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Georgian Wine & Cuisine Set to Open on Murray Hill in Early 2026
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Published in Food and Wine on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 18:33 GMT by Commercial Observer- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Georgian Wine & Cuisine Sets Foot in Murray Hill, Adding a Fresh International Flavor to Midtown’s Dining Scene
A new culinary destination is taking shape on Murray Hill, promising to bring the rustic flavors and robust wines of Georgia—both the U.S. state and the country—to the heart of Manhattan. According to a recent Commercial Observer article, a 4,500‑square‑foot space on the corner of East 34th Street and Lexington Avenue will host a Georgian‑inspired wine bar and restaurant slated to open in early 2026. The venue, developed by Midtown‑based hospitality group Pursuit Hospitality in partnership with the Georgia‑based wine distributor Barkhudar & Sons, represents a strategic move to diversify Murray Hill’s culinary landscape, which has traditionally been dominated by upscale American and European fare.
A Brief Dive into Georgian Gastronomy
Georgian cuisine, hailing from the country of Georgia in the Caucasus, is celebrated for its emphasis on fermentation, fresh herbs, and unique flavor combinations. Dishes such as khinkali (dumplings), khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), and lobio (stewed beans) form the core of the menu, while the wine list showcases the region’s signature Saperavi, Rkatsiteli, and Kindzmarauli varieties. The restaurant’s concept centers on a “farm‑to‑table” approach that highlights seasonal produce sourced from both local New York farms and Georgian cooperatives, thereby creating a bridge between East and West.
Location, Building, and Design
The chosen venue occupies a former office tower’s ground floor, a 2‑story structure that offers a generous dining area and a mezzanine terrace overlooking Lexington Avenue. The building, acquired by Tishman Speyer in 2019, boasts a high‑ceiling lobby, floor‑to‑ceiling windows, and a historic façade that the developers have preserved to maintain the neighborhood’s character. Interior design is credited to New York‑based firm Marta Design, which has worked on several high‑profile restaurant renovations in the city. The design team emphasized a “warm, earthy aesthetic” that incorporates natural wood, stone accents, and indigenous Georgian artwork, aiming to immerse diners in a setting that feels both authentic and contemporary.
According to the article, the lease is a 10‑year term with an option to renew for an additional five years, anchored by a base rent of $250 per square foot per year—figures that sit comfortably within the current market for prime Murray Hill spaces. The developer cited the space’s “excellent street visibility and high foot traffic” as key factors that made it an attractive site for a concept that thrives on social dining and wine education.
Menu Highlights and Wine Program
Chef Ana María Rodríguez, formerly of the celebrated New Mexican restaurant El Fuego, will helm the kitchen. Her culinary background in blending diverse regional flavors has earned her several accolades, including a James Beard nomination for “Best New Chef” in 2023. Rodríguez’s menu is expected to feature a rotating tasting menu that changes with the seasons, alongside a curated list of Georgian wines sourced from Barkhudar & Sons. The partnership ensures that diners will have access to rare and small‑batch bottlings that are otherwise difficult to find in the U.S. market.
A notable addition is the restaurant’s tasting room, a 1,000‑square‑foot space dedicated to wine education and pairings. Here guests can participate in guided tastings led by the wine distributor’s cellar master, as well as attend “Georgian cuisine 101” classes. The article highlighted that the owners view the wine bar as an “experiential hub” that can draw both locals and tourists, positioning the venue as a destination for culinary tourism.
Market Context and Industry Impact
Murray Hill has historically been an affluent residential enclave, but its dining scene has seen a shift toward niche, experiential restaurants in the past decade. The Commercial Observer piece notes that Midtown’s food market is now characterized by “hyper‑local, culturally specific concepts” that cater to a discerning, educated clientele. The introduction of a Georgian restaurant fits into this broader trend, and the developers anticipate a strong performance based on the growing interest in international cuisines among Manhattan diners.
Industry experts quoted in the article—such as New York‑based real‑estate analyst Michele Torres—expressed optimism about the venture. “Georgian cuisine is a relatively untapped market here, and when you combine it with a robust wine program, you have a unique proposition that can stand out in a crowded space,” Torres said. She further added that the partnership with a reputable distributor like Barkhudar & Sons mitigates the typical supply‑chain risk associated with niche wine imports.
The article also discussed potential ripple effects on neighboring tenants. “A high‑profile, high‑traffic restaurant like this can elevate the profile of the entire block, potentially increasing property values and encouraging other boutique retailers to move in,” noted Tishman Speyer’s senior real‑estate executive Lorenzo DiMarco. The company anticipates that the restaurant’s opening could spur a wave of similar concept launches in the area.
Timeline and Next Steps
The article confirms that the lease was finalized in late September 2025, with a projected opening in March 2026. Construction work—primarily interior fit‑out and kitchen equipment installation—has already begun, with a focus on achieving a “ready‑to‑serve” kitchen by the time of the soft opening. The developers are targeting a grand opening in late March, timed to coincide with the annual “Taste of Murray Hill” festival—a local event that attracts food lovers from across the city.
Conclusion
The launch of a Georgian wine and cuisine venue in Murray Hill represents a fusion of cultural heritage, culinary innovation, and strategic real‑estate development. By tapping into a relatively underrepresented culinary tradition and pairing it with a premium wine selection, Pursuit Hospitality and Barkhudar & Sons aim to create an immersive dining experience that will resonate with Manhattan’s cosmopolitan crowd. As the building’s historic façade meets a new, vibrant interior, the restaurant is poised to become a cornerstone of the neighborhood’s evolving food scene, offering both residents and visitors a taste of Georgia’s rich culinary tapestry.
Read the Full Commercial Observer Article at:
[ https://commercialobserver.com/2025/11/georgian-wine-cuisine-coming-murray-hill/ ]
