STUMARA (Chicago Northern Suburbs)

This was my first time here, and everything I tried was excellent. The food was amazing, with a beautiful atmosphere and authentic Georgian 🇬🇪 style and ambiance. I came looking to try something different and experience a new cuisine, and I was truly impressed. Everything exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended ! I will definitely be coming back.

Went with a friend to Stumara here is our review short and long version below TLDR: My friend "Food was really good" Me "Georgian food is phenomenal and the change I needed in my life" Long version: My friend "The food felt like a warm hug" Me: Omg where to begin, go here then go to Georgia cause this blew me away. But first come here and have Brunch We had the "Chirbuli", "Gogris Baje", "Khinkali (beef/lamb)", Tea Bloom, and "Ponchiki" for dessert Most of these are from the Brunch menu Tea divine, never liked tea so much especially herbal The Gogris is unlike anything I've ever had before walnut sauce was savory and delicious, just look at my photo that soft egg is a like delicious lava from a volcano! KhinKali, hot take, better than some Chinese soup dumplings I've had Omg and Ponchiki don't let the description fool you, this Bavarian creme is not like the crap from certain American chains, it has a much more complex flavor and isn't overly sweet Sophie was a delight explaining the dishes, recommendations, and how to eat certain items. Highly recommend this place and now I want to visit the country My friend: "Chirbuli, bussing bussing, well balanced and the bread was really good" Fin~

I visited Stumara for the first time and, unfortunately, it didn’t leave the best impression. The restaurant opens at 4pm, but when we walked in, pillows were still scattered across the couches in an unorganized way, which didn’t look very welcoming. We ordered several dishes to try. The eggplant salad with walnuts was just okay, and the kharcho soup was also fine but nothing memorable. The khachapuri was probably the highlight — simple but tasty with its cheese filling. We also had khinkali (beef/lamb and mushroom). The meat version was better than the mushroom, I wouldn’t order them again. The complimentary bread with butter was disappointing — stale, cold, and definitely not freshly baked. Service was on the slow side; empty plates lingered on the table, and we had to repeatedly ask the waitress to clear them. Overall, the food was hit-or-miss, service lacked attentiveness, and the atmosphere didn’t feel polished. I don’t see myself returning.

The place was great, food was tasty, so good I forgot to take all pictures. We ordered soup kharcho, khinkali, and both Khachapuri. By the time we got khinkali I was so full that couldn’t eat any more. I feel it was a bit pricey per menus item. Also, I felt that our table was somewhat ignored, but worked fine, as I was catching up with old friend. Overall, would be back again.

The food was delicious, fresh, colorful, beautifully presented, wonderfully unique! Our taste buds are happy! In addition, the service was exceptional! Our hostess Sophie and our server, Anna, were warm and engaging answering our questions and talking with us about Georgia’s history and culture. The other server (so sorry to not recall her name) was also friendly and helpful! We left with our hearts uplifted to have experienced not only fabulous food but also such warmth and hospitality!

We had a great time at Stumara! The staff working there were super nice and made us feel welcome, which was perfect since we'd never tried Georgian food before. And the food itself was amazing – every dish had so much flavor. We really loved trying something new and will definitely be back!

Had dinner at Stumara in Wheeling the other night and it was one of the better meals we’ve had in a long time. The place is warm, and focused on doing things right. The wine list is serious, too many to mention. The Amber Qvevri was the standout. Bold, earthy, and layered with flavor. It’s not something you come across often, and it elevated the whole meal. Food was excellent across the board. The Tapis Khachapuri was rich, cheesy, and perfectly baked. One of those dishes you don’t forget. The crispy Khinkali hit all the marks—great texture and packed with flavor. And the lamb skewers were cooked just right. Tender, juicy, full of that grilled smokiness you want in a good skewer. We finished with the honey cake for dessert and that was a hit. Soft layers, not too sweet, and just straight-up satisfying. A perfect ending. Service was steady and respectful. Present when you needed them but never hovering. We’ll be back soon. Stumara’s the kind of place that earns a spot in your regular rotation. No frills, just quality across the board.

Exceptional culinary experience. This is the best restaurant we’ve ever been to. The food is “blow your socks off” good, and the environment is very charming and romantic. Every single dish and side was delicious!! Stumara is better than every Michelin restaurant we’ve been to in Chicago!