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($17-$26 mains; sides often extra) which may surprise casual diners
- Service can lag at peak, with rare reports of inattentiveness
- Seasoning can run salty on some meats; potatoes get mixed reviews
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (extreme 1-stars, generic marketing language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- For adventurous palates: Expect bold herbs, sour plum, and walnut flavors rather than classic comfort profiles
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$48-$68 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- If ordering kebabs ($26), add tkemali and a salad to balance richness
- For vegetarians: pair Imeruli Khachapuri ($18) with Adjapsandali ($15) and a vegan salad
Perfect For
- Sharing-focused dinner with friends
- Date night with something different
- Introducing guests to Georgian wine and breads
- Birthday groups that want cozy but lively
Location Insights
Area: Leafy, residential Upper West Side with culture-loving locals and family traffic; relaxed but polished.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady foot traffic along Amsterdam Ave.
Nearby: Near museums, Lincoln Center corridor, Central and Riverside Parks; mix of cafes and neighborhood restaurants.
Upper West SideThe dining scene on the Upper West Side is diverse, featuring everything from classic New York delis and casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and family-friendly, with a strong emphasis on quality and variety. The area attracts locals who appreciate a neighborhood feel combined with access to cultural landmarks.
Lincoln SquareLincoln Square, part of the Upper West Side, is known for its proximity to Lincoln Center and a concentration of arts and entertainment venues. Dining here often caters to a more upscale crowd, with many restaurants offering refined menus and a polished ambiance.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–22:00
Friday12:00–23:00
Saturday10:00–23:00
Sunday10:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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