South Tampa’s dining scene just got a serious shake-up courtesy of a cozy, family-run newcomer that is all in on comfort food from the Caucasus and beyond. Nene's Restaurant & Bar is serving up a mix of Georgian, Ukrainian and Azerbaijani flavors, pairing cheese-stuffed khachapuri and pillowy dumplings with hearty pilafs and regional wines.
Owner Sanan Gajievi built the menu around recipes from his mother, with executive chef Mekhpara “Masha” Gajievi blending Georgian and Ukrainian traditions after the family immigrated to the U.S. in 2018. “My mom is basically the backbone of the business,” Gajievi told FOX 13 Tampa Bay.
Menu highlights
The headliners here are unapologetically rich and built for sharing. Signature dishes include Khan Plov, a crown pilaf baked inside a lavash bread shell, Georgia’s cheese bread khachapuri and Ukrainian varenyky dumplings, along with khinkali and samsa. A lineup of regional desserts and a full bar round things out, keeping with the restaurant’s rustic, family-style vibe. The menu and hours are listed on Nene's Restaurant & Bar.
Family roots and wine
Gajievi said the family is ethnically Azerbaijani but raised in Georgia, a background that shows up in the way flavors and cooking techniques mingle on the plate. He told FOX 13 Tampa Bay that Georgia’s traditional winemaking, including uniquely colored varieties, is a point of pride at the restaurant and a natural partner for the food coming out of the kitchen.
Reservations and reception
Local reservation platforms reflect a warm early response from diners, with Nene's already showing up as a South Tampa go-to for something a bit different. According to OpenTable, the restaurant has strong ratings, and the owners recommend booking ahead for dinner.
Whether you grew up on this style of cooking or have never tried it, Nene's is aiming to be a homey, family-driven alternative to Tampa’s more familiar standbys. Expect generous plates, old-country wines and a menu built from family stories that started long before the restaurant’s doors opened.
